In late 2016, in the midst of perhaps the most contentious presidential campaign in history, and with gentrification increasingly displacing longtime residents, and recent shootings bringing police brutality into the national dialogue, Oakland-based community organizers Anayvette Martinez and Marilyn Hollinquest set out to create lasting and necessary change in their community. The two women formed the Radical Monarchs, a Girl Scouts alternative that teaches young girls of color their self-worth, the importance of supporting one another and the tenets of a progressive society, even inviting influential guest speakers such as Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza and former Black Panther Cheryl Dawson. Martinez and Hollinquest balance intense logistical demands, perpetual funding struggles and their personal lives while defending themselves against right-wing media attacks. From director Linda Goldstein Knowlton, We Are the Radical Monarchs is a heartwarming look at the first three years of an indispensable collective devoted to radical self-empowerment.

Winner: Audience Award — Best Documentary, Seattle

Director Linda Goldstein Knowlton is expected to be in attendance on January 3. Subjects Anayvette Martinez and Lupita Martinez are expected to be in attendance on January 11 and 12.