Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: Megan Torgerson, Northwest Documentary

Patch talks to Megan about her work with Northwest Documentary.

Patch: Tell Patch a little about you and your organization!

Megan: NW Documentary’s mission is to practice, teach, and share the art of non-fiction storytelling. We offer film making workshops to the public for both youth and adults, create original works and short films for other non-profits, and create a community space for storytellers to support each other’s work. With the core belief that “everyone has a story and everyone is a storyteller,” NW Documentary makes digital tools accessible so youth, adults, and community organizations can tell their stories.

We believe sharing stories of people, places and culture is relevant to all; building knowledge, empathy and understanding. Our programs are affordable so anyone has access to create a meaningful film. Since 2003, we have trained over 1,300 adults and 265 children, resulting in 450 films. Our Reach 360 program creates short mission-driven films for non-profits, often subsidized by project grant funds. These projects engage emerging video professionals seeking professional development and offer opportunities to work under experienced mentors.

We strive to ensure that creative works pursue artistic excellence and are recognized nationally and internationally, are presented at prestigious festivals and earn top honors, including eight NW Emmy Awards. Our original works are critical to generating support from individuals, foundations and our partners. This mission results in ongoing learning, the creation of new films, and a community that embraces storytellers from all walks of life.

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Patch: How does your organization help to strengthen the local community?

Megan: NW Documentary is a community arts center that offers storytelling workshops to the public. We help the community tell stories that may otherwise go untold. We also help other non-profits in Portland share their stories, by creating videos that highlight their work in the community.

Patch: When did you open?

Megan: 2003

Patch: What is the biggest struggle your organization faces?

Megan: Too many movies. Not enough time.

Patch: What do you hope for the future of your nonprofit?

Megan: We hope to continue to grow our programs to serve more members of the community and continue to be a resource for storytellers and filmmakers who wish share their stories.

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