MPT recognizes the importance of local and independent filmmakers and their unique ability to capture truths about the world with artistic integrity, intelligence, and balance. MPT supports these artists and gives viewers access to their voices and viewpoints. These producers' programs provide viewers with a better understanding of the world, an open door to the arts, and actionable information to improve their daily lives.

Welcome, producers! Please scroll to the bottom of this page for special information about submitting your work or program ideas to MPT.

The Historic HBCU Photograph

Monday, September 2nd @ 8:30 PM (premiere); Tuesday, September 3rd @ 12:30 and 3:30 AM; Sunday, September 8th @ 4:00 PM; Wednesday, September 18th @ 9:30 PM (MPT2/Create)

In 2021, the approval of a vaccine by the CDC marked a turning point in the battle against COVID-19, allowing the gradual resumption of social activities. Against this backdrop, alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country gathered for a momentous event on the steps of Morningside Park in Harlem. Inspired by the iconic 1958 photograph "A Great Day in Harlem," they came together for a historic photograph, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of community.  The gathering not only celebrated the resilience of HBCU alumni but also served as a powerful reminder of their historical role in advancing social justice and equality.

History of a National Treasure - Morgan State University

Tuesday, September 3rd @ 8:00 PM (premiere); Wednesday, September 4th @ 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM; Tuesday, September 26th @ 9:49 PM (MPT2/Create)

Rooted in the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act and born of the vision of five Black churchmen and former slaves who were determined to uplift their race through education, the Centenary Biblical Institute was an all-male school for clergymen in the basement of a South Baltimore church with nine students and one professor..  Launched in 1867 and – through more than 150 years of social and financial struggle – it evolved into Morgan State University, one of this nation’s most accomplished and prestigious historically black higher education institutions.

The Golden Year: Howard Women's Basketball

Thursday, September 5th @ 8:00 PM (premiere); Friday, September 6th @ 1:00 AM and 4:30 AM; Saturday, September 7th @ 9:30 PM; Sun, September 8th @ 1:30 AM; Wednesday, September 18th @ 9:00 PM (MPT2/Create)

Since 1974, the Howard University women's basketball program has been committed to excellence that extends beyond the court. Facing triumph and challenges, the women's basketball team continues to raise the bar - embodying the spirit of resilience, determination and pride.

Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience

Friday, September 6th @ 9:00 PM (premiere)

Today's African-American students have more opportunities to engage with mathematics than any of their predecessors had. Yet there are powerful headwinds: lingering racial prejudice and internal cultural resistance to math and STEM in the community, are just two. With a focus on the role of HBCUs in producing Black mathematicians, this film explores the pioneering stories of prominent Black scholars, scientists and educators, showing how the challenges they faced and their triumphs are reflected in the experiences of today's mid-career Black mathematicians.

Local, USA: HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition

Thursday, September 5th @ 9:00 PM (premiere); Friday, September 6th @ 2:00 AM; Saturday, September 7th @ 8:00 PM; Sunday, September 8th @ 3:00 AM; Wednesday, September 11th @ 10:30 PM (MPT2/Create)

Diving into HBCU football culture,  witness the rivalry of Hampton and Howard, a testament to tradition and spirit, and appreciate the intensity of an NC A&T vs. NC Central game, a match steeped in proximity and pride. The program showcases the blend of camaraderie and competition that defines HBCU sports, highlighting their impact on African American communities.

The Five Demands

Monday, September 9th @ 9:00 PM (premiere); Tuesday, September 10th @ 1:30 AM; Wednesday, September 25th @ 10:00 PM (MPT2/Create)

In April 1969, a small group of Black and Puerto Rican students shut down the City College of New York, an elite public university located in the heart of Harlem.  The CCNY strikers were the vanguard of a national Black student movement that transformed the culture, mission, and curriculum of American higher education.  For many, it was the first time they ever stepped foot on the neo-Gothic campus on a hill overlooking their neighborhood. Told through the participants' point of view, the film follows the students' struggle against the institutional racism that, for over a century, had shut out people of color from this institution and other public universities.

Afro Blue: A Year in the Life

Wednesday, September 4th @ 10:00 PM; Thursday, September 5th @ 2:00 AM

Afro Blue, Howard University's premier vocal jazz ensemble, invites you to a behind the scenes look into what it's like to be a member of this dynamic group. Join them on their 2018-2019 musical journey from auditions at the beginning of the school year, their focused and fun rehearsal process, exciting performances at multiple venues, concluding with a recording session at the end.

The Calvin Tyler Story

Friday, September 6th @ 10:00 pm; Saturday, September 7th at 2:00 AM; Thursday, September 26th @ 9:00 PM (MPT2/Create)

Biography of Calvin Tyler, a Baltimore UPS driver who worked his way up the corporate ladder to Senior Vice President of Operations and then on to the Board of Directors . A former student of Morgan State College, Tyler and his wife Tina committed $20 million in need-based scholarships to students of Morgan University, the largest-ever private donation from an alumnus to an HBCU.

Hampton University: One of the Wonders of the World

Tuesday, September 3rd @ 8:38 PM; Wednesday, September 4th @ 12:30 and 3:38 AM; Thursday, September 26th @ 9:00 PM (MPT2/Create)

A look at the history of Virginia's Hampton University and the leadership of its iconic past-President, Dr. William R. Harvey. As Hampton University's 44-year president, Dr. Harvey left a lasting legacy as an iconic leader and advocate for HBCU education. His life-changing impact on those who came in contact with him has been recognized by Former President Barack Obama, civil rights icon Andrew Young and Gov. Douglass Wilder, among others.

Local, USA: HBCU Week: Beyond the Field

Monday, September 2nd @ 8:00 PM; Tuesday, September 3rd @ 12:00 and 3:00 AM; Saturday, September 7th @ 8:30 PM; Sunday, September 8th @ 12:30 and 3:30 AM

Offering a unique look beyond sports, HBCU Week: BEYOND THE FIELD highlights the culture, history, and community spirit that define HBCUs.  Experience the CIAA in Maryland, a cornerstone of Black athletics history, and feel the electrifying atmosphere of Louisiana's Bayou Classic - an annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University.

The Morgan Lacrosse Story

Thursday, September 5th @ 10:30 PM; Friday, September 6th @ 3:30 AM

Set against the racially turbulent 1970s, The Morgan Lacrosse Story chronicles the accomplishments of the Morgan Bears, the nation's first and only college lacrosse team at a historically black institution. The film chronicles the accomplishments of an extraordinary group of young black men and their fearless leader who took the field in a predominantly white sport.

Run Wild Run Free: 50 Years of Wild & Scenic Rivers

Monday, September 16th @ 9:00 PM (MPT2/Create)

More than 60 years ago America was in the peak of the industrial revolution and the nation's waterways were dying from dams, water diversions and pollution. The plight of America's rivers caught the attention of twin brothers and renowned wildlife biologists John and Frank Craighead. After witnessing the demise of their childhood river,the Potomac in Maryland, and after hearing of dam proposals on Montana's most wild river where they were studying grizzly bears on the verge of extinction, they were inspired to act. Run Wild Run Free tells the story of the resulting Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and its legacy. Sweeping visuals accompany stories told by experts, grassroots organizations, white water enthusiasts and members of the Nez Perce tribe in Idaho.

Undivide Us

Wednesday, September 25th @ 3:00 AM

America is at a crossroads where politicians, traditional media, and social media fan the flames of toxic partisanship that have led many Americans to question whether they can trust their fellow citizens. Through the intimate lens of six focus groups across three American cities, the film explores the twisted landscape of toxic polarization, revealing how it drives us to places fundamentally un-American places. Yet, within these divisions, the film uncovers the potential for healing conversation and the rediscovery of the value of local community, mutual respect, and democracy. 

Shaw Rising

Sunday, September 8th @ 1:00 PM; Wednesday, September 18th @ 10:00 PM (MPT2/Create)

This hour-long documentary that tells the story of Shaw University and its integral place throughout American history. Despite facing vicious prejudice from in the aftermath of the Civil War, Shaw rose to become a co-educational college, a medical school, law school and divinity school. During the Civil Rights Movement, Shaw University served as the birthplace of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and continues to rise to the challenges faced by its mission today.