The MPI Collaboration Filmmakers Challenge (CFC) concluded on June 21 in Los Angeles with our standing-room-only Short Film Showcase. We screened the 2024 Official Selections and awarded over $20,000 in cash and prizes, as well as a $5,000 development deal with Pathfinder Media.

At this year’s Kick-Off Party, MPI friend and CFC founder Joe Gressis announced this year’s theme from Hunter S. Thompson: “Freedom is something that dies if it isn’t used.” From there, over 300 filmmakers began working together to script, shoot, and edit their short films in just two weeks! Out of the 82 films submitted, just 15 were selected to screen at the Short Film Showcase. Over 400 filmmakers attended the final event to vote for the audience choice awards and celebrate as we announced our winners. 

The first place Jury Award went to The Veil by filmmakers Eric Thompson and Mike Schmidt. The filmmakers will share $5,000 in prize money and have the opportunity to use Automatic VFX Production’s green screen sound stage for one day. 

The Creative Pathfinder Award was awarded to the short documentary We The People: The Case for Julian Assange by filmmaker Yasmeen Turayhi. The winner receives a $5,000 development deal with Pathfinder Media to further explore their concept. 

The CFC Rookie of the Year award was bestowed on MPI filmmaker Timothy Blackwood (Infraction) for his film Badmouth Grandma, which also earned Runner Up: Best Use of Quote.

Additional awards were given for Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Writing, Best Audio and Sound, Best Music, and Best Set Photo. It’s remarkable to see what these filmmakers were able to create in just a few weeks!

You can see a full list of the winners in every category here and enjoy the full list of films created for the competition here.