Melina Matsoukas Collabs with Howard University
Melina Matsoukas will work closely with Howard University on a new scholarship. It is an opportunity that will award lucky winners a $10,000 production stipend.
On Feb. 8, the Instagram x Share Black Stories ‘Future First’ Reels Challenge was announced. This platform aims to amplify stories by Black storytellers.
“What an incredible opportunity for the students of Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications to be working with Instagram Reels, in conjunction with world renowned director Melina Matsoukas, “ Associate Professor C. L. Tina Morton, the university liaison on this partnership, exclaimed.
In addition, she stated that “Students will create their visual ideas of Black Excellence, and five students will be the recipients of a $10,000.00 prize for their juried work, selected by Melina Matsoukas.”
Matsoukas Shares Her Excitement
As a result of this partnership, some great content will come of it. It’s clear that the black community will have another opportunity to reap the benefits of Matsoukas’ cultural impact.
Matsoukas said, “Creating in these spaces and having hundreds of thousands, or millions of people, see, react, and be affected by your work is so powerful.”
Instagram created the #ShareBlackStories initiative in solidarity with Black History Month. The platform encourages the production of work that reflects the Black diaspora.
The Film Visionary’s Past Work
Matsoukas is known for her directorial success with Queen & Slim. She has also inspired a number of Beyoncé’s visuals for Lemonade.
“The internet and social media have changed media and entertainment profoundly. I’m grateful for the chance to work with Howard University and Instagram, mentor the next generation of artists, share my knowledge, and learn from them too.”
The award is available to a select group of Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film students. The stipend will go towards production costs. Matsoukas and Howard educators and advisors will mentor the chosen winners.
Be on the lookout for more news related to the life-changing opportunity for Howard journalism undergraduates.
