Everyone has a story! By sharing true-life stories, we can begin to understand one another – and how we might work together to improve our world. Docs In Progress encourages new and diverse voices in documentary filmmaking and connects them with enthusiastic audiences by offering workshops, screenings and a safe, collaborative environment in which to create. Filmmakers range in age and experience, from middle school students just learning to express their ideas to retirees with a lifetime of stories to share. Beginners’ classes teach the fundamentals while fellowships, residencies, and work-in-progress screenings help intermediate filmmakers develop their craft. Recent initiatives include Village Reels, an intergenerational filmmaking experience, and an incubator for its Filmmakers with Disabilities Initiative. The Community Stories Film Festival presents local films by local DMV filmmakers. All bring to light new stories that otherwise would not be told.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Individuals living with HIV/AIDs; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Veterans/Military Families; Immigrants/Refugees

Schools They Work In: Montgomery Blair High School; Wheaton High School; Northwood High School


  • In 2023, number of screenings:   50
  • In 2023, number of workshops:   42
  • Emerging Filmmakers via our Fellows Programs:   90
  • People reached directly:   1800
  • People reached Indirectly:   8450+

Awards & Recognition

2024: Accepted into MSAC Arts in Education Program
2023: NEA Grants for Filmmakers with Disabilities Initiative

Press

  • A Decade Of Documentaries In D.C.
    Wed Oct 15 2014, WAMU Kojo Nnamdi Show  
    Docs In Progress featured on Kojo Nnamdi Show about proliferation of documentary filmmaking in Washington DC
    connect here

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Docs In Progress is: Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

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