Celebrating Local Excellence in Community Media
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce our incredible success at the 2025 Western Access Video Excellence (WAVE) Awards! CMAC walked away with 11 awards across multiple categories, celebrating the exceptional work of our student storytellers, community producers, and volunteers.
The prestigious event, hosted by the Alliance for Community Media’s (ACM) West Region, took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Fresno on March 6, 2025. It was an amazing gathering of media professionals, producers, and creatives from Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico—all being celebrated for their outstanding contributions to community-driven media.
Our strong presence at the WAVE Awards is a testament to CMAC’s commitment to empowering local creators, amplifying youth voices, and showcasing the diverse stories of the Central Valley. Seven of our 11 awards were earned by students and community producers from our film programs, like Youth Voices, The Big Tell, the 72-Hour Film Race, and more. These storytellers demonstrated immense talent, and we’re proud of their well-deserved recognition.
As a hub for community media, CMAC continues to provide resources, mentorship, and a platform for both emerging and seasoned creators to thrive and share their unique perspectives.
Congratulations to Our Award-Winning Creators
We are incredibly proud of the talented individuals and teams whose creativity and hard work were recognized at the 2025 WAVE Awards! From insightful documentaries to captivating narratives, each winning project represents the heart of community storytelling that CMAC strives to uplift. Whether they were student filmmakers making their mark through our Youth Voices program or dedicated community producers sharing impactful stories, these creators truly showcased the power of local media.
Join us in congratulating our incredible winners — your voices inspire us all
About the WAVE Awards
The Western Access Video Excellence (WAVE) Awards honor the very best in local and community media across the Western United States. These awards recognize the creativity, technical skill, and impactful storytelling that local producers and creators bring to their communities. Each year, the WAVE Awards celebrate excellence in a variety of categories including documentaries, community issues, narrative films, and more, showcasing work that uplifts local voices and connects people through media.
The awards are hosted by the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), a national nonprofit that supports and advocates for community media centers and local television across the United States. By recognizing the outstanding achievements of community producers and media organizations, the WAVE Awards play a critical role in advancing the visibility and impact of local storytelling, empowering individuals and communities to make their voices heard.
Yaddah Rashad
Category: Documentary (Student)
Time to Break the Ice
As political corruption persists in Fresno and beyond, this documentary reveals the crucial impact of local elections and urges youth to engage and make informed choices. Discover why understanding and participating in politics is essential for shaping our future.
Made through the Youth Voices program, this project gives a platform to the next generation of storytellers, empowering youth to share their perspectives.
Ana Cirilo
Category: Underserved Voices (Student)
Fields of Labor
Under the relentless sun, field workers endure grueling conditions to sustain their families and communities, revealing the untold stories of their resilience and sacrifice.
Made through the Youth Voices program, this project gives a platform to the next generation of storytellers, empowering youth to share their perspectives.
Kyle Lowe
Category: Community Issues (Professional)
The Death of ArtHop?
In a controversial move, the City of Fresno is separating the street fair component from the official ArtHop event. What does this mean for art lovers and their cherished 25-year-old event?
Jennifer Robin
Category: Underserved Voices (Community Producer)
Walappu’ ‘Uuchuthuu (Butterfly Homeplace)
A silent colonizer threatens Yosemite’s land and Her People. Join us as we expose the detriment of invasive species to life-giving pollinators and native plants. Follow experts who give testimony to the history and vital importance of native species to the land and the Tribes who depend on them.
Created as part of The Big Tell, this film highlights the unique stories of our community, showcasing the voices that matter most.
CMAC Volunteers
Category: Live Format (Community Producer)
Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade 2024
CMAC and our dedicated volunteers hit the streets to capture the vibrant spirit of the 2024 Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade, celebrating love, inclusion, and the power of community.
Hannah Johnson
Category: PSA (Student)
Be a Life Saver
After a near-fatal experience, Matthew Johnson shares how his wife’s quick thinking and CPR training saved his life, urging everyone to learn CPR to be the lifesaver someone may need.
Riley Gentz, Miles Mellon
Category: Narrative Film – Short or Feature (Student)
The Edge of Forever
A group of teens scramble to uncover the unaired ending of their favorite show, resorting to outrageous plans and chaos, only to realize they might be in over their heads—and their eyes might never be the same again.
Created as part of CMAC’s 72-Hour Film Race, the talented team The Jolly Good Fellas from the youth division earned 1st place, showcasing their creativity and dedication
Edison Student Crew
Category: Live Format (Student)
Edison V. Justin Garza
This broadcast featured an exciting game between Edison High School and Justin Garza High School, showcasing the incredible talent of our student crew.
Produced under CMAC Sports, this content captures the excitement and energy of local high school football.
Juan Herrera, Jason Wada
Category: Narrative Film – Short or Feature (Community Producer)
Moments of Truth
When lifelong friends Greg and Roger find themselves trapped in a moment of truth, Greg must confront his greatest fear — commitment. With doubts, humor, and a bit of chaos, will he finally take the leap, or will he keep running?
Created by the talented team OZM as part of CMAC’s 72-Hour Film Race, this film earned 1st place in the competition, a testament to their creativity and storytelling skill.
Evan Christensen, Mathew Spach
Category: Community Issues (Community Producer)
In the Shadow of Giants
Guided by environmentalist Ali Sheehey, the story of Sequoias living and dead in Long Meadow Grove (the “Trail of 100 Giants”) provides insight into how we can live more harmoniously with nature, and with greater humility.
Created as part of The Big Tell, this film highlights the unique stories of our community, showcasing the voices that matter most.
Donald Munro, CMAC Volunteers
Category: Talk Show (Community Producer)
The Munro Review – Holiday Special 2023
In this heartwarming Holiday Special of The Munro Review, host Donald Munro is snowed in at the CMAC studio with special guests, who turn a stranded night into an unforgettable celebration of music, stories, and holiday cheer. Amidst the storm, they share laughter, local arts insights, and a sense of community that proves the season’s true spirit.
