’We are not out of the woods’: Why democracy in the United States is being tested

2026-02-26

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Ken Burns is one of America's most successful documentary filmmakers.Ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence later this year, he sits down with Yalda in this extra episode to reflect on where the US has come from, as well as the current state of the nation.Burns has been making films for more than 40 years, winning Emmys and Grammys, and has even had a film effect named after him - 'the Ken Burns'.His most recent project is a six-part series on the American Revolution that...

Ken Burns is one of America's most successful documentary filmmakers.

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence later this year, he sits down with Yalda in this extra episode to reflect on where the US has come from, as well as the current state of the nation.

Burns has been making films for more than 40 years, winning Emmys and Grammys, and has even had a film effect named after him - 'the Ken Burns'.

His most recent project is a six-part series on the American Revolution that took Burns and his team at PBS 10 years to make.

He also talks to Yalda about why he chose this project, the process of making it and why he fears for the current state of America under President Trump.

You can also watch the podcast on our YouTube channel here.

Do you have a question for Richard and Yalda? Write to them at theworld@sky.uk

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