Join us for our next Short Break with MPI event on Wednesday, June 9, from 3:00–3:30 p.m. (ET). The virtual event includes a special screening of the award-winning MPI Original Film Gringa followed by a live Q&A with the film’s director, Claudia Murray, and producer, MPI’s senior vice president Lana Link.

To receive access to the screening, be sure to register at least 30 minutes prior to the event. But don’t worry, if you aren’t able to join us live, your registration also includes 24 hours of on-demand access to the film and the recorded Q&A once the livestream has concluded.

In keeping with our Short Break promise, the event will last for 30 minutes. All registered participants will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card from Goldbelly, where you can order an iconic Cuban-American meal and have it delivered straight to your door.

We hope you’ll be able to take a Short Break with us June 9!

About Gringa
In this MPI Original dramedy short, Vanessa, a Cuban-American woman, has a foot in two worlds. When she rushes home to pack for a trip to Cuba, she doesn’t expect what’s waiting for her: a mission from her eccentric Abuelo. Based loosely on the director’s real-life experiences, Gringa is a heartfelt take on family, culture, and identity as Vanessa reevaluates what really matters most.

Gringa was co-written by MPI filmmaker Claudia Murray and MPI senior vice president Lana Link. The dramedy short has screened at dozens of film festivals, winning first place at the 22nd Annual Fade In Awards Comedy Competition, the Award of Excellence at the 2018 Best Shorts Competition, Best Narrative Short at the 2018 Anthem Film Festival, Audience Award at the HollyShorts Monthly Screening series, Audience Award at the Broad Humor Festival, Best Short Film at the Fayetteville Film Festival, and Best Director at the UCLAxFilmFest.

About Claudia Murray
MPI filmmaker Claudia Murray is the recipient of numerous MPI fellowships and grants. She is currently in production on her second MPI Original Film, Unloaded, which was developed in MPI’s 2020 Short Film Creative Development and Production Lab.

Claudia took an unconventional career path into film. Originally a speechwriter and civil-rights attorney from Miami, Florida, she decided five years ago to pursue her greatest passion: comedy writing. Claudia is now a full-time filmmaker and was a featured director in NALIP’s “Latinx Directors You Should Know” series.

Her film career began at MPI where she worked as an impact producer by day (creating social-impact campaigns for documentaries) and a stand-up comedian by night. It was during this time that she co-wrote and directed Gringa.