WTIU

Stepping is a dance form that can be found across the country at virtually every college with a substantial African American enrollment. Stepping is performed informally during parties as well as more formally during organized step shows. This film explores this tradition, its historical roots as well as its contemporary forms, styles and uses, to understand how students construct various levels of identity through this dance form…African American identity, fraternity or sorority identity, gendered identity and personal identity. The film goes behind the scenes with the Alpha Phi Alphas as they prepare for a step show that is only a few hours away. Cutting between this show and interviews with current and past steppers as well as footage from previous shows, the film provides a broad picture of this vibrant and dynamic dance form.

Discover the story of a legendary jazz guitarist and composer from Indiana. Wes Montgomery was born in Indianapolis on March 6, 1923, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. This first full-length documentary of Wes Montgomery is told through the eyes of his youngest child, Robert Montgomery.

He earned nicknames that often equated to the most powerful forces in heaven and earth: The Cyclone. The Whirlwind. The Comet. He earned the respect of civil rights pioneer Booker T. Washington. And he shook the hand of President Theodore Roosevelt, who sought out the great champion to congratulate him. Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was the world’s first Black sports superstar. Reporters simply called him “The Fastest Man in the World.”

WTIU's Spirit of Brown County explores the art, history, and culture that developed out of the rugged and beautiful landscape of Brown County, Indiana! It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful vistas and colorful autumn foliage. The site of an arts movement started by painter T.C. Steele, Brown County is now home to many artists, musicians and scholars.

Hoosier Brew is about capturing the heart and soul of Indiana's craft beer industry. Over the past 15 years, Hoosier beer has become some of the most respected and admired beer in the world. Our goal with Hoosier Brew was to explore the culture, community, and industry that has grown over the last 25 years, and find out what makes Hoosier beer unique.

Indiana Legends: Madam C.J. Walker - Two Dollars and a Dream is a story of the first woman in history to start with nothing and earn her own million-dollar fortune. This pioneering businesswoman is an inspiring illustration of a rags-to-riches existence.

The Beaux Arts Trio and Menahem Pressler represent a rare combination of longevity, consistency and quality. In honor of the group’s 50th anniversary in 2005, producer Susanne Schwibs interviews each member of the trio individually and as a group. Their comments are woven in with the music of their anniversary concert.

An imaginative retelling of the classic ballet, featuring a full orchestral performance and stunning choreography. A colorful blend of live theater with cinematic artistry. Breathtaking scenic design combines with elaborate costumes and elegant dance. Captured live at the Musical Arts Center at Indiana University, this presentation creates a new holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.

Explore the fascinating story of a historic Bloomington theater and the secret to its longevity in The Indiana Theatre at 100. The Indiana Theatre opened to great applause on December 11, 1922. A crowd of 1,300—nearly ten percent of Bloomington’s population at the time—turned out on a cold Monday night to celebrate the theater’s opening. This documentary reveals how the theater continues to thrive.

The Four Seasons of Goose Pond takes viewers on an amazing wildlife adventure through what is quickly becoming one of the most famous restored wetlands for migratory birds in America.

Explore the rich traditions, historical significance, and meaning of Black church music in a new concert film, Amen! Music of the Black Church. Recorded before a live audience at the Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, Dr. Raymond Wise leads the Indiana University African American Choral Ensemble in a performance of African traditional music to contemporary praise and worship music.

Clessie Cummins: Hoosier Inventor details the life of a Hoosier farm boy with a knack for innovation. The father of the American diesel truck engine, Cummins combined elbow grease, a keen mind, and rural pragmatism to co-found what became Cummins, Inc., a Fortune 500 international diesel and alternative fuel engines company headquartered in Columbus, Indiana.

Five generations of Indiana stone cutters and carvers helped create some of the most beautiful buildings in United States architectural history. With a mixture of interviews, historic photographs, archival film clips and period music, the program reveals a unique culture that values artistry and skill in stone work, yet is humble about its contributions to the building of America.

This documentary explores the affection Americans have for covered bridges, and includes a look at preservation efforts, history, construction, tourism and why covered bridges are important. The program contains interviews with preservationists, engineers, builders, restoration experts, tourists, historians and covered bridge aficionados.

Striking aerial drone footage and time-lapse techniques that were not available just a few years ago provide a look at Indiana as it has never been seen before. From hidden waterfalls and glacially carved gorges, through the canopy of an ancient forest, to one of the largest prairie restoration projects in the country, Indiana is still a wild place.

A special produced by WTIU Public Television introduces viewers to ten Indiana artists from across the state and celebrates the best in Indiana craftsmanship. The featured artists' media include fiber and fabric, basket weaving, woodworking, welding, glass blowing, bronze sculpting, origami, reclaimed plastic, instrument bows, and limestone carving.

WTIU presents a special airing of the interfaith prayer service held October 23rd, 2007 in Bloomington with His Holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama. Prayers from various faith traditions—Native American, Sikh, Bahá'i, Unitarian Universalist, Islam, Christian, Hindu, and Jewish—as well as musical selections, are performed. Remarks from His Holiness complete the program.

In 1824, a small band of Native Americans were killed by several white Americans near Pendleton, Indiana. Most of these men were subsequently brought to trial for the murders. The resulting legal actions, which rose to the level of the Indiana Supreme Court, led to the conviction and execution of the main defendants.

Discover the remarkable story of the revival of the First Baptist (Colored) Church in West Baden Springs, Indiana. Built in the early 1900s, the church was a thriving center of the African American community until its decline. The film chronicles the multi-year restoration and community effort to save one of the last historic Black landmarks in Orange County.

Theodore Clement “T.C.” Steele was one of the most celebrated American Impressionist painters of his time. Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele — a new documentary that looks at the life and works of the great Hoosier Impressionist – from his hardscrabble youth, to his journey through some of the major art centers of Europe, to his return to his native