Sarah Botstein

Ken Burns, a renowned documentary filmmaker, teams up with producer Sarah Botstein for a deep dive into the complexities of the American Revolution. They challenge the sanitized narrative, highlighting the roles of women and Native Americans as pivotal players. The discussion spans how the Revolution was a civil war and global conflict, the impact of Enlightenment ideas, and the contradictions of the founders regarding slavery. They also critique modern political attempts to rewrite history, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive, truthful narrative.

Ken Burns, a celebrated documentary filmmaker known for his compelling historical narratives, and Sarah Botstein, a dedicated co-director involved in extensive research, dive deep into their new PBS docuseries about the American Revolution. They discuss why this 12-part series is timely as we approach America's 250th anniversary. The pair reveal how they've chosen to frame the narrative through the voices of various historical figures, addressing the complexities of colonial unity, the portrayal of slavery, and the challenges of storytelling without visual documentation.

Join renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, known for his influential historical series, and his collaborator Sarah Botstein as they dive into their latest work on the American Revolution. Ken argues its significance as a pivotal moment in history. They discuss conflicts between loyalists and patriots, the use of animation and CGI to depict battles, and their meticulous research process. Shifting gears, they also reflect on World War II, emphasizing the importance of personal stories and the fragility of democracy during tumultuous times.