Press Release: National Mobile Film Competition Returns, Elevating Youth Voices on Food Justice
Presented by Mosaic Film Experience and Newman’s Own Foundation, Nourishing Narratives invites youth to create short films using only their mobile devices.
Mosaic Film Experience today announced the second year of Nourishing Narratives: Cultivating Youth Stories for Change, a national mobile film competition for youth to explore food justice. 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 amplifies youth perspectives on building a just and equitable food system for everyone, while supporting their growth as storytellers.
Mosaic Film Experience is an award-winning, Michigan-based nonprofit that empowers underrepresented youth to explore emerging and creative careers through the power of storytelling.
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 required. Each submission must include the theme of Creating Better Food Futures, 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.
“The mobile nature of the Nourishing Narratives film competition challenges the conventions of storytelling and provides students with a platform to share their unique perspectives in innovative ways,” said Skot Welch, Founder and President of Mosaic Film Experience. “Along the way, students are building creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, skills that will serve them well in their careers, communities, and personal growth. This year, even more young storytellers will have the opportunity to share powerful stories of change in their communities.”
A diverse jury will select the top entries from the submissions to be featured on a dedicated YouTube channel. From these videos, up to 10 winners will each receive $1,000, a Newman’s Own prize package, and will be celebrated at an exclusive event with film and food justice leaders.
“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.”
In its inaugural year, Nourishing Narratives awarded student filmmakers from Los Angeles; Brooklyn; Lexington, Kentucky; Meridian, Connecticut; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; Leominster, Massachusetts; and Atlanta.
In Brooklyn, Josiah Lessie is a student with autism at P77K, a District 75 public school that serves students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has a passion for cooking and a mission to share what he’s learned. Through his school’s farmers market program, Josiah discovered hydroponics and developed his own basil salad dressing recipe, made with fresh basil grown on-site, which quickly became a favorite among classmates and staff. To tell his story for the Nourishing Narratives competition, Josiah used assistive technology to narrate his film “Tomorrow Starts Now,” allowing him to express himself in a way that felt true and comfortable. Josiah entered the competition to show other students like him what’s possible when they share their voice.
In Grand Rapids, Caleb Jesse and Daniel Ewer, students at Grand Rapids City High/Middle School, created “Apples,” a visually striking film that follows discarded fruit to make a point about food waste and hunger. Daniel’s family relied on food assistance and often lived paycheck to paycheck, giving him a personal understanding of how food waste affects those facing food insecurity. Using nothing more than a smartphone with a cracked screen, they created a winning film that powerfully captured the realities of food waste and hunger.
In Washington, D.C., Morgan Hawkins and Sukey Hayden’s short film, “Food Justice East of the Anacostia River,” focused on Fresh Food Factory, a Black woman–owned business in Southeast D.C. working to combat food apartheid. Their storytelling resonated far beyond their classroom at D.C. International School, leading to an invitation to speak at a screening event hosted at NPR Headquarters and inspiring conversations on food justice with nonprofit and media leaders.
The submission period for Nourishing Narratives opens on March 6 and closes on April 12, 2026. Winners will be announced on June 26, 2026. Nourishing Narratives will culminate with a celebration in August to celebrate the winners and their impactful stories. For more information, visit https://www.nourishing-narratives.com/.
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 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 newsmanown.org.
###