2024 was a year of significant achievements for MPI’s filmmaker network. MPI reached important milestones, supporting 77 filmmakers and expanding the Rising Filmmaker Program (RFP) with new initiatives designed to equip pro-freedom filmmakers with essential resources while building a stronger community of like-minded creatives in the entertainment industry. Below are just some of the highlights of what we have accomplished together.

In the year ahead—MPI’s 20th anniversary year—we’re excited to introduce more offerings that will further expand our filmmaker network and provide targeted opportunities for filmmakers at every stage of their careers.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season—MPI looks forward to what 2025 will bring.

Short Film Lab Participants Turned Their Concepts into Producible Scripts

MPI’s Short Film Lab provided hands-on training and mentorship to help filmmakers develop their initial concepts into production-ready short film scripts. Centered on the theme “One Size Doesn’t Fit All,” the program challenged participants to tell stories that highlight the power of individuals and communities to solve problems, offering an alternative to top-down approaches.

Of the 166 applications, 13 filmmakers were selected to participate in the lab. They began by writing and refining their scripts in an MPI Screenwriting Workshop. From there, we selected the five most promising filmmakers to advance to our Directing Workshop, which included a two-day in-person event in Los Angeles and a series of virtual seminars. Participants gained practical skills in managing crews, directing actors, and navigating every stage of production. MPI filmmaker and Oscar-nominated documentarian Elizabeth Mirzaei was awarded the Short Film Lab’s $10,000 grant for her outstanding project proposal and script.

MPI Welcomed Largest Intern Class to Date

This year, the Hollywood Career Launch Program (HCLP)—a cornerstone of MPI’s RFP and a vital entry point for newcomers to the industry—welcomed its largest class to date. Participants began their journey with MPI’s Intern Summit in Los Angeles; developed invaluable skills at top entertainment companies including Millennium Media, RPM Talent, Pathfinder, and Angel Studios, to name a few; took part in MPI’s Freedom + Film Summer Series; gained on-set experience as production assistants on MPI Original films; and attended exclusive events through the Academy Gold Rising internship enhancement program. 

Hear from MPI interns Grace Brady, Jacqueline Duarte, and Jose Azcui Gonzalez on how their internships have helped jumpstart their careers. 

Documentarians Mastered Storytelling in MPI’s Documentary Workshop

MPI selected 13 filmmakers to take part in the Documentary Storytelling Workshop, an intensive eight-week program designed to train and mentor participants in developing compelling short documentary pitches. The documentarians engaged in virtual sessions covering essential aspects of documentary development and production, collaborating within a community of skilled filmmakers.

Production Lab Filmmakers Brought Their Stories to Life

MPI’s integrated program creates a clear pathway for top participants and projects from the Short Film Lab and Documentary Storytelling Workshop to advance into MPI’s Production Lab, where selected films are acquired and developed as MPI Originals. Guided by MPI’s experienced producers, participants are trained in every stage of production—from budgeting and casting to editing and sound mixing. Once their films are complete, filmmakers receive support in creating promotional materials and strategies for festival submissions.The Production Lab slate includes three films from the Documentary Storytelling Workshop—Andrea’s Gambit, The Dying Business, and Remnants—and six films from the Short Film Lab—The Art of Inflation; Grind; The One-Minute Problem; Pocket Change; Poisoned Skies; and Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up. With nine films in total, this marks one of MPI’s most active production years to date. Learn more about each film at theMPI.org/Films.

MPI Expanded Resources for Creatives

We organized the Rising Executive Program Summit for HCLP alumni, which provided practical insights on launching production companies, marketing creative projects, and securing funding.

MPI also hosted the Advanced Filmmaker Summit and a standing-room-only panel showcasing MPI filmmakers and MPI Original films Pinball and Kemba at the Sundance Film Festival. Additionally, we introduced a new offering to the RFP—the MPI Producing Seminar. This two-day course on producing independent films equipped filmmakers by giving them exclusive access to the Producers Guild of America’s Produced By Conference at the Fox Studios Lot. There, they explored innovations like artificial intelligence, learned strategies for pitching and launching TV series, and connected with industry leaders.

MPI Strengthened its Growing Filmmaker Network

MPI hosted a range of networking events designed to strengthen relationships between filmmakers, career professionals, and thought leaders. From intimate discussions to larger panels and workshops, these events help build a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing the ideals of freedom through impactful storytelling.

Events included the MPI Film Club screenings and discussions of Hard Miles and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a special masterclass dinner at Hawksmoor NYC with MPI’s senior vice president Lana Link and MPI filmmakers the Bragg Brothers, the Hans Zimmer Live concert, and the annual Filmmaker End-of-Year Holiday Party.

Collaboration Filmmakers Challenge Awarded Over $20,000 in Prizes

To discover new talent and connect with like-minded creatives, MPI partnered with MPI friend Joe Gressis to host the Collaboration Filmmakers Challenge—a two-week competition inspired by Hunter S. Thompson’s words: “Freedom is something that dies if it isn’t used.” Over 300 filmmakers collaborated to script, shoot, and edit their short films, with 15 standout projects selected to screen at the Short Film Showcase. The event drew a standing-room-only crowd of over 400 attendees who celebrated the winners, voted for audience awards, and saw MPI present over $20,000 in prizes, including a $5,000 development deal with Pathfinder Media.

MPI Released Short Films Developed through RFP Offerings

Two standout MPI Original short films, A Clean Slate and Infraction, recently secured distribution following their impressive success on the festival circuit. Developed through MPI’s RFP offerings—the Documentary Storytelling Workshop and Short Film Lab—these films reflect the powerful storytelling and talent cultivated through MPI’s initiatives. Both are now available to stream on CiVL, a free platform dedicated to bold stories that explore the challenges facing humanity.
Learn more about the films here and explore behind-the-scenes interviews here.

New Opportunities in the Year Ahead

Looking to jumpstart your career in the new year? Consider applying to MPI’s 2025 Short Film Lab. This year’s theme, “Silenced Voices: The Fight for Free Speech and Expression in a Digital Age,” challenges filmmakers to explore the resilience of those championing free expression. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. (PT) on Friday, January 3, 2025. To find out more or to apply, click here. 

Visit theMPI.org/filmmakers to learn more about MPI’s filmmaker opportunities, and stay tuned as we roll out exciting new offerings in 2025!