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Spelman Senior Lecturer Anjanette Levert Wins Peabody Award
Behind the Lens
Spelman College celebrates Anjanette Levert, MFA, senior lecturer of documentary filmmaking, for receiving a Peabody Award for her work as a producer on "The Only Doctor." This historic recognition marks a first for director Matthew Hashiguchi and Levert, for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) documentary series "Reel South."
Presented annually, the Peabody Awards seek to illuminate stories about pressing social issues with depth and artistry. Winning a Peabody Award is the defining achievement for programs and individuals alike. For over 80 years, the Peabody Awards have championed the creativity and achievements of storytellers across television, streaming, radio, and digital media, according to its website.
"The Only Doctor" won in the Public Service category at the 85th annual ceremony held Sunday, June 1, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. The documentary premiered nationally in 2024 and tells the story of Dr. Karen Kinsell, the only physician in rural Georgia’s Clay County. After years of unpaid service, Dr. Kinsell struggles to keep her clinic open amid the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic barriers to healthcare access.
“This has been an important topic for decades!” Levert said. “We worried that the topic would fall out of popularity. However, the success of the film signifies a point of pride for good work, tenacity and endurance,” she continued.
Levert hopes her achievement “inspires others to bring stories to the world that spotlight our shared humanity.” Levert’s recognition not only celebrates her impact but also testifies to Spelman’s role in pioneering the first documentary filmmaking program at an HBCU.
"This work exemplifies her mission to nurture original, socially resonant storytelling rooted in community and cultural authenticity," said Shola Lynch, Diana King Endowed Professor and director of the documentary filmmaking program, acknowledging the award’s impact on the program.
“We are thrilled for Professor Levert and relish the addition of (her award) to the awards count garnered by the entire documentary film program faculty. Together, we look forward to continuing to elevate our students and the program.”
As an educator, Levert continues to bring real-world experience into the classroom. Many of her students provided “work-in-progress” feedback and engaged in open conversations about the behind-the-scenes challenges of producing and distributing independent work.
“I shared those moments to demystify the industry,” Levert said. “I want my students to see for themselves what it takes and to know themselves as capable of reaching this level.”
In addition to her Peabody-winning work, Levert has been recognized for her contribution to Spelman. This year, she was awarded Spelman’s 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mentorship after being awarded the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching. She served as the previous Documentary Film program director, after its founding director, Dr. Ayoka Chenzira.
She created a limited podcast, with an award from Carnegie Corporation & Rockefeller Foundation Division of the Arts Priority Award. The podcast, "Future Forward," recorded conversations with people of color documentary filmmakers about their reimagining of a world post-COVID pandemic.
This summer, she will complete a short documentary interrogating and celebrating the original Mardi Gras of the United States – Mobile, Alabama. Mobile, Alabama, is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, with celebrations dating back to 1703. Working across disciplines, with professors Dr. RaMalika Imhotep of international studies and Cicely Kelly of dance performance and choreography, they received support as a Carnegie Foundation Collaborative Interdisciplinary team for their project, “An Atlanta Original: Social Dance at Freaknik 1983 -1998.”
Spelman congratulates Levert on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the continued impact of her work on screen, in the classroom, and across the field of documentary filmmaking. There are two ways to see the film. Watch it for free until August 2, on PBS’ streaming platform and it can also be watched on Al Jazeera English’s YouTube page.
"The Only Doctor" film team at the Peabody Awards on June 1, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. From left to right, the director Matthew Hashiguchi, the protagonist Dr. Karen Kinsell, and the producer Anjanette Levert.