This month, MPI marked 20 years of advancing freedom through film, bringing together filmmakers, supporters, and friends for the 20th Anniversary Celebration in Los Angeles. The weekend events culminated in a gala hosted at the Fox Studio Lot, where we celebrated two decades of storytelling that have shaped culture and inspired audiences, while also unveiling MPI’s vision for the years ahead. It was a meaningful moment for the MPI community to reconnect, reflect, and look toward the future together.

In tandem with the weekend’s events, MPI also hosted the Advanced Filmmaker Summit, welcoming more than thirty filmmakers from across the MPI network. This multi-day program featured a welcome reception with Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated writer and television producer and MPI board member Rob Long; a masterclass luncheon with Tyler Nilson, co-director of The Peanut Butter Falcon; and an exclusive Paramount Studio tour. Attendees also enjoyed a special conversation with The Bragg Brothers, writer-directors of the MPI Original feature Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game, and the film’s subjects, Roger and Ellen Sharpe.

Summit participants joined MPI sponsors for a screening of the MPI Original short The Art of Inflation, featuring comments from the filmmakers Brett Wietecha and Tim Hedberg. The group also heard from veteran Pixar animator and director Colin Brady (Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life) and producer Michael Mandaville (Taken, Taken 2, Taken 3), who shared insights from their decades of experience in Hollywood. The week culminated with filmmakers joining MPI’s 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration, uniting creative talent and supporters to reflect on two decades of advancing freedom through film.