MPI is excited to announce that Ryan Caldwell has been awarded the Documentary Storytelling Workshop’s $10,000 grant prize. As part of the 2024 class, which featured 13 filmmakers developing 11 compelling projects, Ryan brought in an ambitious and exciting documentary project that he strengthened throughout the workshop. With expert guidance from Oscar-nominated documentarian Elizabeth Mirzaei and MPI’s director of talent and creative development Nicole Roewe, he refined his storytelling techniques, further developing the film’s narrative and artistic approach to elevate it to the next level.

Ryan brings a diverse background and strong storytelling expertise to his project. His experience includes commercial work with Boeing and the US Air Force, as well as serving as first assistant director on Cronies—a Spike Lee-produced film that premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and later had a successful Netflix run—which showcases his talent for creating impactful work. In 2020, Ryan launched Ballistic Boy Productions, a production company known for thoughtful films like The Beggar and the Road Kid, which earned the Spreading Light Award at the 2022 Anthem Film Festival. Additionally, his earlier involvement in MPI’s Theory and Fundamentals screenwriting workshop enhanced his filmmaking skills, and he is set to join MPI’s Mentorship Program this month.

Ryan shared with MPI: “I’m incredibly grateful to MPI for this grant. After more than a year of self-funding, this support is a lifeline that keeps the project moving forward. Through this workshop, I gained invaluable insights into vérité and poetic filmmaking, which I now plan to incorporate into the project, offering a fresh take on the documentary musical genre.”

The Documentary Storytelling Workshop and its grant reflect MPI’s dedication to fostering filmmakers who take on compelling and relevant narratives. Want to stay in the loop about MPI’s filmmaker opportunities, including workshops like this? Sign up for our filmmaker newsletter to learn more and stay updated!