Ferrera to host 'Independent Lens'

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- America Ferrera, known as the title character in "Ugly Betty," will host the PBS series "Independent Lens," the producers said in San Francisco Tuesday.

The Emmy Award-winning "Independent Lens" begins its ninth season Oct. 19.

"We're so pleased to welcome America Ferrera as the host for the ninth season of 'Independent Lens,'" series producer Lois Vossen said in a release. "America is one of the most vibrant young talents working in film today. The characters she has played ... are fully human, risk-taking women who inspire us with their ability to embrace life and all its challenges. It is in that spirit we embrace America's new role as the host of 'Independent Lens,' a diverse and fiercely independent film series."

The new season of "Independent Lens" will showcase 27 documentaries exploring art, faith, politics and justice, among other topics, producers said. The first is Meghan Eckman's "The Parking Lot Movie," an examination of a parking lot staffed by a group of overeducated attendants in Charlottesville, Va.

"I'm honored to be hosting this wonderful series of independent documentaries," said Ferrera, who won several awards for her portrayal of Betty Suarez on the ABC comedy. "I love independent film and I think it's exciting that PBS is making these thought provoking stories accessible to a wide audience."