Community Stories Film Festival 2026 - ALL ACCESS PASS*
Schedule
Fri, 13 Mar, 2026 at 07:30 pm to Sun, 15 Mar, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Docs In Progress, 2nd Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, USA | Silver Spring, MD
About this Event
Now in its 16th 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.
ALL ACCESS PASS*
*The all access pass does not include the screening of the closing film on Sunday, March 15th. 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).
REFUND POLICY: No refunds.
To help us keep our festival affordable, all ticket purchases are final.
FILM PROGRAM
Screenings include post-screening Q&As with filmmakers.
OPENING NIGHT, Friday, March 13, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Projecting Protest - dir. Thomas Clement [22:00 Min.]
Activists shine a light on a new protest tactic that not only challenges authority but also the boundaries of free speech.
Secret of the Fiend Graveyard - dir. John Kinhart [12:55 Min.]
A cinephile digs up a surprising plot in the making of the cult horror classic, FIEND.
Yoichi's White House - dir. Eric Elofson[15:15 Min.]
The son of a Samurai with unprecedented access to the President; and the man who preserved his photographic legacy.
VILLAGE REELS, Saturday, March 14, 11:00am-12pm
Eyes of Resilience: The Story of John Wilkinson, Montgomery Blair HS [4:24 Min.]
Helena Fabry: A Beautiful Place, Montgomery Blair HS [3:50 Min.]
Mr. Shaffner: How History Survives, Wheaton HS [3:10 Min.]
Knight Watch: Ms. Gunn's Story, Wheaton HS [3:37 Min.]
EMERGING FILMMAKERS, Saturday, March 14, 1:00pm-2:30pm
John F. Nicoll Pipe Band - dir. Ben Murawski [5:00 Min.]
Dedicated members of a local bagpipe band march forward despite a dwindling membership.
Kil and the Kids - dir. Ethan Baker [11:08 Min.]
An advocate for DC youth teaches kids to find strength in the face of trauma.
The Emcees of MC: The Underground Music Scene of Montgomery County, MD - dir. Tiger Maldonado [27:21 Min.]
Key figures in Montgomery County’s underground hip-hop scene amplify the importance of their vibrant community.
Dual Citizens - dir. George W. Campbell [12:34 Min.]
Three Nicaraguan-American artists from the Washington D.C. Metro area discuss growing up in two cultures and how it influences their art.
AMONG THE WILD, Saturday, March 14, 4:30pm-6:00pm
Call of the Crow - dir. Sarah King [13:27 Min.]
An animal rescuer takes a crow under her wing, but questions whether the best medicine is to set the bird free.
From the Hill to the Horizon - dir. Rakhi Varma[17:20 Min.]
A former Maryland Congresswoman leaves Washington politics behind to visit all 63 national parks, despite the challenges of multiple sclerosis.
FORAGER - dir. Renee Fischer[20:50 Min.]
While foraging in the wilds of Maryland, a celebrated chef finds sustenance in his life’s work.
ART, JUSTICE, AND THE CITY, Saturday, March 14, 7:30pm-9:00pm
How Will You Give It Back, David Simon? - dir. Andrea Conte [6:00 Min.]
The Barksdale family endures the real life implications of having their story fictionalized for TV's The Wire.
Not in Service - dir. David Sebastiao [48:16 Min.]
An investigation into the rise and demise of Baltimore’s Red Line Project reveals the undercurrents of race, politics, and culture at play.
GUESS WHERE YOU'RE GOING - dir. Khwaja Hamzah Saif; Kai Blevins [14:56 Min.]
An artist prepares a solo show for the Workhouse Arts Center, the site of the former Pr*son where his father began his life sentence.
CLOSING FILM at AFI Silver Theatre, Sunday, March 15, 3:00pm-5:00pm
Public Defender - dir. Andrea Kalin [51:00 Min.]
Justice isn't easy. Empathy is even harder. For over 45 years, Heather Shaner has fought for justice, defending those who can't afford a lawyer and earning the trust of countless clients. But when she's assigned to represent January 6th rioters, her unwavering empathy and commitment to second chances face the ultimate test. As the country grapples with that day's lasting impact, Heather works to bridge deep political divides one client at a time.
*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.
Where is it happening?
Docs In Progress, 2nd Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, USA, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 28.52
