MPI Fellowship Program

MPI’s Fellowship Program supports the career development of rising freedom-oriented filmmakers attached to or involved in marketable film projects. (View some profiles of featured MPI fellows and their projects.) MPI fellows receive financial support for their work, and in return assist MPI in building our network of contacts within the film industry. This assistance may include participating in MPI’s Internship Program, attending industry events, and providing technical assistance to other MPI grantees. Fellows serve as mentors and connectors while using MPI support to develop their careers.

MPI fellows have used MPI support to produce, market, and distribute both feature-length and short films. The program is particularly well-suited for filmmakers wishing to produce short films for use as “calling cards" with agents and producers. MPI fellows’ short films have helped them secure jobs, top representation, and meetings with major producers (see Sonny Bunch’s article “Calling Card" for more).

MPI works with each fellow to set reasonable goals for their film projects. To maximize the impact of fellows’ work, we offer mentoring and guidance on scripting, production, marketing, and distribution, while also striving to create opportunities for fellows to network, share ideas, and pool resources.

Application Procedures

To apply for a grant, the filmmaker should send a letter of inquiry not exceeding two pages that describes his or her background and general filmmaking objectives and goals. The letter should include a résumé, a brief description of the project, and the reason the applicant wishes to seek support from MPI. If the project is within our program objectives, we will invite the applicant to submit a formal proposal.

Please direct letters of inquiry to info at thempi dot org. Letters may also be sent to MPI’s mailing address, but e-mail is preferred.