Mosaic Film Experience, an award-winning nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has announced the launch of Nourishing Narratives: Cultivating Youth Stories For Change, a mobile film competition aimed at spotlighting, supporting, and amplifying the visions of emerging youth in the area of food justice. The initiative is supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, the charitable organization founded by actor Paul Newman, which focuses on nourishing and transforming the lives of children facing adversity.
Founded in 2012, Mosaic Film Experience empowers underrepresented youth by offering innovative educational opportunities that introduce students to emerging careers in storytelling, film, and digital media. The organization connects students with industry professionals through hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and workforce development experiences. With its Mosaic Mobile program, MFE bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, preparing students for future careers by helping them express their unique voices.
Nourishing Narratives invites youth, ages 10 to 18, across the United States to explore what food justice means to them. Participants are asked to create a film, up to three minutes in length, using mobile devices. No prior filmmaking experience is required. Each film must feature the theme of food justice, incorporate a fruit or vegetable as a prop, and include the phrase “Tomorrow Starts Here,” either spoken, written, or displayed. The competition encourages youth to explore innovative solutions, highlight the work of individuals and organizations, and envision a just, equitable food system.
“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 panel of jurors will select the top submissions to be featured on a dedicated YouTube channel. Up to 10 winners will receive a monetary award to further support their advocacy for food justice and amplify their voices. Additionally, the winning filmmakers may be invited to join the Newman’s Own Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, contributing to the Foundation’s participatory grant-making process.
“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, with an award event in August to celebrate the finalists and their impactful stories. For more information, visit Nourishing Narratives.
For additional details about Mosaic Film Experience, visit Mosaic Film Experience.
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