Sparks of Small Business Inspiration from Around the World
Welcome to Ingenious — an international competition for creative filmmakers from different communities, creating inspiring short films about local businesses, and how they have responded to the challenges of the last 18 months. We are inviting filmmakers from 31 countries to bring to life these stories, and how ingenuity and technology can transform lives and communities.
Read moreInspiration Everywhere
$40,000 in prizes for the best short films
Help us tell inspiring stories from around the world about local small businesses – how they have responded to the extreme challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic with new ideas and had the courage to embrace new technology and pivot their businesses.
We are looking for 2-3 minute films from 31 countries. All eligible entries will be showcased on the competition website. The filmmakers have a chance of winning a prize, which range from $10,000 to $1,000 for the top six chosen, plus $3,000 for each of the themed prizes.
PLUS all participating businesses can access the Mastercard Digital Acceleration Program for tools and resources to help them succeed in our rapidly changing world.
The leading creative platform for the production of engaging video and graphic content for famous brands all over the world

“Small businesses are the beating heart of the economy, and it’s been incredible to watch them quickly switch course and continue to thrive despite being some of the worst-hit businesses by the pandemic. Our collaboration with Mastercard has created a powerful alliance that is committed to empowering every small business, and we’re excited to be working on this campaign together to celebrate both that collaboration, and the amazing small businesses that fuel their local communities.”
Alastair Lukies CBE
Founder and group CEO, Pollinate

“Small business owners have been role models throughout the pandemic, showing us what it looks like to get knocked down, to struggle, to pivot and to persevere – and for some, they are emerging stronger than before. We are thrilled to continue demonstrating our commitment to this vital community and collaborate with Pollinate to empower small businesses everywhere to learn from and be inspired by each other’s stories of resilience.”
Andrea Gilman
SVP, Global SME Segment Lead, Mastercard
WINNERS
We are on a mission to showcase inspiring stories from around the world about local small businesses – how they have responded to the extreme challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic with new ideas and had the courage to embrace new technology and pivot their business.
1st Place

Baobab: A Pandemic Fairy Tale
by Anorak Films, Spain
2nd Place

Spirit of Brighton Delivered
by Happenstance Films, UK
3rd Place

A green day between books and shopping
by Nicola Crivellari, Italy
4th Place

Ready For The Future
by Luma Video, Italy
5th Place

Pivot Forward
by Chad Weber, USA
6th Place

Cheese on wheels
by Amy Bingham, Australia
Special Category Awards - Get Paid

Love Street Vintage
by Meera Joshi, USA
Special Category Awards - Loyal to Local

Houseplant Happiness
by Isaac O'Farrell, USA
Special Category Awards - Get Digital

She's a HUSTLR
by Vicky Simpson, Australia
Special Category Awards - Get Capital

Bookshop.org
by Bart Vandever, USA
TIPS FOR FILMMAKERS
Check out our blog posts on creating the best possible film entries, and give yourself the best chance of winning one of the prizes!
Meet the Judges
Our judges have been invited from organisations around the world who actively support SMEs and the filmmaking community

Lukas Dzuroska
Head of Communities and Executive Committee member
Efma

Ghada Eldemellawy
Documentary Director
BAFTA nominated

Mike Elliff
CEO
Tyl by NatWest

Andrea Gilman
SVP, Global SME Segment Lead
Mastercard

Anthony Impey MBE
Chief Executive
Be the Business

Michael Medoway
Independent Filmmaker
Documentary & Commercial

Mark Raymer
Executive, Business Everyday Banking
National Australia Bank

Kirsty Redfearn
Vice President Integrated Marketing and Communications, Australasia
Mastercard

Fiona Roach Canning
Co-Founder, Chief Proposition and Marketing Officer
Pollinate
Ginger Siegel
Ginger Siegel, North America Small Business Lead
Mastercard
About Ingenious
Want to know more? Click the links below to find all the hows, whys and who's of the Ingenious competition.