These aren’t your average Girl Scouts — they’re the Radical Monarchs.

“We Are the Radical Monarchs,” a doc from director Linda Goldstein Knowlton, follows the first troop of the Radical Monarchs, an Oakland-based alternative to the Girl Scouts for young women of color, over three years. Instead of earning badges for hiking or first-aid, the Radical Monarchs get badges for learning about the fundamentals of social justice, from LGBT and disability rights to environmental justice.

In an interview with Women and Hollywood, Goldstein Knowlton described the film as an account of the Radical Monarchs’ founders’ efforts to “build a space that truly centers the lives of girls of color in the world around them.” Over the course of the film, these women — Anayvette Martinez and Marilyn Hollinquest — attempt to challenge outdated attitudes about young women of color. As Goldstein Knowlton put it, “Why are so many Americans threatened by young women of color learning how to advocate for themselves and others? Why is creating safe spaces for marginalized communities so deeply polarizing?”

It’s clear that Goldstein Knowlton has a deep admiration for the Radical Monarchs and its founders — and she chronicles their mission in totality and without compromise. By following the troop over three years, you’re able to witness the inner workings of the organization as it tries to expand, as well as see these young women come into their own as unapologetic activists.

The film radiates self love and acceptance — but it’s also a call to action for those watching. “I want the audience to take away that they can change the world, and that it starts by each person doing what they can each day to change their own world,” said Goldstein Knowlton. “Step by step, looking first at themselves and then their communities, and doing what the Radical Monarchs continue to do: speaking up, speaking out, and being allies to all.”

With “We Are the Radical Monarchs,” Goldstein Knowlton has crafted a remarkable look at the power that comes with being young, ambitious, and socially conscious. “We had the opportunity to document a movement rising and shine a light on the dedication and sacrifice of these two, powerful next-gen leaders,” the director said. “Or maybe I should say this-gen!”

Upcoming Screenings:

• February 29 — Athena Film Festival — New York, NY
• March 7 — Outfest Fusion — Los Angeles, CA
• March 11 — SXSW EDU — Austin, TX
• March 12-15 — Watsonville Film Festival — Watsonville, CA

Keep an eye on the film’s official website for added screenings. 

Published monthly, Under the Radar offers a chance for us to highlight works by and/or about women that haven’t received big releases or significant coverage in the press, but are wholly worthy of attention.

To recommend a title for this feature, please e-mail waheditorialfellows@gmail.com.