One of the few good things to come out of the 2016 election was the subsequent onslaught of women running for office, organizing political campaigns, and participating in grassroots activism — the Women’s March, the protests against Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, #MeToo and Time’s Up, and, of course, the 2018 midterms. “Surge,” the new documentary from Hannah Rosenzweig and Wendy Sachs, follows three first-time female Democratic political candidates running for Congress and challenging (white male) Republican incumbents in historically red districts: Jana Lynne Sanchez of Texas, Liz Watson of Indiana, and Lauren Underwood of Illinois. Similar to this summer’s “Represent,” “Surge” is at turns inspiring and heartbreaking — but, overall, it’s a testament to women’s power, and a galvanizing one at that.
When we spoke to Rosenzweig and Sachs, they emphasized that “Surge” isn’t just about women running for office. The doc also focuses on the community women in politics build for one another, both at the podium and behind the scenes, and stresses the importance of civic engagement. Sachs said she wants “people to feel the urgency of the time that we’re in and activated to get involved at the grassroots” when they see “Surge.” She emphasized, “I want people to recognize that their vote matters and who we elect into office matters. I would also love for the film to motivate girls and women to see themselves as elected leaders and to consider running for office. But I think it’s equally important to understand that not everyone needs to run themselves, but supporting women running for office, getting involved in your community at the local level – it all can make a critical difference.”
Rosenzweig added, “I want people to think about how many women across the country are doing extraordinary things in their communities. We don’t often get to see stories of women like “Surge’s” Jana Lynne Sanchez, Liz Watson, and Lauren Underwood in the press, but there are so many out there!” she said. “I want to expand our collective notion of what a leader looks and sounds like. The more we see people of color, women, and young people in positions of political leadership, the more we normalize it.”
And let me tell you, after seeing “Surge” and paying attention the current state of politics, electing the Underwoods, Sanchezes, and Watsons to Congress seems a lot more normal — and a much better idea — than upholding the white male establishment that’s been in control as long as the U.S. has been a country. Here’s hoping 2020 marks another surge for women in office.
“Surge” is now available on VOD and streaming on the Showtime Anytime app.
