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Revision as of 05:54, 1 February 2026
Upcoming documentary film by David Shadrack Smith
{{Infobox film
| name = Public Access
| image =
| caption =
| director = David Shadrack Smith
| producer =
- Sara Crow
- Anne-Marcelle Ngabirano
| music = Adore
| editing = Geoff Gruetzmacher
| production_companies = Part2 Pictures
| distributor =
| released =
Public Access is an upcoming American documentary film directed by David Shadrack Smith in his feature directorial debut. The film chronicles the chaotic and influential history of public-access television in New York City during the 1970s and 80s.
It is executive produced by Steve Buscemi, Benny Safdie, and Wren Arthur. The film is scheduled to premiere in the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.[1]
Premise
The film explores the “media experiment” of Manhattan Cable Television, which opened its airwaves to the public with zero editorial oversight long before the internet or social media existed. It features rare archival footage of underground creators who used this free-speech platform to create shows ranging from the interactive Grube Tube and the pioneering LGBT series The Emerald City to Glenn O’Brien‘s counterculture variety show TV Party. The documentary also covers the legal battles that ensued when sexually explicit programming tested the limits of the First Amendment.
Production
The film is directed by David Shadrack Smith, the founder of Part2 Pictures, marking his debut as a feature documentary director.[2] It is produced by Sara Crow and Anne-Marcelle Ngabirano.
High-profile filmmakers Steve Buscemi and Benny Safdie serve as executive producers alongside Wren Arthur.[3] The project highlights a pre-internet era where ordinary citizens could hijack television screens, presaging the modern landscape of influencers and content creators.[4]
Release
Public Access was announced as part of the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on December 10, 2025.[5]
References
- ^ a b “2026 Sundance Film Festival Program: Public Access”. Sundance Film Festival. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ “Sundance 2026 Lineup Unveiled: Charli XCX, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Portman, Brittney Griner and More”. Shoot Online. December 10, 2025. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ “Public Access (2026)”. Mubi. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (December 10, 2025). “2026 Sundance Film Festival unveils final Park City line-up”. Screen Daily. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
- ^ Perez, Rodrigo (December 10, 2025). “Sundance 2026: New Films From Olivia Wilde, Josephine Decker, Alex Gibney, Gregg Araki, Kogonada, Jay Duplass [Full Lineup]”. The Playlist. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
