MPI filmmaker Laura Waters Hinson’s feature documentary Strange Ashes: The Untold Story of Elisabeth Elliot won the Documentary Feature Award at the 2026 Austin Film Festival.

The film explores the life and legacy of Elisabeth Elliot, who became one of the 20th century’s most influential female faith figures following the murder of her missionary husband in Ecuador.

Laura is a longtime member of MPI’s filmmaker network and was recently named one of three finalists in MPI’s inaugural First Feature Lab with her project Wonder Child. She has also worked with MPI on several projects, including directing the MPI Original feature documentary Project Home and writing and directing the MPI Original short Moving Violation.

We’re excited to celebrate Laura’s latest achievement and see filmmakers in the MPI network continue to earn recognition for their work.

Congratulations to Laura and the Strange Ashes team!