Local film This Moment in America: Artists in the Heartland premieres May 1
CET and ThinkTV16 are proud to present a powerful new documentary, This Moment in America: Artists in the Heartland. The half-hour film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the American experience through the work of three acclaimed Southwest Ohio artists: a Techno-Cubism painter, a folk music duo and an Oscar-winning filmmaker.
This Moment in America premieres Friday, May 1, at 9pm on ThinkTV16 and will be available to stream on the PBS app. The film has also been selected for national distribution by American Public Television (APT) and will be made available to public television stations across the country as part of APT’s America is Local initiative. Learn more at https://aptonline.org/.
“At its heart, this film is about the power of art to bridge divides and illustrate our shared experience,” said Colin Scianamblo, Chief Content Officer of Public Media Connect, in the press release. “Our teams worked tirelessly to capture the creative process of these extraordinary artists who call Southwest Ohio home. Having APT distribute This Moment in America nationally is a testament to the caliber of work being produced at our station and to the importance of these artists’ perspectives.”
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, This Moment in America focuses on stories that are deeply rooted in place while resonating far beyond their communities. Together, these artistic voices offer a nuanced portrait of the country as it approaches a historic milestone and invite viewers to consider where we go from here.
Learn more about the featured artists:
James Pate (Dayton, OH)
One of Dayton’s most acclaimed living artists, James Pate blends realism and abstraction in his self-termed “Techno-Cubism.” His large-scale charcoal drawings depict musicians, athletes, and facets of Black urban life — confronting societal issues like the impact of racism while opening pathways for dialogue. A co-founder of Dayton’s Black Palette gallery, Pate’s work demonstrates how art can spark reflection and conversation.
The Montvales (Cincinnati, OH)
Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson are the harmony-driven, storytelling-rich folk duo known as The Montvales. Originally from Knoxville and now Cincinnati-based, their banjo and guitar-led songs explore themes ranging from personal growth to social change. Their sophomore album “Born Strangers” blends folk, Americana, and modern influences — songs shaped by street busking, old-time music, and life transitions.
Steven Bognar (Yellow Springs, OH)
Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Steven Bognar is one of the most influential storytelling voices in American nonfiction film. Based in Yellow Springs, his work— including American Factory, A Lion in the House, and 9to5: The Story of a Movement —explores themes of labor, justice, healthcare, and community. With deep Ohio roots, Bognar’s films combine local perspectives with global impact.
