The MPI Original feature Motherland, directed by longtime MPI filmmaker Evan Matthews, will have its world premiere as an official selection at the prestigious Omaha Film Festival this Friday, March 14. Known for showcasing groundbreaking films and thought-provoking storytelling, the festival attracts influential industry leaders and passionate audiences—an ideal stage for Motherland’s premiere.

Motherland’s star-studded cast includes Tony Award winner Miriam Silverman (The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window), legendary Emmy-winning actress Holland Taylor (The Morning Show, Hollywood), Emmy Award winner Néstor Carbonell (Shōgun, The Morning Show), and newcomer Emily Arancio. 

This 1984-esque feature takes place in an alternate present society where the state frees parents from the burden of raising children. Everything seems perfect until a rule enforcer learns a shocking truth that sparks her rebellion.

Evan describes Motherland as more than a dystopian thriller, calling it a deeply human story about love, loss, and resistance. “At its core, it asks a question that has shaped my own life: What are you willing to sacrifice to protect those you love? Motherland isn’t just a story to me; it’s a reflection of resilience, and bringing it to life on screen is an honor.”

Motherland marks his feature directorial debut. Evan’s industry experience includes working closely with writer and producer Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice, Shark Tank) and on scripted television series such as the popular crime drama 24. His journey with MPI began in 2010 when he received a filmmaker grant for a short film through the Rising Filmmaker Program (RFP). Since then, he’s participated in MPI’s screenwriting workshops, Directing Workshop, Moving Picturecraft, Mindful Editor, and masterclass programs.

Evan shares, “MPI has provided me with invaluable resources and mentorship throughout the production process on Motherland. The quality of the education and experiences MPI provides to filmmakers is unmatched.”

Motherland is a great example of how MPI’s talent development program and production company work together. Many RFP participants get hands-on experience working on MPI Original films, learning and growing in a professional production environment. For instance, Oscar-nominated documentarian Elizabeth Mirzaei shadowed Evan on set to learn the ropes of directing scripted feature films. The film also offered accounting internships, producing internships, and production assistant positions to nearly a dozen MPI filmmakers.

Check out the teaser below for this exciting film and stay up to date on all Motherland news by following the film on Instagram and Facebook.