MAYSLES INSTITUTE INC
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Mission Statement
The Maysles Documentary Center, a not for profit organization, is dedicated to the exhibition and production of documentary films that inspire dialogue and action. Through our cinema and education programs we engage diverse communities in creative self-expression, communicating ideas and advocating needs.
About This Cause
MDC was established in 2005 by award-winning filmmaker Albert Maysles (1926-2015) who, along with his brother David, is known for developing “Direct Cinema” in the 1960s. The Maysles brothers defied documentary conventions by capturing life as it unfolded before the camera, without scripts, sets, or narration. Albert Maysles’s philosophy was one of collaboration, naturalistic environments, and empathetic relationships with his participants. Recognizing the inequity in film programs and experiences in Upper Manhattan, Albert Maysles chose Harlem as the site for MDC, in an effort to increase access for underserved residents to high-quality film screenings, discussions with artists, and educational opportunities. MDC began as a summer program for youth whose parents were incarcerated to provide outlets for artistic expression, holistic development, and community connections. Since then, we have grown into a year-round institution that offers education for high school students and young people involved in the justice system, and documentary screenings and discussions. MDC extended Maysles’s vision of a democratic film experience into two core program pillars: film education (including career development and mentorship) and film screenings and discussion. Documentary film remains the cornerstone of our organization, helping us to promote understanding of diverse cultures to cultivate empathy, understanding, and connection.