New PBS SoCal Documentary DATA CURE: STORIES OF HEALING AND HOPE Explores the Fight Against Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs and the Future of Medicine
Press Contacts
Chelsea Grosbeck
cgrosbeck@pbssocal.org
Mia Chavez
Mchavez@pbssocal.org
Los Angeles, Calif. – Sept 2, 2026 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, announced today the premiere of DATA CURE: STORIES OF HEALING AND HOPE. Produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films in partnership with PBS SoCal, the new documentary shines a light on the scientists, innovators and patients working to advance medicine and prevent a return to a world where routine infections, surgeries and cancer treatments once again carry life-threatening risks. Narrated and executive produced by Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur and biotech investor Aloe Blacc, the film examines how bacteriophage therapy, artificial intelligence, machine learning and STEM science could reshape the future of medicine.
The documentary premieres on Wed., September 9 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal. It will also be available to stream for free on the PBS App and on pbssocal.org. Following its Southern California premiere, PBS SoCal will serve as the presenting station for national public television distribution through NETA and other public media partners. Check local listings for future broadcast dates.
At the center of the film is the story of epidemiologist Dr. Steffanie Strathdee and her husband, Tom Patterson, a survivor of a life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant infection. After conventional treatments failed, Strathdee launched an international search for an experimental treatment that ultimately led to the first successful use of intravenous bacteriophage therapy in the United States. Their experience provides a human window into the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance and the search for new treatments.
Building from their story, DATA CURE: STORIES OF HEALING AND HOPE takes viewers inside leading research institutions and biotechnology companies, including Iambic Therapeutics, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Caltech and Cellino. Through access to researchers, entrepreneurs, physicians and patients, the documentary shows how emerging technologies are accelerating drug discovery, advancing personalized treatments and opening new possibilities for addressing complex and previously difficult-to-treat diseases.
“Throughout history, some of humanity's greatest advances have come from our ability to understand and harness new forms of knowledge,” said Shaun MacGillivray, producer and director of DATA CURE: STORIES OF HEALING AND HOPE. “Today, we are witnessing an extraordinary convergence of biology, computing and artificial intelligence that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. This film is ultimately about hope—the hope created by scientists and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and helping millions of people live healthier lives.”
Blending personal stories with emerging scientific research, DATA CURE: STORIES OF HEALING AND HOPE examines the race to outsmart antibiotic-resistant superbugs while offering an accessible look at the people and technologies shaping a new era of medical innovation.
Produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films in partnership with PBS SoCal, DATA CURE: STORIES OF HEALING AND HOPE combines compelling human stories with groundbreaking scientific discoveries to create an urgent and optimistic look at the future of medicine.
About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal is available to stream on the PBS app and the PBS KIDS App and reaches nearly 22M viewers across 7 Broadcast channels — including 2 primary channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus and 5 digital subchannels. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal offers programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world's leading independent producer and distributor of giant screen films, with more than $1 billion in worldwide box office ticket sales. For more than five decades, the company has created immersive documentaries that inspire audiences through breathtaking cinematography and powerful storytelling. Its acclaimed films include Everest, National Parks Adventure, America's Musical Journey, Dream Big: Engineering Our World, Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels, Humpback Whales, and many others. Two of the company's films, The Living Sea and Dolphins, received Academy Award® nominations for Best Documentary Short Subject, while Everest remains the highest-grossing giant screen documentary of all time.