Moving Picture Institute

Are you a documentary filmmaker looking to move beyond the “talking head” format and uncover the narrative within your footage? If so, you’re in luck! MPI is now accepting applications for the 2024 MPI Documentary Storytelling Workshop, which offers filmmakers training and mentorship to inspire and guide them as they develop short documentary pitches. During this eight-week virtual workshop beginning September 12, participants will learn how to develop characters, craft compelling story arcs, and strike an honest balance between story and argument. Filmmakers accepted into the program receive a $1,000 grant. After the workshop, MPI may elect to acquire one or more projects to produce as MPI Original Films. Filmmakers are then mentored through the entire production process, which is funded by MPI. MPI will prioritize short film projects, ranging from 10–30 minutes, that can be shot, edited, and released within one to two years from the completion of the workshop. Ideally, projects submitted to the workshop will be at the conceptual stage. Projects may enter the workshop if production has begun or even if they are in post, but if MPI chooses the documentary as an “official MPI Original selection,” it must be possible for MPI to acquire the project at the end of the workshop or, at the very least, join the project as a co-producing entity. If your project is selected, you will also have the opportunity to become a participant in the MPI’s Production Lab. This immersive program guides participants through the entire production process, teaching them to translate their concepts into compelling on-screen stories. MPI’s experienced producers provide hands-on education covering all aspects of filmmaking—from budgeting and hiring department heads to scouting locations, casting talent, editing, sound mixing, and color correction. Upon completion, filmmakers receive guidance in creating promotional materials and developing strategies for film festival releases. Past MPI-supported documentaries have earned industry recognition, such as appearing on the Academy Awards shortlist for best documentary and screening in festivals including SXSW, Telluride, and DOC NYC. The application deadline for the 2024 workshop is August 12, 2024, at 11:50 p.m. (PT). Applicants are welcome to submit up to three pitches, each submitted as a separate application. MPI anticipates to notify candidates by August 19, 2024, if they have been accepted into the workshop. To learn more and begin your application visit the link below! https://lnkd.in/edWAn3k6

Last week, MPI launched its 2024 Hollywood Career Launch Program, an exclusive talent-development initiative for college students and recent graduates who align with MPI’s vision of promoting freedom in film. This highly competitive program offers internships at production houses and on the sets of MPI Original Films, providing invaluable industry exposure and hands-on experience. With only one percent of applicants accepted, it presents a prestigious opportunity for aspiring professionals. “We’re excited to kick off 2024’s Hollywood Career Launch Program with our largest intern class yet,” says Nicole Swinford, the Moving Picture Institute’s creative development executive. “Getting your foot in the door is often the most difficult task when starting out in the entertainment industry, and MPI is delighted to be able to give that opportunity to these thirteen incredible young people: the future of all things entertainment.” Read more below about the Summer ahead for MPI's production interns! https://lnkd.in/emDxPMHP

MPI is currently looking to hire an experienced Staff Writer. This position will work in close collaboration with the development and communications teams to develop original copy and edit communications in order to solicit support through donor communications, expand our networks, and grow our audiences. Join the MPI team! Learn more about the position and apply here: https://lnkd.in/e_h7r536

The award-winning MPI Original and BET Original feature film "Kemba" is now streaming exclusively on BET+. Visit www.bet.plus/movie/kemba to start your free seven-day trial on the BET+ platform! Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, "Kemba" tells the story of a sheltered college student, who finds herself trapped in an abusive relationship with a drug dealer. Though she never deals or handles drugs, in a tragic turn of events, she receives a 24½ year prison sentence for her boyfriend’s crimes. Starring Nesta Cooper (Apple TV+ series "See"), Siddiq Saunderson ("Wu-Tang: An American Saga"), Sean Patrick Thomas ("Till"), and Michelle Hurd ("Star Trek: Picard"), this emotional drama focuses on the consequences of mandatory minimums and the “war on drugs” while at the same time demonstrating the power of a loving family and showcasing redemption in the face of insurmountable odds. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eD988Knb

The MPI Original short film "Infraction" has now taken home 10 awards during its incredibly successful film festival run. Just this month the film was awarded the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Short at Pittsburgh Shorts, and it won the Best Dramatic Short out of over 100 world class short films at the 15th Annual San Jose International Short Film Festival. Read more about the film's success below! https://bit.ly/49X0oYd

"Kemba," an MPI Original produced in association with BET Original Films, will have its world premiere as an official selection at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on November 8, 2023. "Kemba" follows the journey of a sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to find out he isn’t who he seems. When Kemba learns of her boyfriend Khalif’s true identity as a drug kingpin, he turns abusive—grooming straight-laced Kemba to overlook his illicit dealings. Though she never dealt or handled drugs, in a tragic turn of events, Kemba receives an outrageous sentence for her boyfriend’s crimes—placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs.” Never losing hope, her parents along with an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund launch a campaign for appeal and later clemency, harnessing the power of Black civic organizations, sororities, celebrities, and lawmakers. The feature film is based on the true story of Kemba Smith and stars Nesta Cooper (Apple TV+ series "See") in the titular role. The film’s outstanding cast also includes Siddiq Saunderson ("Wu-Tang: An American Saga"), Sean Patrick Thomas ("Till"), and Michelle Hurd ("Star Trek: Picard"). A special Q&A will take place after the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, screening featuring special guest executive producer Kemba Smith Pradia. To learn more about the film, purchase tickets, and to sign up for updates regarding additional screenings as they are announced, please visit KembaMovie.com.