Screening of student-made films explores food justice, identity and community

Hospitality

Jan 16

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Mosaic Film Experience

Mosaic Film Experience, Kids’ Food Basket and Celebration Cinema will host Stories That Change Us, a student film screening event on Jan. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Celebration Cinema Grand Rapids North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE. The event features Nourishing Narratives: Youth Stories for Change, a national mobile film competition hosted by Mosaic in collaboration with Newman’s Own Foundation, and Living Histories: Grand Rapids, a new film project created by local students and supported by Sony Electronics’ CREATE ACTION grant.

“Mosaic Film Experience is creating space year-round for young people to express themselves, think critically and collaborate creatively,” said Skot Welch, Founder and President of Mosaic Film Experience. “By learning through storytelling, students gain real-world experience that prepares them for the future. This event is a celebration of their voices, their vision, and the power of creativity to shape stronger communities.”

In 2025, Nourishing Narratives invited youth from across the country to use their mobile devices to tell stories around the theme of food justice. Winners include Caleb Jesse and Daniel Ewer of City High School in Grand Rapids, along with students from Los Angeles; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Lexington, Ky.; Meridian, Conn.; Washington, D.C.; Leominster, Mass.; and Atlanta.

“Stories have the power to shift the way we see the world, and to inspire action to disrupt injustice,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, President and Founding CEO of Kids’ Food Basket. “Nourishing Narratives films use the power of storytelling to shine a necessary light on food justice, inspiring us all to move in radical love to ensure all kids have the nourishment their minds and bodies need to thrive.”

The event will open with a screening of Living Histories: Grand Rapids. This 2025 educational summer project that gave 10 West Michigan high school students hands-on experience using professional film equipment while learning directly from industry mentors. The film tells the story of Grand Rapids elders through the lens of local youth, featuring interviews with leaders in education, business and social justice.

Living Histories: Grand Rapids interviewees include: George Bayard III, Founder and Director of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives; Anita Christopher, Director of Community Relations at United Methodist Community House; Bing Goei, CEO of Eastern Floral and the Goei Center; John Loeks, Chairman of Studio C/Loeks Theatres; Lupe Ramos-Montigny, former member of the Michigan State Board of Education; Christine Shomin, Executive Director of Anishinaabe Circle; and Doris Ward, retired Grand Rapids Public Schools educator.

“The stories told in movies have always been a powerful way to bring people together and it’s especially meaningful when those stories come from young people in our own community,” said John D. Loeks, Chairman of Studio C/Loeks Theatres. “Being part of Living Histories: Grand Rapids and hosting this screening allows us to celebrate creativity, education and the next generation of storytellers.”

Attendees will hear from student filmmakers, as well as Welch, Clark Whitney, Loeks, and Goei. Living Histories: Grand Rapids will air on WGVU in 2026 and will be archived at the Grand Rapids Public Museum as part of an ongoing effort to preserve community stories and amplify youth voices.

Tickets are $15 and include event access and popcorn. All proceeds support Mosaic Film Experience and Kids’ Food Basket. Tickets are available now via Eventbrite.