Joel DeMott, Whose Documentary Was Rejected by PBS, Dies at 78

Joel DeMott, a pioneering documentary filmmaker, passed away at the age of 78. She is best known for her film "Seventeen," a groundbreaking cinéma vérité work that explored the lives of teenagers. The film was initially slated to be aired on a public television series in 1982, but it was pulled from the lineup under pressure from the series' sponsor. Despite this setback, "Seventeen" went on to be recognized as a significant contribution to the documentary genre, showcasing DeMott's skilled and uncompromising approach to capturing the realities of adolescent life. The removal of the film from the public TV series was seen as a controversial and troubling decision, highlighting the challenges that filmmakers often face when dealing with institutional and commercial interests. DeMott's legacy as a pioneering and fearless documentary filmmaker continues to be celebrated by those who value the power of unvarnished, immersive storytelling.