MPI 2025 Annual Report

MPI Short Film Lab Filmmakers Take On the Fight for Free Speech P articipating in MPI’s Short Film Lab is one of the most effective ways for filmmakers to see their work produced, offering immersive

MPI Filmmaker Summits Sustaining a Creative, Connected Community M PI’s filmmaker summits strengthen the skills, careers, and connections of our creative community, sustaining a strong talent pipeline. Our programming serves two

the dangers of digital-age censorship and control through one woman’s search for love, showing that real connection is only possible when we can freely express who we are and what we believe. Monica first joined MPI through the 2021 Short Film Lab, worked as a production assistant on several MPI Originals, and returned this year with a new idea— ultimately earning the highest award in the lab, the Short Film Lab grant.

The Rising Executive Summit and Producer’s Playbook equip participants with the tools, insights, and connections needed to succeed in today’s entertainment industry. The 2025 sessions featured producers Michael Mandaville ( Taken trilogy) and Mark Joseph ( Reagan , The Chronicles of Narnia ), and film executive Tyler Zacharia ( The Irishman ). Attendees trained in budgeting, financing, and union negotiations and gained access to the Producers Guild of America’s Produced By Conference, covering AI, pitching, and the evolving role of producers. MPI held two Advanced Filmmaker Summits in 2025. One took place at the Sundance Film Festival, offering access to screenings, Q&As, and MPI-hosted gatherings. The second convened 30 filmmakers during MPI’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, featuring a masterclass with director Tyler Nilson ( The Peanut Butter Falcon ), a discussion with MPI board member and writer- producer Rob Long ( Cheers ), and a fireside chat with The Bragg Brothers and Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game subjects Roger and Ellen Sharpe.

training, professional mentorship, and a path into the MPI Production Lab. The 2025 lab explored the theme “Silenced Voices: The Fight for Free Speech in a Digital Age,” challenging participants to examine censorship, self-expression, and the power of open dialogue. From 155 applications, twelve filmmakers advanced to the Narrative Short Screenwriting Workshops, and eight continued into the Directing Workshop, which included an in-person Directing Actors Summit, virtual sessions with industry professionals—including MPI alumni—and individualized mentorship. Monica Cecilia Lucas received the $10,000 Short Film Lab grant for her romantic comedy with a sci-fi twist, You’ve Got Matches . In the film, a hopeless romantic and a cynic form an unexpected bond as they uncover why their AI-powered dating apps have kept them apart. The story highlights

groups—creative storytellers and professionals on the business side of the industry—drawing on more than twenty years of experience identifying and nurturing talent.

MPI filmmaker Monica Cecilia Lucas works on the set of One Second After.

MPI filmmakers gather for a group photo on a tour of the historic Paramount Pictures studio lot during the Advanced Filmmaker Summit.

Working with MPI over the past few years has been my most comprehensive film education. Developing my script in the Short Film Lab and learning from instructors and peers gave me the confidence to bring my story to life. Being selected as the 2025 lab winner means the world to me and will help me take the next step in my career. —MONICA CECILIA LUCAS, MPI FILMMAKER AND 2025 SHORT FILM LAB WINNER

MPI’s Advanced Filmmaker Summits are an excellent opportunity to connect with top-tier talent against the backdrop of the industry’s most exciting events . Meaningfully developing connections with other filmmakers and distributors at the Sundance summit resulted in a documentary series production later in the year, and the summit in LA showed the incredible breadth of MPI’s professional network. I’m immensely grateful for the education and support provided by these career enriching experiences. —MATTHEW PIRRALL, MPI FILMMAKER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AT CAVERN COLLECTIVE