The Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, has officially launched the call for applications for the 2025 Film Awards. These awards aim to encourage African filmmakers, film students, and young talents to use cinema as a powerful tool to address critical social and health issues.
Two Major Awards for 2025
- “More Than a Mother” Film Awards 2025
- Theme: Raising awareness on social issues such as:
- Breaking the stigma of infertility
- Supporting girls’ education
- Ending child marriage and female genital mutilation
- Combating gender-based violence
- Empowering women
- Eligibility: African filmmakers, film school students, and young talents from the continent
- Format: Short or feature films (dramas, documentaries, or docudramas)
- Languages: English, French, Portuguese, and local languages
- Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Theme: Raising awareness on social issues such as:
- “Diabetes & Hypertension” Film Awards 2025
- Theme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of diabetes and hypertension
- Eligibility: African filmmakers, film school students, and young talents
- Format: Short or feature films (dramas, documentaries, or docudramas)
- Languages: English, French, Portuguese, and local languages
- Submission Deadline: October 30, 2025
Cinema as a Tool for Change
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, emphasized the importance of cinema in driving cultural transformation:
“All forms of art, including cinema, play a central role in driving cultural and social change. We want to encourage African talents to become champions of social and health causes within their communities.”
These awards offer a unique platform to break taboos, support vital causes, and promote change through the power of storytelling. Winners will receive international recognition for their significant contributions.
A Look Back at the 2023 Winners
The “More Than a Mother” Film Awards 2023 highlighted talented filmmakers who effectively addressed essential social themes:
- 1st Position:Tsi Conrad (Cameroon)
- Film: WAIN WI (Supporting girls’ education)
- Watch the film here
- 2nd Position:Habila Ibrahim Abel (Nigeria)
- Film: CAGED (Fighting gender-based violence)
- Watch the film here
How to Participate?
To submit your entry, send your project to the following address:
submit@merck-foundation.com
Why Participate?
- Showcase your talent on an international stage
- Raise awareness of critical issues affecting our society
- Become a driver of change in Africa and beyond
African filmmakers, now is the time to tell your stories, break the silence, and become the voice of the voiceless. Together, let’s use cinema to create lasting impact!
For more information, visit the official Merck Foundation website: www.Merck-Foundation.com.
Key Dates to Remember:
- “More Than a Mother” Awards: September 30, 2025
- “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards: October 30, 2025
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