Community Stories Film Festival 2025 - ALL ACCESS PASS*

Now in its 15th year presented by Docs In Progress, the Community Stories Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing local stories by local filmmakers.

A celebration of independent documentary filmmaking, Community Stories unites filmmakers, cinephiles, and community members for three days of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and conversations.

Grab your all access pass right here and unlock the pathway to the films.

ALL ACCESS PASS*

*The all access pass does not include the screening of the closing film on Sunday, March 16th. However, you can add the closing film during checkout.

LOCATION: Docs In Progress, 8560 2nd Ave Suite 113, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Docs In Progress is located on the ground level of the Alexander House. The entrance of Docs In Progress is on Apple Ave. Parking garage, walking distance: Cameron Street Garage. Metro Station Red Line: Silver Spring (walking distance 5-7 minutes).

Screenings include post-screening Q&As with filmmakers.

The World According to Pussy Noir - Amy Oden [dir] [23:35 Min.]

Follow Pussy Noir’s historic fellowship at the Kennedy Center as she blends history, queerness, and couture into a queer fashion show.

Can't Retire From This - Melanie Page [dir] [34:25 Min.]

In the DMV area, many girls have cultivated their lives within the sport of basketball or because of the sport of basketball, creating a lifelong connection that's ingrained in them forever.

The Test - Claudia Myers [dir], Laura Waters Hinson [dir] [15:52 Min.]

A retirement center maintenance worker enlists the help of two residents to prepare for the biggest test of his life—the US citizenship exam.

Films TBA

Pershing's Paths of Glory - Joe Hartnett [dir] [25:27 Min.]

Pershing's Paths of Glory presents a real American Hero, General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, whose story is told by his living legacy, a diverse group of young people following the General’s paths across the globe.

DC Black Superhero - Sari Leigh [dir] [5:34 Min.]

A unique exploration of the vibrant and dynamic world of black cosplay and superhero fandom at the BlerdCon festival in our nation’s capital.

Bookworm - Adrian Isassi [dir] [13:18 Min.]

Explore the free little libraries all around the suburbs of Baltimore and discover the meaning and importance they serve to the community.

Got Lead - Myron Higgins [dir] [20:00 Min.]

Raised in a house with lead paint, Myron Higgins assesses the toxic affects it has on his health as well as on the city of Baltimore.

The Tale of Mari- Anya Vaughn [dir] [6:39 Min.]

Mari, an elderly Japanese woman, recounts her experiences growing up in Okinawa, moving to America, and attempting to become a newspaper cartoonist.

The Treat Lady - Zach Cusson [dir] [4:50 Min.]

After losing her beloved dog of 14 years, Mary finds comfort in her community of dogs and their owners at Capitol Hill’s Lincoln Park.

Unfiltered - Lily Huffman [dir] [19:04 Min.]

Oyster farming is on the rise on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, but farmers and environmentalists are confronted with the challenges of changing tides in the Chesapeake Bay.

Bird Walk - Cintia Cabib [dir] [25:04 Min.]

After a golf course closes, birders discover more than 160 bird species and mount a campaign to preserve the 131-acre site as a public park.

Heritage Award: Baltimore Album Quilts [5:13 Min.]

Wide Angle Youth Media for the Maryland State Arts Council

Taking designs appliqued onto cloth squares, quilters piece together quilts that document the cultural stories of their everyday lives.

Singing at Sinai: The Jewish Folk Arts Festivals - David Shneyer [prod], Jack Gordon [prod], Cliff Braverman [prod], Jules Asher [prod] [39:06 Min.]

A story of Jewish cultural celebrations in the DMV over four decades.

Happy Campers - Amy Nicholson [dir], [78:00 Min.]

Every summer, working-class families enjoy waterfront living in a scrappy trailer park off the coast of Virginia. When the relentless march of capitalism threatens their shabby Shangri-La, the denizens of Inlet View face the inevitable, and reveal the secrets of a rich life.

Please note that the Closing Film is not included in the Festival Pass. However, you can opt to add it during the checkout process here on Eventbrite.

Host or Publisher Docs In Progress