2026 Bucks County USA - Senart Films

BUCKS COUNTY, USA is a five-part documentary series directed by award-winning filmmakers Robert May and Barry Levinson, and produced by Robert May, Barry Levinson, and Jason Sosnoff. Filmed over four years in politically divided Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the series follows a community navigating one of the most contentious periods in recent American history. What begins as a battle over COVID-19 policies in local schools quickly expands into larger debates about education, identity, parenting, and civic life.

At the center of the story are 14-year-old best friends Evi and Vanessa, whose families hold opposing political beliefs. As the adults around them grow increasingly divided, the girls’ friendship offers a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to end in disconnection.

“We want to show people our town and show people that friendship can occur regardless of your political opinions.”

– Vanessa Martino

“Her family is more conservative and my family’s very liberal, but we’re still best friends.”

– Evi Casey

“We must turn away from irrelevant personal attacks to honor our community’s children. They hear what we say. We need to create a raucous harmony that fosters the unique potential of each child.”

– Kitty Semisch

WHILE THE SERIES IS ROOTED IN ONE COMMUNITY, THE QUESTIONS IT RAISES RESONATE ACROSS THE COUNTRY:

-How do we talk to one another when we disagree?

-How do our schools shape the next generation of citizens?

-What happens when fear, mistrust, and misinformation replace dialogue?

...AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY:

-What are we teaching the next generation about how to live together?

From the beginning, the filmmakers set out not to argue for one side or another, but to understand the people living through these conflicts. Along the way, students, teachers, parents, and neighbors show that even amid real disagreement, there’s room for empathy and meaningful dialogue.

American Public Television

“We want to show people our town and show people that friendship can occur regardless of your political opinions.”

“Her family is more conservative and my family’s very liberal, but we’re still best friends.”

“We must turn away from irrelevant personal attacks to honor our community’s children. They hear what we say. We need to create a raucous harmony that fosters the unique potential of each child.”

WHILE THE SERIES IS ROOTED IN ONE COMMUNITY, THE QUESTIONS IT RAISES RESONATE ACROSS THE COUNTRY:

...AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY:

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