Mosaic Film Experience and Newman’s Own Foundation Announce the Winners of the Nourishing Narratives Mobile Film Competition
Mosaic Film Experience, an award-winning, nonprofit educational platform that empowers underrepresented youth to explore emerging and creative careers through the power of storytelling, today announces the winners of Nourishing Narratives: Cultivating Youth Stories For Change, a mobile film competition for youth ages 10-18 that amplifies youth voices on the concept of food justice and helps draw attention to the need for a food system that is fair, ethical, humane and equitable for all.
Youth from all across the US captured powerful stories about food challenges in their communities, inspiring people or projects using food to make a difference, and what it looks like when we live in a world with a food system that works for all. The creators submitted films – filmed, edited and uploaded entirely on mobile devices – up to three minutes in length that featured the theme of food justice and reimagines what a just, equitable, and fair food system for all looks like. A diverse jury featuring esteemed food justice leaders, film industry professionals, and media from NPR, NBC Nightly News, TIME for Kids, The Ten News, and others selected the top 10.
Each of the 10 winners will receive a $1,000 award and prize package to further support their efforts to champion food justice and amplify their creative voices. Winners and guardians will be honored at a special screening and awards ceremony at Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles on August 2, 2025, where their films will be showcased to an audience of industry professionals and community leaders. The list of winners includes:
Food Justice - by Ambrosia Acevedo (age 18), Meridian, CT
A Just Plate: Food for All - by Jonathan Conley (age 17), Lexington, KY
Cocos Frios - by Mia Cuevas (age 17) Esmé Woerner, Tessa Stones and Dale Hancock, Duarte, CA
Food Justice East of the Anacostia River - by Morgan Hawkins (age 18) and Sukey Hayden (age 17) Washington, DC
Egg-straordinary Prices - by Myles Frederickson (age 15), Castaic, CA
Balancing the Equation - by Leah Gold (age 18), Oak Park, CA
Apples - by Caleb Jesse (age 17) and Daniel Ewer (age 17), Grand Rapids, MI
Tomorrow Starts Now: a Story of Food Justice by Josiah - by Josiah Jesse, Brooklyn, NY
Food of Tomorrow - by Jade Mitchell (age 16), Leominster, MA
The 411 on Food Fuel - by The 411 Brand Class Project (Paris Giles, Dylan Robinson, Madison Patrick, Idris Martin, Alyssa Clarke, Dilan Oatman, Kameron Powell, and Sunny Bright.), Atlanta, GA
Young filmmakers explored topics ranging from the availability of food justice and equity, social inequality and structural barriers, community empowerment and education, sustainability and growing techniques, food waste and rising food costs, social media’s impact on how we eat, our responsibility to help others access healthy food, and more. Clips from each of the winning films can be previewed here.
“The stories these young filmmakers have told are powerful, creative, and deeply necessary,” said Skot Welch, President and Founder of Mosaic Film Experience. “This competition reflects what Mosaic is all about, giving youth the tools and platform to tell their meaningful stories, explore their creativity, and realize the influence they already have to shape the world around them.”
Nourishing Narratives is supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, the private grantmaking foundation started by legendary actor Paul Newman, whose mission is to nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity. The competition launched earlier this year in celebration of what would have been Paul Newman’s 100th birthday, honoring his legacy by empowering young voices to advocate for food justice through storytelling.
“We’re delighted to work with Mosaic Film Experiences to give a platform to young people who are passionate about food justice,” said Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. “At Newman’s Own Foundation, we believe that many solutions start at the community level, and bringing youth voices into the conversation is a key ingredient for change.”
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 the profits and royalties—from the sale of Newman’s Own products in service of its mission. Through the efforts of Paul Newman and Newman’s Own, over $600 million has been given to social impact organizations since 1982. Today, Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partners promote nutritious food in schools, advocate for Indigenous food justice, and create joyful experiences for children living with serious illnesses.
