POV Shorts: Passage

By Jennifer Robinson / Web Producer

Published July 22, 2026 at 3:44 PM PDT

Thao recounts the story of her family’s escape through the metaphorical lens of her fascination with ants in "Boat People."

Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Monday, July 27, 2026 at 11:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

POV Shorts, known for its curation and award-winning titles, is one of the first PBS series dedicated to bold and timely short-form documentaries including:

In Shirampari: Legacies of the River, set in the heart of the Amazon, a young Ashéninka boy must face his fears and catch a giant catfish, signaling his journey into manhood. In Boat People, Thao recounts the story of her family’s escape through the metaphorical lens of her fascination with ants.

"Shirampari: Legacies of the River" - Set in the heart of the Amazon, a young Ashéninka boy must face his fears and catch a giant catfish, signaling his journey into manhood. In Boat People, Thao recounts the story of her family’s escape through the metaphorical lens of her fascination with ants. Filmmakers: Lucía Flórez and Chémi Pérez

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In one of the most remote places of the Peruvian Amazon, an Ashéninka boy must overcome his fears and catch a giant river catfish using just a hook to start his journey to becoming an adult. This film is a glimpse at a vanishing way of life as a father guides his son through the rites of passage to adulthood.

"Boat People" - As a child in Vietnam, Thao’s mother often rescued ants from bowls of sugar water. Years later they would return the favor. Using a striking metaphor, Boat People traces one family’s flight across the turbulent waters of history. Filmmakers: Kjell Boersma and Thao Lam.

As a child in Vietnam, Thao’s mother often rescued ants from bowls of sugar water. Years later they would return the favor. Using a striking metaphor, Boat People traces one family’s flight across the turbulent waters of history.

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POV Shorts: Passage

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