MPI is inspiring millions through our empowering female film subjects who’ve challenged expectations and been on the frontlines of change. Take a look at a few MPI Original and MPI-supported films that are based on real-life female trailblazers whose stories are winning hearts and changing minds.

Miss Virginia tells the true story of Virginia Walden Ford, a charismatic single mother who has devoted her life to securing educational opportunity for disadvantaged urban children. Her fight for educational opportunity in Washington, DC saved not only her son but thousands of other children from being swallowed by the system that trapped them in failing schools. This MPI Original Film is available on more than 1,000 digital streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV reaching more than 160,000,000 homes. It airs regularly to BET’s cable TV audience of over 88,000,000 households and is available in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Freedom Hair is a true story based on Melony Armstrong, a mother who works at a shelter for battered women and decides to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence for herself and others. To do so she must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi. Dianne Houston is attached to write and direct this forthcoming MPI Original Film.

The Kemba Smith Story is based on the true story of Kemba Smith, a college student who falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin who leads her down a path of abuse and manipulation, placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs,” and ultimately landing her in federal prison. Christine Swanson is attached to write and direct this BET and MPI Original Film.

Mama Rwanda tells the story of two mothers using entrepreneurship to overcome extreme poverty. Drocella, a village wife, and Christine, a city widow, represent a new generation of women business owners transforming post-genocide Rwanda into one of the ten fastest growing economies in the world. Directed by Laura Waters Hinson, this award-winning MPI-supported documentary screened on dozens of college campuses, partnering with the ONE Campaign (U2 lead singer Bono’s anti-poverty initiative), and reaching thousands of students across the country. Watch Mama Rwanda on CuriosityStream today.