Maysles Documentary Center: And The Winners Of The 2025 MDC Albie Award Winners Are…

By Maysles Documentary Center

Photos: Maysles Documentary Center

Maysles Documentary Center is excited to announce the winners of the 6th Annual Albie Awards!

We believe in the power of film to provoke dialogue, deepen understanding, and build a more equitable world. Since 2018, the Albie Awards have celebrated visionary filmmakers whose work sheds light on urgent social issues — often anticipating major honors like the Academy Awards. This year, we’re proud to honor ORWELL: 2+2=5, THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR, and  SEEDS — three powerful films that explore themes of land ownership, community division, and global authoritarianism. At a time when the world feels increasingly fractured, the Albies remind us that art is not only a mirror but a force for unity, resistance, and change.

ORWELL: 2+2=5
Directed by Raoul Peck
Produced by Alex Gibney, George Chignell, Nick Shumaker

Interweaving footage from adaptations of 1984 with a tapestry of 21st century images, BAFTA-winning director Raoul Peck masterfully dissects Orwell’s prescient genius and his vital lessons for our times and our future. 

THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR
Directed by Geeta Gandbhir
Produced by Alisa Payne, Nikon Kwantu, Sam Bisbee

Using bodycam footage from dozens of police visits, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORbears witness to a tight-knit community navigating one neighbor’s relentless harassment. But her hostility takes a sinister turn when it escalates into a fatal crime.

SEEDS
Directed by Brittany Shyne
Produced by Danielle Varga, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon

A portrait of centennial farmers in the geographical south. Using lyrical black and white imagery, this meditative film examines the decline of generational black farmers and the significance of owning land.

Join us to celebrate these extraordinary honorees! 

SEPTEMBER 24th, 2025

6:30PM

GINNY’S SUPPER CLUB @ RED ROOSTER, HARLEM

Marcus Samuelsson

Menu

DJ Stormin’ Norman

Music

TICKETS

Seating is extremely limited, and this event is expected to sell out quickly. Secure your spot now—don’t miss out!

The Albie Award, created in the name of our late founder, Albert Maysles, is Maysles Documentary Center’s most important fundraiser of the year. The award honors filmmakers who have inspired us with their work and broader contributions as mentors, role models, and champions for social justice. All proceeds support Maysles Documentary Center’s filmmaking education programs for youth from Harlem and the South Bronx, as well as our 50-seat theater, the only arthouse cinema north of 96th Street.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the Albies!

To Support our independent investigative journalism contributions are welcome via Cashapp to: $BlackStarNews

Also support Black Star News by buying merch from our brand new Black Star Store!