"Public Access," a film about the balance between the freedom of expression and the First Amendment, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 23.
Public Access Television started in New York City between 1969 and 1971, under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These television stations featured people who were the hosts of their own shows. Essentially, it resembled what YouTube is today, before YouTube existed.
While it prided itself on free and self expression, it sparked controversy all over the country. Interested in the unprecedented media controversy that came with public access TV, director David Shadrack Smith created a documentary showcasing archives from the media experiment that shattered rules.
Smith developed the idea for the film from his own experiences and his personal connection to New York City.
“It’s my love letter to New York City,” he said. “(To) the city I grew up in and the city that taught me to be a creative human.”
While making the film, the crew went through hours of archived video and digitized film.
“It was a lost world in some ways, and it’s so beautiful and so full of interesting, weird, inspiring characters,” Shadrack Smith said. “I think part of the legacy is just preserving that forgotten world. I feel like an archaeologist sometimes.”
Jake Fogelnest was one of the “characters” showcased in the documentary. Fogelnest began his public access TV show in 1994, showcasing the lack of censorship during the media experiment.
“They were legally required in New York City to give you a TV show if you showed up, and they had to put it on air. No matter what it was,” he said.
Addressing a younger audience, producer Anne-Marcelle Ngabirano emphasized the legacy of public access television and the importance of its history, especially among younger generations.
“Public access was definitely the precursor to the internet and social media,” Ngabirano said. “Social media wasn't the first place where folks were being creative.”
People involved in the film hope it continues to spark conversations on protecting the First Amendment. Although public access television began nearly 55 years ago, restrictions on freedom of speech and expression are still exercised today.
“The same questions and debates are being had now. The film can remind people that this is important,” Smith said. “This is part of our democracy and how we need to be as a culture.”
Fogelnest echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that these debates have precedent.
“We’ve been here before. I know that they may seem like unprecedented times, but as this film shows you, we’ve been dealing with all of this,” he said.
"Public Access" will be screening at the Sundance Film Festival until Feb. 1. For more information, visit the festival website.