Call for applicants for the 2025 edition of the awards was also made at the ceremony.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the African First Ladies, announced the winners of its More Than a Mother 2023 Film Awards.
The theme of the 2023 More Than a Mother Film Awards was to raise awareness on social issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, and/or women’s empowerment. The initiative also includes a separate category of awards to promote a healthy lifestyle. For 2024, the awards were centred on the theme of ‘Diabetes and Hypertension’.
The winning films are Wain Wi which focuses on supporting girls’ education, and Caged, a film about gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, President of “More than a Mother” campaign said: “Big congratulations to our winners. I appreciate the efforts put in by the young talents across Africa in their films through which they have beautifully conveyed important messages about supporting girls’ education and stopping GBV.
“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 is to utilise this medium to encourage promising filmmakers and new talents across the continent to be the Champions of Social and Health issues in their communities”.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further added, “I would also like to announce the call for applications for the 2025 edition of the Merck Foundation Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’. I am looking forward to the entries from our African Filmmakers and students of film making institutions this year too.
“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 the critical and sensitive social and health 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.”
The competition to open to all African filmmakers and students of filmmaking institutions. Participants can enter long or short films, including dramas, documentaries or docudramas.
