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PBS Distribution presented ‘The American Revolution’ at MIPCOM 2025

The documentary had its first screening before international buyers and marked Burns’ first participation in the Cannes market.

PBS Distribution held a successful screening at MIPCOM Cannes 2025 to present The American Revolution, the new documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. The event brought together 80 buyers and stood out as the most attended screening in the Audi K room, reflecting the enormous interest that Burns’ work continues to generate.

Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein participated virtually in a question-and-answer session, marking the renowned filmmaker’s first appearance at MIPCOM. During the meeting, attendees were able to learn details about the production process and delve deeper into the narrative approach of this ambitious series, which explores the origins and consequences of the American Revolution.

The American Revolution will premiere on PBS in November, and its global release is being handled by PBS Distribution. The production coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, which will be celebrated on 4 July 2026, making it a particularly timely and historically significant premiere.

Product Highlights

The American Revolution

A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt – 6×120

Thirteen American colonies unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations.

Terror on the Space Station

2×60, 1×90

On November 2nd, 2025, it will be 25 years since the first crew arrived aboard the International Space Station. Now British and international astronauts and mission controllers reveal its most terrifying moments, from gas leaks, meteor strikes, and docking disasters to colliding satellites, spacewalk horrors, lethal space junk showers, and the moment the entire ISS backflipped out of control. Terror on the Space Station uncovers tales of life and death at 1.3 million feet and the brilliance that each time saved the day.

The Hills Are Alive: A Year At Kylemore Abbey

3×60

A year inside Kylemore Abbey, a heritage site in Ireland run by Benedictine nuns. We follow the nuns and their lay staff as they work to grow Kylemore’s success, from summer through Christmas to the spring rebirth at Easter.

Trump’s Power & The Rule of Law

1×90

Inside the high-stakes showdown between Donald Trump and the courts over presidential power. Trump allies, opponents and experts on how he is testing the extent of his power; the legal pushback; and impact on the rule of law

The Orient Express: A Golden Era of Travel

4×60

The Orient Express is a four-part series retracing the iconic train’s route from London to Istanbul at its peak. Once hosting monarchs, celebrities, and spies, it also inspired Murder on the Orient Express. The series explores the train’s rich history, Europe’s transformation over 150 years, and legendary railways along the way. Featuring Golden Eagle’s new luxury service from Paris to Istanbul, it shows how the legacy of opulent rail travel remains alive in modern Europe.

Syria After Assad

1×60

Syria’s uncertain future under Jihadist-turned-statesman Ahmad al-Sharaa. After the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Correspondent Martin Smith travels the country tracing al-Sharaa’s rise to power, and the emerging threats to the country’s stability.

PBS Distribution brings high-quality documentary, lifestyle, and children’s programming to the international marketplace.

The International team is the worldwide co-production and distribution arm of PBS Distribution, a leading distributor of public media content around the world, entertaining audiences across platforms and formats. The company, a joint venture of PBS and GBH Boston, provides premium content through multiple digital channels and video services. PBS Distribution operates six subscription streaming channels — PBS Masterpiece (US and CA), PBS KIDS, PBS Living, PBS Documentaries and PBS America (U.K.) as well as numerous Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) Channels in the U.S and U.K. In addition, the company reaches viewers through transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) licensing, Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD), DVD and Blu-ray, theatrical releasing, educational platforms, non-theatrical and inflight sales, and serves broadcasters and producers providing program sales and co-production financing.

PBS Distribution offers the highest quality factual and children’s programming including films from Ken Burns, entertaining and educational PBS KIDS series, and award-winning documentaries from NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, and many independent producers.

We highly value our relationship with our clients and believe that the great breadth and depth of our capabilities, and our robust catalog of high-caliber programs, enables us to provide our producers and media partners with the best possible service.

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