MPI 2025 Annual Report

Another MPI film that has spurred action is Kemba , which tells the powerful true story of Kemba Smith Pradia, a young college student whose life was upended after she became entangled in an abusive relationship with a man who turned out to be a drug kingpin. Though she never handled or sold drugs, Kemba was sentenced to 24½ years in prison under mandatory federal sentencing laws.

received clemency, and Kemba Smith Pradia was granted a full pardon. This powerful outcome was bolstered by renewed national attention to their cases, driven by Kemba ’s release on BET+ and MPI’s work with strategic partners to organize more than 120 grassroots screenings, including a bipartisan screening at the US Capitol for nearly 500 lawmakers and activists. The clemency of Michelle West and the pardon of Kemba stand as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to foster greater understanding and advance justice.

In 2025, Michelle West—whose story is portrayed in Kemba and who was also sentenced unfairly—

MPI Original Films: Real-World Impact Turning Storytelling into Action M PI is committed to creating films that both entertain and inspire audiences to think differently. That commitment has Melony Armstrong (center) and Lana (right) participate in a discussion with Windrider Studios at the Sundance Film Festival, where Freedom Hair —inspired by Melony’s entrepreneurial spirit—is honored with the Amplify Award, recognizing films that elevate BIPOC voices. regulations in court, transforming her personal struggle into a broader fight for economic liberty.

In February, a grassroots screening in Albuquerque—co-hosted with IJ and featuring Melony—helped spark real policy change. Weeks later, the governor signed a bill eliminating licensing requirements for hair braiders. The film also played a role in a similar victory in Wyoming, with both states joining more than three dozen others that have enacted this reform. These wins reflect growing momentum in a movement MPI is proud to champion, using screenings nationwide to inspire dialogue and advance regulatory change.

already yielded measurable impact—seen through the success of Freedom Hair and Kemba , two MPI Original films that continue to resonate deeply with viewers and partners across the country. Written and directed by Academy Award- nominated filmmaker Dianne Houston, Freedom Hair tells the true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who turns her passion for natural hair braiding into a business—only to face restrictive state licensing laws. With help from the Institute for Justice (IJ), she challenges Mississippi’s

Kemba Smith Pradia and director Kelley Kali (center left to right) receive the Audience Award from members of the Alexandria Film Festival.