In the competitive landscape of this year’s documentary Oscar race, a clash of innovative storytelling approaches is underway, with Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s unconventional documentary “You Can See Everything” going head-to-head against the seasoned expertise of Raney Aronson-Rath. The latter, who has helmed PBS’ iconic investigative series “Frontline” since 2015, is not to be underestimated in this pursuit of cinematic excellence.
Achievements of Frontline Under Aronson-Rath
Aronson-Rath has transformed “Frontline” into a powerhouse in investigative journalism, amassing an impressive 44 Emmy Awards and producing upwards of 20 documentaries annually. Notably, in 2024, the series celebrated a significant milestone when it snagged its first documentary Oscar for the harrowing film “20 Days in Mariupol.” This powerful narrative captures the experiences of AP journalist Mstyslav Chernov and his team during Russia’s invasive assault on Ukraine in early 2022.
Chernnov reflects on the collaborative process that initiated shortly after their perilous escape from Mariupol. “’20 Days in Mariupol’ was my debut film. [Raney] and the ‘Frontline’ team helped me practically and creatively transition from journalism to cinema, which is quite a challenge,” he explains. He emphasizes that for many creators striving to share socially significant narratives, Aronson-Rath represents a vital lifeline to ensure their projects see the light of day.
A New Direction: Frontline Features
Oscar night was a “surreal moment” for Aronson-Rath, leading to musings on future theatrical projects. “I realized I was in charge of ‘Frontline,’ and we had the funding and distribution, so why not?” she said, reflecting on the inherent capabilities of the organization. This realization propelled the launch of Frontline Features in November, dedicated to presenting feature and short-form documentaries in festivals and theaters prior to airing on PBS.
The studio’s most recent release, “One in a Million,” chronicles the journey of 11-year-old Israa, as she and her family flee war-torn Syria, ultimately settling in Germany. The documentary has already garnered the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and is being positioned for Oscar consideration. “I had a feeling that Israa’s story was going to be amazing,” Aronson-Rath recalls, citing her involvement with the project from its inception.
Commitment to Narrative Integrity
Director Itab Azzam commends Aronson-Rath for her “extraordinary passion and professionalism.” The long-term commitment fostered by “Frontline” allowed them to effectively capture the real-time evolution of their subjects’ lives. “Raney was always there with her unwavering belief in the film and her understanding that this wasn’t simply a story about refugees reaching Europe, but about what happens afterward: growing up in exile, searching for belonging and navigating identity,” Azzam reflects.
The editorial expertise provided by Aronson-Rath and her team further enhanced the film. By involving investigative reporters in the process, “Frontline” ensures each project adheres to high editorial standards through rigorous legal reviews and thorough analyses.
A Journey from Journalism to Filmmaking
Aronson-Rath’s foray into journalism began at The China Post in Taipei, which paved the way for her passion for documentary storytelling. A pivotal moment occurred during her time at Columbia Journalism School when she experienced a screening of Steve James’ documentary “Hoop Dreams.” “It was a really transcendent moment for me,” she says, acknowledging her newfound love for the medium.
She later collaborated with James on the 2018 documentary “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” which provided a unique perspective on a family-owned bank’s legal tribulations following the 2008 financial crisis, marking “Frontline”’s inaugural Oscar nomination. Steve James praises Aronson-Rath for her determination to engage younger audiences by innovatively narrating impactful true stories.
Looking Ahead
Under Aronson-Rath’s leadership, “Frontline” has captured the interest of younger viewers, evident in its YouTube channel, which boasts 4.8 million subscribers and has surpassed 1 billion views, totaling 422 million hours watched as of July. Looking forward, Aronson-Rath has exciting projects lined up, including Chernov’s next documentary and a film she’s nurtured for two decades focusing on a character met in Iraq. “I love a longitudinal, epic story,” she shares with a smile, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to compelling storytelling.
