Synopsis: What does it take to crack the glass ceiling in Washington? If you’re female – grit, determination, and, as evidenced by the grueling 2018 campaigns for U.S. Congress, a willingness to fight for a seat at the table. Too long dominated by privileged white men, Washington is experiencing a surge of women running to make a difference. Upbeat, energetic, thirty-one-year-old public health expert Lauren Underwood recognizes we are on the verge of a generational shift. “No one invited us to this table,” says Lauren, “No one!” Former journalist Jana Sanchez of Texas woke up on Nov. 9 knowing she had to run. Liz Watson, worker rights advocate and attorney, could no longer accept the status quo. With cameos by top tier Democratic candidates, SURGE is an inspiring reminder that sisterhood is powerful. The “pink wave” surging across America just might be the perfect antidote to shore up our fragile democracy.

— Barbara Pokras, ACE

Directors' Bios: Hannah R. Rosenzweig is a documentary film director and long-time producer. She is founder and president of Intention Media Inc. She produced the award-winning PUPPET film, which premiered at the DOC NYC festival and was distributed on Netflix, iTunes, and Sundance Selects. She has produced and filmed documentaries for the History Channel, the Sundance Channel, and PBS, including the Peabody Award-winning VOICES OF CIVIL RIGHTS. Since serving as Hillary Clinton's personal videographer for her 2008 presidential campaign, Hannah has worked as a producer and advisor for women candidates and elected officials. She was awarded a prestigious JustFilms Fellowship from the Ford Foundation for leaders working at the intersection of film, storytelling, and social justice. Her background is in health communications and she holds a masters in public health from Columbia University. Hannah is a singer with the Resistance Revival Chorus, an all women's chorus based in NYC.

Wendy Sachs is a documentary film director, Emmy-award winning network news television producer (NBC, CNN and FOX), writer, author, and sought-after speaker on women’s issues. She is also a former Capitol Hill press secretary, media relations executive, and the author of two critically acclaimed books about women and careers: “Fearless and Free—How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch their Careers” and “How She Really Does It: Secrets of Successful Stay-at Work Moms.” Wendy has appeared on dozens of radio segments, TV shows and podcasts, including NBC’s TODAY show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN’s Headline News, and others. She is a senior columnist for Forbes Women and has written for Fast Company, Time, Business Insider, The New York Times, CNN, and others. Wendy has been recognized by MAKERS and was also named in 2017 on Forbes.com as a “40 Over 40 Woman to Watch.”