Independent Lens Season 11 Episode 13 P-Star Rising
- February 9, 2010
P-Star Rising is an episode of the award-winning documentary series Independent Lens. The episode follows the life of a young girl named Priscilla Star Diaz, popularly known as P-Star. P-Star is a talented hip-hop artist who is determined to make it big in the music industry. She is only nine years old and already displaying an impressive amount of talent and skill.
The episode begins with P-Star and her father, Jesse, walking through the streets of New York City. P-Star is performing for anyone who will listen, rapping and singing to passersby. Her father is her manager and mentor, and he sees her potential as a star. However, he is also struggling to make ends meet, and their family is often on the brink of homelessness.
As a child, P-Star had always been interested in music. Her father, himself a former rapper, encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and from a young age, P-Star knew that music was what she wanted to do. Growing up in Harlem, she was surrounded by artists and musicians, and music was a vital part of her culture and community. P-Star's talent quickly became evident, and her father began to take her to auditions and showcases.
However, the road to success is never easy, and P-Star faces many challenges. She struggles with school and often feels like an outsider among her classmates. Her father is also overprotective, and their relationship becomes strained as P-Star tries to assert her independence. Meanwhile, her mother is absent from her life, and P-Star longs to have a relationship with her.
Despite these obstacles, P-Star is determined to make it in the music industry. She performs at clubs and showcases, impressing audiences with her talent and energy. Her father is also hard at work, trying to drum up interest in his daughter and get her signed to a record label. Along the way, they meet a cast of characters, including music industry insiders, record executives, and fellow musicians.
Throughout the episode, we see P-Star's development as an artist and a person. She grows in confidence and begins to find her voice as a rapper and singer. She also learns to assert herself and stand up for what she wants, even if it means going against her father's wishes. At the same time, her father learns to let go and trust his daughter to make her own decisions.
P-Star Rising is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a young girl who dreams big and works hard to achieve her goals. It is also a commentary on the challenges faced by talented young artists trying to break into the music industry. Through P-Star's journey, we see the highs and lows of the industry, the pressures put on young artists, and the importance of family and community support.
In conclusion, P-Star Rising is a must-watch episode of Independent Lens. It is an engaging and uplifting story about a young girl with big dreams and the determination to make them a reality. Whether you are a fan of hip-hop or simply a fan of inspirational stories, this episode is sure to leave you with a sense of hope and optimism.