Nourishing Narratives Mobile Film Competition Amplifies Youth Voices for Food Justice
Mosaic Film Experience, with support from Newman’s Own Foundation, launches youth mobile filmmaking 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 announced the launch of Nourishing Narratives: Cultivating Youth Stories For Change, a mobile film competition that will spotlight, support, connect and amplify emerging youth and their visions for food justice. 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 Nourishing Narratives mobile filmmaking competition invites youth, ages 10 to 18 in the US, to explore what the concept of food justice means to them. To enter, youth will create a film up to three minutes in length that is shot, edited, and submitted via mobile devices–no prior filmmaking experience is required to participate. Each film must feature the theme of food justice, include a fruit or vegetable as a prop, and integrate the saying, “Tomorrow Starts Here,” which must be spoken, written, or displayed. The goal of this challenge is to inspire youth to explore innovative solutions, showcase the impact of organizations and individuals, and reimagine what a just, equitable, and fair food system for all looks like.
"The mobile nature of the Nourishing Narratives film competition challenges the conventions of storytelling, empowering students to share their unique perspectives in innovative ways," said Skot Welch, Founder and President of Mosaic Film Experience. "Through the use of mobile devices, we’re leveling the playing field for content creation. Throughout the process, students are developing skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, tools that will serve them in any future endeavor, from careers to community leadership, to personal growth."
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 receive a monetary award to further support their efforts to champion food justice and provide a greater platform for their voices. Additionally, the winning filmmakers may also be invited to help shape Newman’s Own Foundation’s participatory grantmaking process as members of the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council.
“As we celebrate what would have been Paul Newman’s 100th birthday this year, and the incredible impact that his legacy continues to have on advancing food justice, we’re excited to launch this initiative to bring youth voices to the forefront of a very important national conversation,” said Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation. “We’re pleased to partner with Mosaic Film Experience to host one of the only youth-focused food justice film experiences worldwide.”
The submission period for Nourishing Narratives opens on March 7 and closes on April 7. Winners will be announced on June 25. Nourishing Narratives will culminate with an award event in August to celebrate the winners and their impactful stories. For competition details, 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 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.
For media requests, please contact:
Weesie Thelen: wthelen_consultant@newmansown.org
Adam Russo: adam@com616.com
