Teaching America’s Founding Through Film: MPI’s Gen Alpha Project ‘Son of 1776’ 

“Son of 1776” is a film in development that will tell the story of the American Revolution through the eyes of a teenage orphan who joins Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army.

It’s a project of the Moving Picture Institute (MPI)—a New York-based nonprofit film production organization that develops, produces, and distributes high-impact visual storytelling about human freedom.

MPI’s work made it a Round Two winner of the Heritage Foundation’s America’s 250th Innovation Prizes, awarded in October 2025.

Capturing the Spirit of Independence

Founded in 2005, the Moving Picture Institute supports filmmakers and creative talent dedicated to exploring themes of freedom, individual rights, and civic values through compelling narrative and documentary films. Its work includes both original productions and support for emerging storytellers who use cinema to inform and inspire audiences about the importance of liberty and self-government.

The Daily Signal interviewed institute executives about their mission.

Paul Olivett, MPI’s philanthropic investments officer, told the Daily Signal at the time of the award, “As the 250th anniversary of our nation approaches, we believe this project offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the spirit of independence—and to pass on a love for it.”

Moving Picture Institute’s award-winning project, “Son of 1776,” follows the teen orphan’s journey from outcast to courageous leader while introducing younger viewers to the defining events and ideals of the Revolutionary era, including courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.

The film is designed to engage Generation Alpha, ages 5-14, with America’s founding history in an accessible and emotionally resonant way.

Olivett later said: “This film will represent a rare opportunity to bring the story of America’s founding to younger audiences in a format that is both entertaining and historically grounded. At a time when many families are seeking inspiring, values-rich content, ‘Son of 1776’ has the potential to reach millions and spark renewed interest in our shared national story.”

As part of its America’s 250th Innovation Prize, the organization received a $50,000 grant from Heritage to advance production on “Son of 1776,” alongside four other winning projects that celebrate American history and constitutional principles.

“We are currently refining and polishing the script for the film, as well as putting together a short clip that we’re using to test the animation style and illustrate the artistic look, feel, and emotional core of the film,” Olivett told the Daily Signal.

“MPI is proud to be producing this meaningful, mission-aligned film as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding,” Olivett said. “The film will have a lasting impact for generations to come and will be used by educators, parents, and organizations to tell America’s founding story in a patriotic and entertaining way.”

Additional Round Two winners are:

• Harlan Institute
• Mountain States Policy Center
• Wedgwood Circle
• Constituting America

Round One winners of the America’s 250th Innovation Prize.

• Creative Studio to Release Video Series for America’s 250th Anniversary 
• Faith Group Wins Innovation Prize for America’s 250th Celebration
• ‘A First of Its Kind’: Bestselling Author Crafts American Fable Collection
• Catholic Nonprofit Develops Resources to Inspire Patriotism
• Virginia Nonprofit Wins Prize to Create US History Documentaries for Nation’s 250th Anniversary