‘Bucks County, USA’ Trailer Shows How Political Divides Split an Idyllic, Purple County | Exclusive

Documentaries Robert May and Barry Levinson reveal the political divide that tore apart the once peaceful Bucks County, Pennsylvania in their new docuseries "Bucks County, USA." The series, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, follows two young girls - Evi and Vanessa - who remain best friends despite their parents' opposing political views.

The trailer, obtained exclusively by TheWrap, highlights how distrust and personal attacks escalated tensions in the county. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the divide, with school board races turning into battlegrounds as opposing parties battled over policies and children's minds. Filmed over four years, the documentary documents the rising tension at school board meetings, where parents were even ejected by security.

While one girl's father accused the superintendent of incompetence and manipulation of school boards, her mother countered that he was the one who "manipulated our school boards in an enormous way." One of the girls expressed concern over the legacy adults were leaving for children, while another woman wept at the thought of what was happening to her children.

The docuseries will premiere nationwide in September on local public television stations and be available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app starting September 20. Producers Jason Sosnoff and director Robert May said that talking to "the other side" was a "heart-opening experience." Sosnoff shared how he found himself openly responding to conservatives and seeing their humanity when they expressed feelings of being demonized.

He emphasized that trust could be earned by listening, ultimately leading to conservative viewers enjoying their episodes.