The MPI Original feature Motherland has earned three nominations at the SModcastle Film Festival: Best Screenplay (Nicole Roewe, née Swinford), Best Actor in a Feature (Miriam Silverman), and Best Feature.

The film will screen on Friday, August 8, at 6:30 p.m. at SModcastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, as part of Block 02. Director Evan Matthews will be on hand after the screening to participate in a Q&A. Get tickets here.

The SModcastle Film Festival stands out for its grassroots approach, pairing independent films with in-person discussions that give audiences a direct connection to the filmmakers behind the work. Its curated programming celebrates creative vision and stories that challenge the ordinary—making it a distinctive space for emerging voices in cinema.

Stay up to date on all Motherland news by following the film on Instagram and Facebook.