© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sam Now | Independent Lens

Independent Lens
/
Independent Lens

Mon May 8 at 10PM on WKAR-HD 23.1 & STREAMING | What happens when a filmmaker helps his half brother search for his missing mother?

Sam Now is a coming-of-age documentary that follows Sam Harkness from age 11 to 36 as his once-average, middle class Seattle family is heartbroken and unsure of what to do after his mother suddenly leaves them. Through Sam’s 25 year quest for answers, the film explores intergenerational trauma and the relationships of mother to son, mother to family, brother to brother and the turning points of family dysfunction and healing. Woven together with home movies lovingly crafted by Sam’s half brother, director Reed Harkness, we witness a boy grow up grappling with the ripple effects of a singular traumatic event within a modern American family.

This episode is available to watch live during its airdate on the WKAR Livestream.

WKAR’s first live pledge drive since federal funding was eliminated is happening now. Our goal for the drive is $60,000 and reaching it will bring us one step closer to closing the federal funding gap.
Your support helps keep trusted journalism, classical music, and educational programming freely available for everyone in our community.
How can you help? Become a sustaining donor today. Already a sustainer? Please consider increasing your monthly contribution.