From phone to big screen: Youth films spotlight food justice, identity, community

What happened: Mosaic Film Experience recently brought together students, educators, community leaders, and partners for Stories That Change Us, a special screening at Celebration Cinema North showcasing youth-created films exploring food justice, identity, and community. 

What is it: The event featured winning films from Nourishing Narratives: Youth Stories for Change, a national mobile film competition created by Grand Rapids-based Mosaic Film Experience in collaboration with Newman’s Own Foundation, along with selections from Living Histories: Grand Rapids, a local project pairing students with community elders to preserve and share their stories.

What they’re saying: “These films show what’s possible when young people are given the tools and platform to tell stories that matter,” says Skot Welch, founder and president of Mosaic Film Experience. “Storytelling has the power to bring people together and strengthen communities. When youth share their stories, they build confidence, inspire others, and help create a deeper sense of connection and understanding.”

Who was spotlighted: Recent City High/Middle School graduates Caleb Jesse and Daniel Ewer of Grand Rapids were among the inaugural Nourishing Narratives winners featured at the event. Their award-winning film, Apples, created on a smartphone with a cracked screen, tells a visual story about food waste and food insecurity, inspired in part by personal experiences.

“Food insecurity has affected my family personally,” Ewer says. “Being able to tell that story helped me share something meaningful.”

For Jesse, the experience demonstrated how storytelling can support young creators.

“It’s incredible to see something we created on a phone shared on the big screen,” Jesse says. “It motivated me to keep creating and continue exploring filmmaking.”

What’s it about: The Nourishing Narratives competition invites students ages 13 to 18 nationwide to create short films using only mobile devices, lowering barriers to participation and making filmmaking more accessible. Winners receive a $1,000 prize, a Newman’s Own prize pack, and a chance to meet food justice and film leaders. 

What does it lead to: The event also highlighted Living Histories: Grand Rapids, a summer project in collaboration with West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology and supported by Sony Electronics’ Create Action grant that pairs students with professional mentors and community elders, including business and civic leaders John D. Loeks, chairman of Studio C/Loeks Theatres, and Bing Goei, CEO emeritus of Eastern Floral and founder of the Goei Center, to preserve personal histories through film. Both participated in the project and reflected on the importance of youth storytelling. 

Goei said the experience underscored the importance of elevating youth voices.

“When young people tell their stories, they bring insight, honesty, and perspective that we all need to hear,” says Goei. “Their voices help shape a more inclusive and understanding future.”

How it is solving a problem: Bridget Clark Whitney, president and founding CEO of Kids’ Food Basket, supports the effort because she believes in the importance of youth voices in addressing social challenges. Proceeds from Stories That Change Us benefit Mosaic Film Experience and Kids’ Food Basket.

“Healthy, nourishing food is the foundation of good health, and good health is the foundation of a good future. Everyone deserves that,” says Clark Whitney. “Our young people understand these issues deeply, and they’re not just talking about them, they’re taking action. Their voices help raise awareness, build movements, and inspire real change in their communities.”

What’s the background: Since its founding, Mosaic Film Experience has served more than 50,000 students, providing access to creative career pathways and mentorship opportunities in digital media and storytelling.

What’s next: During the event, Mosaic Film Experience announced that the 2026 Nourishing Narratives competition will be open for submissions through April 12. Students nationwide are invited to submit original films exploring the theme Creating Better Food Futures

“Every student has a story worth telling,” Welch says. “We’re excited to reach even more young people this year and continue empowering them to share stories that can inspire change.”

For more information, visit nourishing-narratives.com.

Photos provided by Mosaic Film Experience.

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