StartUp Colleges

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the African First Ladies, announced the winners of Merck Foundation’s FILM Awards “More Than a Mother” 2023.

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 our Merck Foundation FILM Awards “More Than a Mother” awards in partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies. 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.”

The theme of “More Than a Mother” Film Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV and/or Women Empowerment, at all levels. The theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Film Awards was to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in African countries.

“I strongly believe that all forms of art including filmmaking can play a significant role in bringing about a cultural shift in society, in the world. Our aim is to utilize this medium to encourage promising filmmakers and new talents across the continent to be the Champions of Social and Health issues in their communities,” added Senator Kelej.

Here is the list of Merck Foundation FILM Awards “More Than a Mother” 2023 Winners:

FIRST POSITION:

 

       Film Name: WAIN WI (About Supporting Girls' Education)
       Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78tpUQwO03g

 
 SECOND POSITION:

 

 
 
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.”
 
Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2025:

1. Merck Foundation FILM Awards 2025 “More Than a Mother”
 
Theme for the awards: Address one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV and/or Women Empowerment.
 
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 on the theme.

Categories: English, French, Portuguese And Local Languages
 
Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.
 
2. Merck Foundation FILM Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”
 
Theme for the awards: Promote healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
 
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 on the theme.

Categories: English, French, Portuguese And Local Languages
 
Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.
 

About Merck Foundation

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.merck-foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Threads and Flickr.

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.