MPI is now accepting applications for the 2022 Documentary Storytelling Workshop. Filmmakers accepted into the workshop receive a $1,000 grant and the chance to develop and refine short documentary pitches while receiving training and mentoring from award-winning documentarians. After the workshop, MPI may elect to acquire one or more projects to produce as MPI Original Films. Filmmakers are then mentored through the entire production process, which is funded by MPI.

The workshop is led by student Academy Award winner, American University professor, and MPI filmmaker Laura Waters Hinson. Laura’s past work includes the award-winning MPI-supported documentaries Dog Days and Mama Rwanda. Her most recent short doc Street Reporter is currently enjoying a successful festival run, picking up several accolades including the Audience Award for Best Short Documentary at the Austin Film Festival and Indy Shorts International Film Festival. In addition to Laura’s guidance, the workshop will feature additional sessions with industry leaders and mentors in the space, including Academy Award-nominated and -winning documentarians. 

Participants will meet virtually over the course of eight weeks this summer beginning July 27 to learn how to move beyond the “talking head” format, receiving expert instruction on how to find the story in footage, develop character, craft compelling story arcs, and strike an honest balance between story and argument. 

MPI will consider applications for both short and feature documentaries, however, prioritization will be given to short films ranging from 10–30 minutes that can be shot, edited, and released within one to two years from the completion of the workshop. 

MPI’s mission is to promote human freedom through film. Though we are open to submissions on a wide range of subjects that advance our mission, we are particularly interested in stories that explore one of the following themes:

• Exposing hypocrisy and/or confronting corruption of power
• Individuals fighting against government abuse/tyranny
• Policy failures in education and solutions to K–12 education in underserved communities
• Freedom of speech/expression
• Entrepreneurship success stories and the American Dream
• Innovations and technology solving problems

Click here to learn more and apply to the Documentary Storytelling Workshop. The application deadline is June 20, 2022 at 11:50 p.m. (PT).