Back to Show
Independent Lens
Chuck Norris vs. Oxygen: "The Films Were My Oxygen"
In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary Chuck Norris vs. Communism, Irina Nistor, a translator whose distinct voice captivated Romania in the '80s and became a symbol of freedom, reflects on how she became addicted to dubbing American films on VHS for culture-deprived Romanians. She often dubbed six-to-ten films in a row.
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By

Unlock with PBS Passport
55:37
A crew of 12 Mexican tree planters travel the United States regrowing America’s forests.

1:24:54
Midwestern families deal with unseen mental health issues affecting farmers in America.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:24:13
Women and LGBTQ+ journalists launch startup The 19th* to buck a broken news media system.

Unlock with PBS Passport
55:23
A nun with stage IV cancer teaches others that death doesn’t have to be the end.

1:23:30
A public housing community in Miami becomes ground zero for climate gentrification.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:49
In Palm Springs, a Black neighborhood fights to remove a divisive wall of trees.

Unlock with PBS Passport
54:42
As the trial concludes, the people of Victoria, Texas, grapple with shocking revelations.

Unlock with PBS Passport
54:12
The town of Victoria’s support for the Muslim community wanes as rebuilding efforts stall.

Unlock with PBS Passport
54:41
A Texas town is thrown into the national spotlight when a local mosque erupts in flames.

55:43
Muslim chaplains advocate for equality in the military.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:25:42
A collaboration changes the course of forensic science and international human rights.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:25:23
Conservative beliefs have defined them. Now they’re championing their LGBTQ+ children.