KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, March 3, 2022 — Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The theme of the awards was: to create a film or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages about breaking Infertility stigma, Empowering Girls and Women through Education at all levels.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, President of “More than a Mother” campaign emphasized, “I am extremely happy to announce today the winners of Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies. Big congratulations to all the winners. I appreciate the efforts put in by the young talents across Africa in their films through which they have beautifully conveyed important messages in line with the theme of the awards. I strongly believe that all forms of art including filmmaking can play a significant role in bringing about a culture shift in society, in the world. Our aim was to utilize this medium to encourage promising filmmakers and new talents across the continent to create short or long films either drama documentary or docudrama conveying messages to break the stigma of infertility or empower Girl Education at all levels.”
This year, Merck Foundation had two categories: English and French.
Here is the list of Award Winners:
FIRST POSITION (English):
Sharon Kavhu and Hatite Hoabeb, NAMIBIA
Film Name: Matumaini
Link: https://bit.ly/3McVCtM
Emulo Kgomotso, BOTSWANA
Film Name: 3 in 5
Link: https://bit.ly/3Mkc7o0
SECOND POSITION (English):
Nanmet Anthony, NIGERIA
Film Name: Future Present
Link: https://bit.ly/3sE69Xc
FIRST POSITION (French):
Doux-mignon MALOBA, DRC
Film Name: Le défi de Mariana
Link: https://bit.ly/34eZ0Du
Merck Foundation” More Than a Mother” Film Awards were launched in 2017.
Winner of 2017 edition:
Ms. Molatelo Mainetje, SOUTH AFRICA
Film Name: Womb Man
Link: https://bit.ly/3ttAMhl
Winners of 2019 Edition:
Ms. Cecilia Oppong-Badu, GHANA
Film Name: Her She Woman
Link: https://bit.ly/3sB14yX
Mr. Godfred Dela Duvi, GHANA
Film Name: Exhale
Link: https://bit.ly/3HE3eC0
Ms. Jane Labous, SENEGAL
Film Name: Angels
Link: https://bit.ly/3HAkdFn
Ms. Fatou Fadiga, GUINEA
Film Name: Infertile
Link: https://bit.ly/3hGtpNP
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further added, “I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the new edition of the Merck Foundation Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ 2022. I am looking forward to the entries from our African Filmmakers and students of film making institutions this year too.
However this year, I’d like to emphasize that the theme in 2022 aims to address wider range of topics such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment at all levels.
Filmmakers and Young talents of Africa, it’s time to showcase your talent and contribute towards making a difference in society with your unique films with strong and relevant messages about app critical ca and sensitive issues we face in our continent. Be the voice of the voiceless, break the silence and let’s all join hands to create a cultural shift.”
Who can apply?
All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment at all levels.
Last Date of Submission – 30th July 2022
How to Apply?
Please share your work as YouTube links on: submit@merck-foundation.com
Share a short brief about the issue you are addressing
The subject line of the mail should mention: Merck Foundation FILM Awards “More Than a Mother” 2022
Please specify your name, institution name, country, and contact details in the mail.
Categories:
- English
- French
- Portuguese
- Arabic
Prize money: USD 1000 for each category.
Selection committee can decide to award more than one winner for each category based on the quality of work received.
