From Winning to Inspiring: Catching Up with 2021 Mosaic Mobile Alum Bree Mathis
Each year, the Mosaic Mobile film competition provides high school students with a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity through short films shot entirely on mobile devices. With more than $2,000 in cash prizes awarded, students are challenged to create 2–to 3-minute films that explore diverse themes, incorporate a specific prop, and include a meaningful phrase. This year’s competition encourages students to view life through a “Kaleidoscope,” with paperclips as the prop and the phrase "Every Piece Matters."
We recently caught up with 2021 1st-place winner and Rick Wilson Award winner (determined by popular vote) Bree Mathis. Bree credits Mosaic Mobile with boosting her confidence and storytelling skills, we’re excited to see the creativity and innovation that will shine in the 2024 competition.
Mosaic Film Experience: Where are you now?
Bree Mathis: I am currently a sophomore and attend Grand Valley State University on a full-ride scholarship, which is a part of their honors college. I am studying elementary education pk-6th grade and I work at a daycare not too far from GVSU. I live downtown with one of my closest friends.
Mosaic Film Experience: How did participating in Mosaic Mobile impact your approach to storytelling and creativity?
Bree Mathis: Because Mosaic Mobile has impacted my approach to creativity in general by just helping me understand that the tools that you have access to don't define you. You can create something so powerful and impactful with just your phone. Understanding that it doesn't take thousands of dollars in equipment to convey something so meaningful opened so many doors for me.
Mosaic Film Experience: What skills did you develop during the competition that have been useful in your academic journey?
Bree Mathis: My ability to story tell and write has improved dramatically since the competition. Also knew I really liked writing but after this, my appreciation for it changed so much. Going to Interlochen Arts Academy for the summer also helped me so much in how I want to convey certain messages.
Mosaic Film Experience: How has Mosaic Mobile influenced your current goals or projects?
Bree Mathis: Before Mosaic Mobile, I had never really won anything or competed in anything and honestly, I didn't even think my video was going to make it in the top ten. It gave me confidence and inspired me to pursue more things creatively and academically. As far as applying to different programs or scholarships.
Mosaic Film Experience: What advice would you give to students participating in this year's competition?
Bree Mathis: The advice I would give to students would just be to be yourself. Give something your all and make sure you are speaking from the heart. People love and can benefit so much from authentic storytelling.
Watch Bree’s 2021 winning film “Rigid Edges”: https://youtu.be/Q-_BtkCDfnY?feature=shared
2024 Mosaic Mobile competition details: https://www.mosaicfilmexperience.com/mosaic-event
Submit a film: https://mosaic.inforeadyscale.com/hub
