Public Access

Public Access (2026)


  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release Date: 2026-01-23
  • Runtime: 1h 47min
  • Language: English
  • Production Company: Olive Productions
  • Production Country: United States of America
  • Director: David Shadrack Smith

Summary

A deep dive into one of America’s most radical media experiments, this documentary uncovers how New York’s underground public access television turned everyday people into boundary-pushing creators. Using rare archival footage, it reveals a chaotic free-speech arena where rules were shattered, censors challenged, and anyone could seize the screen. Long before influencers existed, public access channels like Manhattan Cable Television gave New Yorkers total creative freedom — spawning interactive oddities, anarchic art shows, and pioneering LGBTQ+ programming. As sexually explicit content pushed limits and ignited public outrage, major First Amendment battles ensued. The result is an unfiltered look at a transformative moment in media history that anticipated today’s creator-driven digital world, warning viewers to “brace yourself” for the wildness that defined it.

Public Access Trailer

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Directing David Shadrack Smith Director
Production Wren Arthur Executive Producer
Production Steve Buscemi Executive Producer
Production Benny Safdie Executive Producer
Production Sara Crow Producer
Production Anne-Marcelle Ngabirano Producer
Editing Geoff Gruetzmacher Editor
Sound Ruy García Sound Designer
Camera David Shadrack Smith Director of Photography
Editing Steve Beganyi Colorist
Sound Olivier Spencer Music Supervisor

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