This Mother’s Day, spend time with stories that capture the strength, sacrifice, and determination of mothers facing extraordinary challenges. From inspiring true stories to thought-provoking dramas, these MPI Originals highlight women who fight for their families, protect those they love, and refuse to give up hope.

Set in an alternate present, Motherland imagines a society where the state relieves parents of the burden of raising children. Everything seems perfect until a rule enforcer uncovers a shocking truth that forces her to question everything she believes in. Inspired by a real post-Bolshevik Russian experiment that attempted to raise children communally, the film explores what might happen if such an idea endured and evolved within American culture. Directed with a bold vision and brought to life by a powerful cast, the film reflects on control, freedom, and the enduring strength of maternal bonds.

You can watch Motherland on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. 

Based on the true story of Melony Armstrong, Freedom Hair follows a Mississippi mother determined to start a natural hair braiding business despite state laws standing in her way. Refusing to back down, she partners with the Institute for Justice and fights for the right to earn a living and support her family.

Stream Freedom Hair on Starz, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.

Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, Kemba follows the journey of a sheltered college student whose life changes after falling into an abusive relationship with a drug kingpin. Though she never dealt drugs herself, she receives a devastating sentence tied to his crimes while pregnant with their child. Supported by her parents, Odessa and Gus Smith, Kemba’s fight for freedom becomes a national movement for justice and clemency.

Stream Kemba today on BET+.

Based on a true story, Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game follows Roger Sharpe, a writer and pinball enthusiast who helps overturn New York City’s ban on pinball in the 1970s. Alongside his fight to legitimize the game, Roger builds a relationship with Ellen, an artist and single mother, discovering connection and purpose along the way.

Watch Pinball on Hulu and Apple TV.

See the film NBC’s Today lists as a must-watch with mom. Based on a true story, Miss Virginia follows a struggling single mother who is losing her fifteen-year-old son to the rough streets of Washington, DC. Unwilling to see him drop out and deal drugs, she places him in a private school. But when she can’t afford tuition, she launches a movement to change the system that is destroying him and thousands like him. Attacked and threatened by those who don’t want change—from corrupt politicians to the local drug lord—Virginia must discover depths of strength she never knew she had.

Miss Virginia is available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

The award-winning documentary Project Home follows innovators using 3D-printing technology to address housing insecurity. At the center of the story are two working single mothers whose lives are transformed by the opportunity to purchase homes for their families for the first time.

Catch Project Home on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play.