Impact Stories is back for 2027! Starting in January we’ll be at the SIFF Film Center every two weeks, highlighting documentaries that have made an impact in the real world.
Submissions for the 2027 series are open through September 30th. Submit your Impact Story here.
Impact Stories is a documentary screening series presented by the University of Washington’s Communication Leadership Master’s Program, celebrating original films from the Pacific Northwest and the power of storytelling to drive social, political, and environmental change.
The series runs across four nights from January through March 2027 at Seattle’s SIFF Film Center. Each screening is followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A with the filmmakers, led by UW Communication Leadership faculty member Jordan Melograna.
This year’s films and dates will be announced here closer to the screening. To be notified, email commlead@uw.edu.
Our Story
In 2026, Communication Leadership launched Impact Stories, a documentary screening series hosted by Comm Lead faculty member and filmmaker Jordan Melograna and staffed by current students. Across four events featuring documentaries by Comm Lead faculty and alumni, more than 250 people from UW and the wider Seattle community joined us for lively conversations about filmmaking and the issues these films explored.
Dysmocracy: The Fight Over Fluoride. Democracy, science, conspiracy theories, and civil liberties collide in the story of Port Angeles, Washington’s explosive political fight over public water fluoridation. Audience members shared feedback live during the screening and participated in a reverse Q&A with filmmakers Christa Hillstrom and Jordan Melograna.
Boys on the Inside (Select Scenes). Filmmaker and Comm Lead faculty member Elliat Graney-Saucke shared scenes from the upcoming Boys on the Inside, exploring gender identity and incarceration. Audiences got an inside look at the editing process while providing feedback on rough-cut scenes being prepared for the final film.
True Dawgs: A Garfield Story. Comm Lead alumnus and producer Marley Tullis-Monetta was joined by two members of the film’s cast and production crew for a sneak preview of this story following Garfield High School students in the aftermath of gun violence. The conversation offered a behind-the-scenes look at participatory filmmaking, where the people whose stories are being told also help shape and direct the film.
The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo + Bonus Shorts. Filmmaker and Comm Lead alumna “Ocean Annie” Crawley showcased one of her latest films about ocean conservation in South America, along with additional short films that expanded the story of the communities, landscapes, and ocean ecosystems its subjects are working to protect.
The response to these films and the conversations they sparked inspired us to make Impact Stories an annual series.
Share Your Film
We’re looking for original documentary films by Pacific Northwest filmmakers, or films that tell a story from the region. If your film took on a real issue and led to real change, we want to see it.
Submissions close September 30.
FAQs
Who runs Impact Stories?
Impact Stories is hosted by UW Communication Leadership, a professional master’s program at the University of Washington, and moderated by filmmaker and UW Communication Leadership instructor Jordan Melograna.
Who attends Impact Stories?
Impact Stories is for filmmakers, film fans, community leaders, communications professionals — and anyone curious about the social issues that our screenings will cover.
Where and when does it take place?
Screenings take place every other Wednesday: Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, and Mar 10. All screenings are held at the SIFF Film Center, 167 Republican St, Seattle, WA 98109. Ticket information will be posted here closer to the series.
What films are eligible for submission?
We’re looking for documentary films of any length, on any subject that take on a social, political, or environmental issue and drive real change. In 2026, our films explored topics including democracy and misinformation, gender identity and incarceration, gun violence in schools, and ocean conservation.
See our FilmFreeway page for full eligibility details and to submit.
What is the deadline?
Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway by Sept 30, 2026. Selected filmmakers will be notified in early December 2026.
Where can I send additional questions?
Email us at commlead@uw.edu by including “Impact Stories” in your subject line.
University of Washington
Department of Communication