Merck Foundation FILM AWARDS 2026 “More Than a Mother”

Merck Foundation FILM Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026 have been launched in partnership with African First Ladies. 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 to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

How to Apply

Who can Apply?	All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions or Young Talents of Africa.
Last date of submission	30th September 2026
Where to Apply?	Please share your work as YouTube links on: submit@merck-foundation.com
The Subject line of mail should be:	Merck Foundation FILM Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026
Details:	Specify your Name, Country, Institution Name, and contact details in the email.

Winners will be notified personally via email, followed by a press release for public announcement and on the Merck Foundation and partners website and social media channels.

*Personal Data. In connection with this application, Merck Foundation will collect your personal data (“Personal Data”) such as your name, contact information, name of your employer, your work experience (where applicable), personal photo and the additional information required during the application. By completing and submitting this application, you provide consent to Merck Foundation to process such Personal Data for the following purposes: (i) Public announcement through press releases and on Merck Foundation and partners website and social media channels. (ii) Future Merck Foundation Activities and programs,  (iii) publication of data about transfers of values (when and where applicable). Merck Foundation may share your Personal Data provided in this application (i) with its service providers and partners that process Personal Data on its behalf and (ii) with other affiliated organizations of Merck Foundation for the purpose of processing this application and awards.

 

Merck Foundation Film Awards "More Than a Mother” Committee:

The committee is formed to select the winners in an unbiased manner, based on evaluating the quality of the information included to sensitize the communities about Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment at all levels, in a way that regular community member can comprehend in line with the objectives of the Merck Foundation More than a Mother campaign to raise awareness within the communities.
 

Chaired by:
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.)
CEO of Merck Foundation and
President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign

Members:
Mr. Leonard Saika
Senior Program Director, Merck Foundation

Ms. Mehak Handa
Senior Manager, Communication and Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation 

Ms. Kanaga Janani Chandrasekaran
Manager, Communication and Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation