WASHINGTON, DC – In the heart of some of the most difficult circumstances in the world, there exist beacons of hope. National Geographic Presents: IMPACT WITH GAL GADOT is a compelling new six-part short-form documentary series from executive producers Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Jaron Varsano (“Cleopatra”), Academy Award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth (“Freeheld”), Entertainment One’s (eOne) Tara Long (Emmy®-nominated “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later”) and RPC’s Ryan Pallotta that follows the powerful stories of resilient young women around the globe who overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.
IMPACT follows inspiring women living in communities marred by violence, poverty, trauma, discrimination, oppression and natural disasters, and yet, against all odds, dare to dream, stand out, speak up and lead. National Geographic announced today the stories of the six brave women featured in the series, which include a 19 year old college student in Puerto Rico who, after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, is on a mission to ensure that every person struggling has access to clean and safe water; a trauma therapist in Half Moon Bay, California, who lost her twin sister to COVID-19 and is turning her grief to impact by healing women through surf therapy; a formally homeless transwoman in Memphis, Tennessee, who is building houses for other transgender women in need of homes; a ballerina in the most dangerous area of Brazil, who through dance has created a community that lifts young girls towards a better future; a figure skater who has broken barriers in her sport and dedicates her life to coaching and empowering young girls of color on and off the ice; and the first female chief of a coastal southern Louisiana tribe, who is expected to be among the first climate refugees in the United States, as she impacts the legacy of her ancestors, the lives of her community today and the future of her people.
National Geographic Presents: IMPACT WITH GAL GADOT premieres Monday, Apr. 26, 2021, on National Geographic’s YouTube channel. The documentary shorts will first release digitally and then culminate in a full-length documentary special to premiere on the National Geographic channel on June 24, 2021 and later globally in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Click here to view the trailer.
“These are important, powerful stories of brave women demonstrating compassion, humanity, and resilience that deserve to be told and celebrated,” said Gadot. “I feel it is both my honor and duty to give these remarkable women from around the world a platform to showcase the work they are doing in the face of overwhelming hardships. More than ever, we need to see the good that is being done by everyday people in extraordinary circumstances. I am a big believer in the ripple effect, and with this project we aim to create a community for people who want to help others. I’m proud to have the opportunity to help amplify their voices, and I hope viewers are left as inspired and empowered as I am.”
Episodes Include:
Episode 1: Ice Breakers
(Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.)
Follow the story of Kameryn, a 20-year-old figure skating coach in Detroit who has dedicated her life to coaching young girls of color to empower them both on and off the ice.
Episode 2: Surf Sisters
(Half Moon Bay, California, U.S.A.)
Kelsey of Half Moon Bay, California, is driven by two passions: surfing and helping people through grief and trauma. After losing her twin sister to COVID, Kelsey turns her grief into impact by healing others through a special surf therapy program that she started for women suffering from the effects of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief and loss.
Episode 3: The Ripple Effect
(San Juan, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.)
Discover the inspiring story of Arianna, a 19-year-old woman leading a team of college students who invented a water filtration system. They are giving the people of Puerto Rico access to clean, drinkable water after years of living with toxic water after the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017 and lack of government assistance.
Episode 4: Coming Home
(Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.)
Meet Kayla, who has dedicated her life to helping homeless transgender women of color in Memphis, Tennessee. Having experienced homelessness and violence herself, Kayla has created a safe community for these notoriously discriminated-against people. She is building more than two dozen houses across Memphis for transwomen that need safety and a place to call home.
Episode 5: Killer Red Fox
(Grand Caillou/Dulac, Louisiana, U.S.A.)
Meet Shirell, the first female chief of her southern Louisiana tribe. Her ancestors have lived on the land for hundreds of years, and they are now expected to be among the United States’ first climate refugees. Shirell can’t stop the storms, but she is impacting the legacy of her ancestors, the lives of her community today and the future of her people.
Episode 6: Na Ponta dos Pes (On Pointe)
(Rio De Janeiro, Brazil)
Witness the inspiring story of Tuany, a 23-year-old ballet dancer who started a dance company for young girls in the middle of one of Rio De Janeiro’s most dangerous favelas. She gives students hope for a better future and a safe space away from the violent world around them.