MPI is pleased to announce the theme for the 2022 Short Film Creative Development and Production Lab: The American Dream Realized.

While the “American Dream” may be different for each of us, the idea continues to inspire. The US has become a symbol of freedom around the world, and despite difficult times in our country, people are drawn here in pursuit of a better life, liberty, and happiness. Beyond this, Americans continue to achieve new heights in science, technology, industry, and art. The concepts selected for this year’s Short Film Lab will explore American Dreams Realized.

This Lab provides filmmakers with hands-on training and mentoring to take their initial film concepts through the process of developing a producible short film script. Filmmakers accepted into the program receive fellowship grants and participate in screenwriting workshops followed by directing workshops. After the workshop stage, MPI often acquires scripts to produce as MPI Original Films. Additional development opportunities are also available to those in the Lab. Filmmakers whose scripts are acquired receive mentorship through the entire process of producing their short, which is funded by MPI.

Click here to learn more and submit your concept to the 2022 Short Film Creative Development and Production Lab. Application requirements include a résumé and a completed questionnaire detailing your concept and explaining how your project relates to MPI’s mission and the theme above. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (PT) on Monday, December 6, 2021.