Press Release: Film Contest Helps Student with Autism Share His Story
Brooklyn student Josiah Lessie found his voice through the Nourishing Narratives mobile film contest, now back for a second year to spotlight youth stories across the nation.
P77K, a District 75 public school in Brooklyn that serves students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted a special screening of an award-winning short film created by student Josiah Lessie. Created using only a mobile device, “Tomorrow Starts Now” was selected as one of 10 winners in Nourishing Narratives: Youth Stories for Change, a national mobile film competition hosted by Michigan-based nonprofit Mosaic Film Experience in collaboration with Connecticut-based Newman's Own Foundation, the private grantmaking foundation started by legendary actor Paul Newman. The screening event took place on Wednesday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Josiah Lessie, a student with a passion for cooking, discovered hydroponics through his school's farmers' market work site program. Under the guidance of Mr. Tyler, the teacher who supports and operates P77K’s Farmer’s Market, he learned to grow, manage and harvest fresh produce. That knowledge sparked a culinary breakthrough in the school's kitchen, where Josiah created his own basil salad dressing using freshly grown basil and parmesan. It became a hit, selling out among students and staff.
Through Green Bronx Machine, the school received training, indoor growing technology, cash registers, computers, scanners, scales, packaging equipment, even a chicken coop to grow and gather eggs, all of which will be used to open a weekly market serving the entire community, and of course, featuring Josiah’s famous dressing.
When Nourishing Narratives invited students across the country to create short films about food justice, Josiah saw an opportunity to share his journey. Though he had never made a film before, he used AI assistive technology to narrate his story in a way that felt comfortable and true to him.
Josiah said he wanted his film to show other students like him what's possible when they believe in themselves and are given the platform to share their stories.
"This made me feel proud of myself," Josiah said. "I would like to make more videos to show people how to cook."
“Tomorrow Starts Now” highlights his belief that food justice starts with education: teaching people how to grow food at home, especially those without shelter or a steady income.
“Josiah took what he learned at farmer’s market and turned it into something powerful,” said Mr. Tyler. “Through Nourishing Narratives, Josiah has learned to lead, inspire and show others what’s possible when you follow your passion.”
With support from the nonprofit Green Bronx Machine, which donated a mobile kitchen to help Josiah continue making his salad dressing, he remains committed to his culinary journey. The screening at P77K celebrated creativity, resilience, and the power of student voice.
"Don't give up because there's always someone who wants to help," said Josiah.
Following the success of the 2025 competition, Mosaic Film Experience and Newman's Own Foundation are proud to announce that Nourishing Narratives is returning for a second year. Submissions are being accepted beginning March 6.
“Josiah’s story is a powerful example of what happens when young people are given the tools and platform to share their stories,” said Skot Welch, Founder and President of Mosaic Film Experience. “We believe storytelling belongs to everyone and Josiah’s film shows us how confidence can grow when students are supported. We’re honored to partner with P77K and proud to see Nourishing Narratives open doors for student storytellers like Josiah.”
The competition invites students ages 13 to 18 across the U.S. to create a short film (up to three minutes) using only mobile devices. No prior filmmaking experience is required. Each submission must include the theme of Creating Food Futures, include a plate or bowl as a prop, and incorporate the phrase "Change Starts With Us," spoken, written, or displayed. The competition encourages students to explore real-world solutions, spotlight individuals and organizations making a difference, and reimagine a fair food system for all.
Winning students will receive a $1,000 prize, a Newman's Own prize package and the chance to meet professionals in film and food justice spaces.
"Paul Newman believed deeply in nourishing and transforming the lives of children and that mission continues to guide our work today," said Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation. "Through Nourishing Narratives, we're proud to elevate youth voices on food justice and to partner with Mosaic Film Experience to bring these important stories, and student storytellers, to the forefront of national conversations."
About Mosaic Film Experience:
Founded in 2012 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Mosaic Film Experience (MFE) is a 501(c)(3) organization that reimagines students’ pathways to emerging and creative industries through innovative education and workforce development experiences, by connecting students directly with industry-leading professionals, hands-on projects, and interactive workshops. Mosaic Mobile bridges the gap between classroom learning and evolving careers. In an era when storytelling and digital media skills are essential, another way Mosaic prepares students for the future and empowers them to express their own unique voices. For more information, visit https://www.mosaicfilmexperience.com.
About Newman’s Own Foundation:
Newman’s Own Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation whose mission is to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity. The Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to use all the money that it receives —100% of profits and royalties — from the sale of Newman’s Own and Paul Newman products in service of its mission. Since 1982, Paul and Newman’s Own Foundation have given away over $625M to good causes. Today, Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partners promote nutritious food in schools, advance Indigenous food justice, and through SeriousFun Children’s Network, create medically inclusive camp experiences. Learn more at www.newsmanown.org.
About P77K:
P77K is a multi-sited, District 75 school with sites across Brooklyn. We focus on rigorous instruction, student safety, and building independent members of the community through our work-based learning program. One of our work-based learning programs is the P77K Farmers’ Market, which teaches students to grow, harvest, and provide fresh produce to the local community. Every student at P77K is offered the opportunity to work in our P77K Garden and hydroponics lab, which has increased student engagement and learning across all content areas.
About Green Bronx Machine:
Green Bronx Machine is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed non-profit that builds healthy, equitable, and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, their school-based model incorporates urban agriculture and Tower Garden technology supported by their whole-school curriculum aligned to key school performance indicators to grow high performing schools and happy, healthy children. Green Bronx Machine transforms once marginalized communities into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving. For more information, visit www.greenbronxmachine.org.
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