Mahwah Teen Founds Festival To Create 'Equitable' Film Community

MAHWAH, NJ — A Mahwah student filmmaker was recognized as one of 25 young inspirational leaders across the U.S. with a commitment to improve the lives of others.

Mark Leschinsky, 16, was named a 2023 Prudential Financial Emerging Visionary for founding the Student World Impact Film Festival, a film competition that elevates the voices of young storytellers from underserved communities, Prudential said Tuesday in a news release.

Leschinsky started the initiative, the release said, to create a "more equitable filmmaking community," tackling barriers young people often encounter when entering the film festival circuit, such as large submission fees and discrimination. His festival has grown to include more than 8,000 submissions.

"A story can't exist without a storyteller," Leschinsky said. "And, to pave the way for a more inclusive, culturally accepting and equitable society, we need to hear more of the perspectives and viewpoints of storytellers from historically marginalized communities, especially youth."

As one of 25 winners, Leschinsky will receive a $5,000 award to take his initiative to the next level, and get an all-expenses-paid trip to a summit at Prudential's Newark headquarters.

Leschinsky and the other winners were selected based on four principles: innovation, meaningful impact, in-depth understanding, and a passion to inspire others. He and the other young leaders, ages 14 through 18, were asked to the summit, where they will receive coaching, skills development and networking opportunities.

The summit is also where one of the change-makers will also be named a Prudential Employees' Choice Award winner and receive an additional $5,000.

"We applaud all of our honorees for their commitment to creating inclusive and thriving communities," Prudential Financial Chair and CEO Charles Lowrey said.