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Nourishing Narratives: Teens Invited to Submit Short Food Justice Films
- Bob Benenson
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Films of Up to 3 Minutes Must Be Sent In by April 19
Food justice — actions aimed at ensuring that all people, regardless of their financial status, have access to healthy food in this world's richest nation — is a crucial issue. Local Food Forum honors all such efforts, including those that seek to engage young people in this movement for positive change.
I am pleased to share one such program, titled Nourishing Narratives: Cultivating Youth Stories for change. Administered by Mosaic Film Experience, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and funded by the Newman's Own Foundation, Nourishing Narratives invites students ages 13 to 18 to submit very short films (up to three minutes) on topics related to food justice.
The films are to be shot on mobile phones, with no prior experience needed. The deadline for submissions is April 19 (an extension from April 12).
Here are the details from the organizers:
Mosaic Film Experience is currently accepting entries for 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, the competition amplifies youth perspectives on building a just and equitable food system for everyone, while supporting their growth as storytellers.
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.
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.
Participants can click the button below to submit their films by the April 19 deadline.
And here is a short explainer video from Nourishing Narratives.
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 newmansown.org