Storytellers for Change

Storytellers for Change

Cervical Cancer Free Nigeria:

Storytellers for Change Grant

About the Grant

Calling all Nigerian filmmakers! We are looking for a Nigerian-based storyteller to create a short film that raises awareness about cervical cancer in Nigeria and its prevention. Cervical cancer is a major health issue in Nigeria, and early detection and treatment are essential for saving lives. Your short film can help to raise awareness about this important issue and be a catalyst for change.

The winning film will receive a $10,000 grant to support production costs and will be produced in collaboration with award-winning creative studio Melanin Unscripted.

The winning film will be submitted to film festivals and other events in Nigeria and around the world. It will also be made available online for free viewing to reach a global audience and raise awareness about cervical cancer.

Learn more about cervical cancer at https://www.cervicalcancerfree.org/

Apply by October 12, 2023, and be part of this vital movement. Together, let's create a healthier future for all. #StorytellersforChange #CCFN #RiseInLight

Criteria

Submission Requirements

Brief Synopsis:
Provide a concise synopsis of your film (maximum 250 words) that captures the essence of your story and its connection to the competition's objectives.

Artistic Statement:
Write an artistic statement (maximum 250 words) explaining how your film is relevant to the competition's objectives. Share your vision, creative approach, and how your film will contribute to raising awareness about cervical cancer and empowering Nigerian women.

Moodboard and Creative Direction:
Create a moodboard that visually represents the aesthetic and tone of your film. This will help convey your artistic vision and set the desired mood for your storytelling.

Shooting Schedule:
Please provide an estimated shooting schedule. This includes the number of days anticipated to film the entire project and how you intend to maximize efficiency during the shooting process.

Location Requirements:
Share any specific locations needed for the film (You may include both indoor and outdoor locations). This will give our team an understanding of potential logistical advantages and/or challenges.

Total Production Time:
Provide an estimated timeline, from pre-production to post-production, for the completion of the film.

Talent Involvement (Optional):
If you plan to involve specific talents such as actors, musicians, cancer survivors, or other collaborators, you can provide information about their participation and how they will contribute to the overall impact of your film.

Proposed Budget Plan (Optional):
If you wish, you can include a proposed budget plan outlining the estimated costs and resources required for your film's production. This can be helpful in evaluating the feasibility of your project.

Challenges and Contingency Plans (Optional):
Please identify any potential challenges that could arise during production, and share how you would overcome these challenges.

Brief Synopsis:
Provide a concise synopsis of your film (maximum 250 words) that captures the essence of your story and its connection to the competition’s objectives.

Artistic Statement:
Write an artistic statement (maximum 250 words) explaining how your film is relevant to the competition’s objectives. Share your vision, creative approach, and how your film will contribute to raising awareness about cervical cancer and empowering Nigerian women.

Moodboard and Creative Direction:
Create a moodboard that visually represents the aesthetic and tone of your film. This will help convey your artistic vision and set the desired mood for your storytelling.

Shooting Schedule:
Please provide an estimated shooting schedule. This includes the number of days anticipated to film the entire project and how you intend to maximize efficiency during the shooting process.

Location Requirements:
Share any specific locations needed for the film ( You may include both indoor and outdoor locations). This will give our team an understanding of potential logistical advantages and/or challenges.

Total Production Time:
Provide an estimated timeline, from pre-production to post-production, for the completion of the film.

Talent Involvement (Optional):
If you plan to involve specific talents such as actors, musicians, cancer survivors or other collaborators, you can provide information about their participation and how they will contribute to the overall impact of your film.

Proposed Budget Plan (Optional):
If you wish, you can include a proposed budget plan outlining the estimated costs and resources required for your film’s production. This can be helpful in evaluating the feasibility of your project.

Challenges and Contingency Plans (Optional):
Please identify any potential challenges that could arise during production, and share how you would overcome these challenges.

JUDGES

Meet the Judges

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Amarachi Nwosu
Storyteller & CEO, Melanin Unscripted
An award-winning Nigerian-American filmmaker, photographer, writer, and speaker, Amarachi Nwosu's work delves into the intersection of culture, identity, and diversity worldwide. Her films, including "Black in Tokyo" and "The Ones Who Keep Walking," have garnered international acclaim. Amarachi is also the visionary behind Melanin Unscripted, a creative platform and studio dedicated to unveiling diverse identities and cultures globally.
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Kiki Mordi
Multimedia Journalist & Founder, Document Women
An Emmy-nominated investigative journalist and filmmaker, Kiki Mordi is renowned for championing visual narratives that center around the realities of women. Her groundbreaking documentary "Sex for Grades" for BBC Africa Eye exposed sexual harassment in West African universities. Kiki is also the visionary behind Document Women, a media platform committed to combating the erasure of women's stories.
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Tunde Onakoya
CSR Expert & Founder, Chess in Slums
A social entrepreneur and founder of Chess in Slums, Tunde Onakoya uses chess to educate and empower underprivileged children in Nigeria. His organisation has earned global recognition, with Tunde receiving the Queen's Young Leaders Award and the Global Citizen Prize for his outstanding contributions.
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Ozi Menakaya
Film & TV Agent, CAA
Ozi Menakaya serves as a Film and TV agent for the Creative Artist Agency (CAA). His passion for promoting African creatives led him to found the CAA Africa Initiative, which expands talent acquisition opportunities for creatives on the African continent.

Frequently Asked questions

FAQs

What is the Storytellers for Change grant?

The Storytellers for Change Grant is an initiative organized by Rise in Light, an impact platform under Melanin Unscripted. It provides aspiring filmmakers with the opportunity to receive funding and support for the production of a film that addresses social issues and inspires meaningful impact.

Who is Global Oncology (GO)?

GO is a volunteer community of medical professionals, providing treatment to people with cancer in underserved communities around the globe. It is a community made up of physicians, public health experts, scientists, and policymakers that advocate for education, research, and wide access to necessary cancer care.

What is the Cervical Cancer Free Nigeria campaign about?

It is a grassroots collaborative initiative with GO to raise educational awareness and medical resources to eradicate Cervical Cancer from women in Nigeria. The Storytellers For Change grant is collaborating with the campaign.

Who is eligible to apply for the grant?

The competition is open to Nigerian based filmmakers, both professionals and amateurs. Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission. Participants may work individually or as part of a team. Films submitted must be original work and not infringe on any copyrights.

What types of mediums are eligible for the grant?

Films can be in any genre (documentary, narrative, animation, etc.) as long as they effectively convey the message of cervical cancer awareness and its importance. Films must focus on cervical cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and/or treatment.

What are the judging criteria for the grant?

The judging criteria include the following:

  • Storytelling strength: The strength of the storytelling, including the film’s ability to engage and connect with audiences, and its potential to inspire social change.
  • Social impact: The potential of the film to have a positive impact on society and to raise awareness of important social issues.
  • Creativity: The originality and creativity of the film’s concept and execution.
  • Technical execution: The technical quality of the film, including its cinematography, editing, and sound design.
  • Alignment with the goals of Rise in Light: The extent to which the film aligns with the mission of Rise in Light to empower and elevate underrepresented voices through storytelling.
Can I submit a film that has already been produced?

No, the grant is specifically designed to support the production of new films. We encourage applicants to submit original concepts and proposals that have not been previously produced.

How can I apply for the grant?

To apply for the Storytellers for Change grant, click here.

When is the application deadline?

All submissions must be made through the competition’s online submission form, by the October 12, 2023 deadline.

Can we apply for the grant more than once?

We ask that all applicants only apply once for the grant.

How will the selected filmmakers be notified?

The selected filmmakers will be notified through the contact information provided within 6-8 weeks of their application submission.

What is the budget for the grant?

The budget for the Storytellers for Change Grant is $10,000. This budget will cover the overall production of the winning film, including crew fees, equipment rental, travel expenses, post-production costs and promotion.

This budget will be managed by Melanin Unscripted and our production partners: Family, Inc. and LL&B.

If selected, how long will we have to complete the project?

The film will be released in March in alignment with Women’s History Month.

How will the film be distributed?

The film will be distributed online and through media outlets, with the possibility of being screened at film festivals. The specific distribution strategy will be developed in collaboration with the winning filmmakers.

What should be the primary focus of the film?

The film should primarily focus on cervical cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and/or treatment. It should effectively convey the message of the importance of addressing this issue in a creative and impactful way. While the genre can vary (documentary, narrative, animation, etc.), the film’s core should align with the goals of Rise in Light to empower and inspire change through storytelling.

I have other questions. How can I get in touch?

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at riseinlightorg@gmail.com

from our community

Testimonials

“I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 35. It was a shock to me, because I had always been healthy. But I’m grateful that I was diagnosed early, because it gave me a chance to fight back. I’m now cancer-free, and I’m determined to help other women know about cervical cancer and how to prevent it.”
– Ngozi Okoye, cervical cancer survivor
“Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, but it’s still a major killer of women in Nigeria. We need to do more to raise awareness about cervical cancer and to make sure that all women have access to screening and treatment. We can’t afford to lose any more women to this preventable disease.”
– Dr. Stella Ameh, gynecologist
“I’m a healthcare worker in Nigeria, and I see firsthand the impact of cervical cancer on women’s lives. It’s a devastating disease, but it’s also one that can be prevented. I’m committed to working to raise awareness about cervical cancer and to make sure that all women have access to screening and treatment.”
– Nurse Aisha Mohammed

I want to send a message to women and girls around the world that we care enough about them to prevent them from suffering from cervical cancer. I’m determined to tell women and girls everywhere: We’re here for you, working hard to keep cervical cancer at bay. Let’s wipe out this disease in my lifetime.
– Ami S. Bhatt, MD, PhD, Global Oncology Co-Founder

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