Youth Voices

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Youth Voices is Back!

Youth Voices is back and we can’t wait to work with the next generation of young storytellers. Local junior high or high school students have the opportunity to share the stories that matter most to them. Whether it’s highlighting issues in the community, sharing personal experiences, or showcasing something they’re passionate about, our youth have the power to inspire change in their communities.

Youth Voices 2025 applications are now closed.

About the Program

CMAC Youth Voices is a 10-week documentary filmmaking training program for Central Valley Junior High and High School students, age 18 and under.

Participants learn how to harness the power of media to tell stories of personal and societal significance through documentary filmmaking. CMAC provides young filmmakers with video production equipment, mentorship, and instruction as members of the Youth Voices cohort develop and produce their own documentary films.

Sponsored by

CMAC Youth Voices  2025 is made possible by funding from The California Endowment.

Questions?

General information:

Front Desk
559.266.2622
Info@cmac.tv

Specific Program Information:

Johnny Pecina
Community Media Manager
Johnny@cmac.tv

Marketing information:

Maricela Hernandez
Outreach & Development Coordinator
Marketing@cmac.tv

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Meet the Program Mentors

Davie Ramirez

Education Specialist

An Education Specialist at CMAC and dedicated mentor in the Youth Voices program, this mentor is passionate about storytelling and media education. They help young filmmakers develop their skills in storytelling, production, and editing. Beyond Youth Voices, they lead workshops and educational initiatives at CMAC, creating opportunities for media makers of all backgrounds. Their commitment to fostering creativity and empowerment ensures that every participant gains the confidence and tools to share their unique perspectives.

Email: Davie@cmac.tv
Phone: 559.266.2622

Litzy Espinoza

Program Mentor

A proud Youth Voices alum, this mentor brings a full-circle perspective to the program by supporting the next generation of storytellers in a new role. With firsthand experience in youth media, she offers thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and insight to participants. Her journey from student to mentor reflects a deep passion for storytelling and a strong commitment to uplifting youth voices in the community.

Timeline

  • April 1

    Applications Open

  • April 17

    Q&A

  • May 12

    Applications Close

  • May 20

    Winners Announced

  • May 23

    Orientation

  • May 30

    First Session

  • August 1

    Last Session

  • TBD

    Youth Voices Film Screening

Frequently Asked Questions

The program runs for 10 weeks. Time commitment will vary but participants should anticipate dedicating 3 – 5 hours per week to the program.

Central Valley junior high and high school students, ages 18 and under.

No, students will gain any necessary experience during the 10-week program. All experience levels are welcomed to apply.

Yes. CMAC staff and mentors can help you develop your story concept, but we highly encourage students to outline a specific idea or provide insight into a specific topic they are interested in telling a story about.

The stipends will be distributed at the end of the program after you complete your film. You can use the stipend however you’d like, though it’s meant to cover your personal costs, such as transportation, etc.

Meetings will be once a week on Fridays from 4 – 6 P.M.

Excused absences from some of the meetings are OK, but you will need to follow up with our instructors to catch up on anything you missed.

Past Cohorts

Youth Voices 2024

Our 2024 cohort was comprised of high school and middle school students. These young filmmakers began meeting in May 2024. Program Mentors, Alex Soto and Davie Ramires guided them through a comprehensive 10-week training program that included topics such as media literacy, idea generation, scriptwriting, field production, audio production, editing, and post-production. Participants produced documentary films about issues of their own choosing.

CMAC Youth Voices is made possible by funding from The California Endowment, and California Arts Council.

Research shows that sharing stories not only connects people but is also good for an individual’s mental health.

Ana

TAGS: Agriculture, Field Labor, Perseverance, Struggles

“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.

Watch Now

Noreen

TAGS: Animal Rescue, Community, Empathy, Inspirational

“Sheltering Hope: The Heroes Behind Animal Rescue”

Explore the transformative impact of animal rescue efforts in the Central Valley, revealing the heroic work of dedicated individuals and the profound connection between animals and their communities.

Watch Now

Angie

TAGS: Pride Legacy, LGBTQ+, Historic Perspective

“Fresno Pride”

Explore the origins and lasting impact of the pride parade in the Central Valley through diverse perspectives, revealing the profound significance of pride and its rich history.

Watch Now

Wyatt

TAGS: Resilience, Perseverance, Inspirational

“Ink and Echoes”

Through the voices of black poets, this documentary reveals how creativity and resilience transform adversity into triumph, showcasing the power of poetry to overcome discrimination and inspire success.

Watch Now

Doyle

TAGS: Brain Rot, Social Media, Digital Impact

“Laton’s Online Lexicon”

Uncover how ‘brain rot’ from online jargon is eroding literary skills and undermining democratic engagement. Be inspired to rethink social media’s role in your life.

Watch Now

Yaddah

TAGS: Politics, Local, Impactful

“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.

Watch Now

Julia

TAGS: Immigration, Human Rights, Culture

“Voices of the Margins”

Leaving home is never easy, but for immigrants, seeking a better future often means facing harsh realities. Despite their vital role in shaping our society—through labor, culture, and community—immigrants continue to struggle for basic human rights and are met with unwarranted negativity for their pursuit of a better life.

Watch Now

Karen

TAGS: Community Disparity, Local, Historical Impact

“The Forgotten Fresno”

Amidst deteriorating roads and rising pollution, West Fresno fights against neglect and injustice, revealing the impact of city policies on its low-income residents.

Watch Now

Armani

TAGS: Local, Arts, Creatives, Music

“The Scene Around Us”

Explore the vibrant Fresno music scene through the eyes of local bands and artists, and discover how this community of creativity and self-expression thrives in its local venues and house shows. Get inspired to support and engage with the unique talent right in your own backyard.

Watch Now

Blanca

TAGS: Fresno, ArtHop, Local Artists

“Selling Out”

Once a vibrant showcase for local artists, ArtHop has transformed into a consumer-driven event, overshadowing the creative voices it was meant to celebrate. This documentary delves into how this shift has marginalized Fresno’s artists and calls for a renewed focus on preserving their presence in the community.

Watch Now

Litzy

TAGS: Food Equity, Scarcity, Social Justice,

“Fighting Food Insecurity”

In the heart of one of America’s largest food-producing regions, discover why so many in Fresno struggle with food insecurity and how local efforts are working to bridge the gap between abundance and access to healthy food.

Watch Now

Jacob

TAGS: Generational Impact, Secret War, South-East Asia

“The Land I Left Behind”

In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, thousands of Southeast Asian soldiers who fought valiantly against communism were left stranded by the US government. Their struggle and abandonment by the US government created a ripple effect felt across generations.

Watch Now

Youth Voices 2023

Our 2023 cohort was comprised of high school and middle school students. These young filmmakers began meeting in June 2022. Media Arts Specialist, Alex Soto and Teaching Artist Sergio Cortes guided them through a comprehensive 10-week training program that included topics such as media literacy, idea generation, scriptwriting, field production, audio production, editing, and post-production. Participants produced documentary films about issues of their own choosing.

CMAC Youth Voices is made possible by funding from The California Endowment, California Humanities, and California Arts Council.

Research shows that sharing stories not only connects people but is also good for an individual’s mental health.

Xang

TOPIC: Hmong Culture

“Finding The Hmongness”

The purpose of making my documentary is to present and allow the Hmong youths out there to take pride and appreciate the beauty of their Hmong identity.

Watch Now

Bella

TOPICS: COVID-19, Small Businesses

“Catering to a Cliff”

The purpose of making my documentary is to share the stories of how small businesses struggled through COVID.

Watch Now

Crystal

TOPICS: Distracted Driving, Accidents, Impacts

“In a Split Second”

The purpose of making this film is to remind and bring more awareness to people about the reality of distracted driving, specifically the aftermath of the accidents and the impact these have on the people involved and their families.

Watch Now

Mylah

TOPIC: Inspirational

“Black Excellence”

The purpose of my documentary is to educate people and show them a way that they can make an impact on their society, even if it’s something small.

Watch Now

Zoya

TOPICS: Fresno, Slice of Life

“Loving Fresno”

I’m making this documentary to change people’s minds who dislike Fresno and to open people up to the beauty of it. Mostly I hope to reach Fresno residents. I hope to show that there is a lot to do here, a lot more than people might think.

Watch Now

Jillian

TOPICS: Cancer, Creative Expression

“Art of Life”

The purpose of making my documentary is to highlight the healing power of creative expression for individuals and families affected by cancer, specifically through the work of The Art of Life Cancer Foundation.

Watch Now

Katherine

TOPICS: School-Life Balance, Mental/Physical Health

“Balance”

The purpose of my documentary is to speak on the importance of balance, especially in student-athletes. What does healthy balance look like and how is it achieved?

Watch Now

Daniela

TOPIC: Redlining

“Where The City Drew The Line”

The purpose of my documentary is to spread awareness of the rigged system (Redlining) put in place in our communities not so long ago, which still affects the lives of people today.

Watch Now

Christina

TOPIC: Immigrants in America

“A Closer Look”

The purpose of my documentary is to inform people about the struggle of living in America as an immigrant.

Watch Now

Cormac

TOPICS: Anti-bullying, Central Valley, Students

“Bullying: Are We Doing Enough?”

The purpose of making my documentary is to get the message out about bullying and how much it can affect every aspect of a student’s life in the Central Valley.

Watch Now

Xavier

TOPICS: Vaping, Teenagers

“Puff Puff”

The purpose of making my documentary is to show the dangers of vaping, especially among teenagers.

Watch Now

Guneet

TOPICS: Mental Health, Central Valley

“Beneath The Surface”

The purpose of my documentary is to inform the public about different mental health struggles and how common they really are in hopes of destigmatizing the discussion around it, especially here in the Central Valley, where we don’t have many resources for it.

Watch Now

Youth Voices 2022

Our 2022 cohort was comprised of high school and middle school students from Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Tollhouse, and Porterville. These young filmmakers began meeting in June 2022. Teaching Artists Meng Lee and Sergio Cortes guided them through a comprehensive 14-week training program that included topics such as media literacy, idea generation, scriptwriting, field production, audio production, editing, and post-production. Participants produced documentary films about issues of their own choosing.

This CMAC Youth Voices cohort was made possible by funding from The California Endowment and from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The goal of the program is to increase the health outcomes of youth through video arts. Research shows that sharing stories not only connects people but is also good for an individual’s mental health. The film screening is suitable for audiences of all ages.

Blanca Barajas (Edison High School, Fresno)
Topic: Disappearing Wetlands*

“My goal is to spread awareness about the wetlands that used to be here and how the drastic changes have affected us. I would like to reimagine a future in which my home in the Central Valley has become much more sustainable and restored, without the presence of corporate greed. I also want to gain experience with digital media, since that is the career I’m interested in.”

*2023 WAVE Award Winner

Carolina Lee (Edison High School, Fresno)
Topic: Cyberbullying

“I would like to make a documentary about cyberbullying and screen usage. This is a topic that has been talked about a lot but I truly think is important for this generation, and definitely affects those in my community. Just recently there have been many anti-Black Instagram accounts targeted at schools like “bsublacks” targeted at Bullard’s Black students, which is extremely racist, a form of cyberbullying, and which should not be tolerated.”

Colby Horsman (Computech Middle School, Fresno)
Topic: Climate Change in the Valley

“Climate change is concern for our valley because of drought. Water has become the oil of the valley, and without it our agriculture economy will be in grave danger. I want to dive into the stories of climate change, including talking to famers, workers, families, and climate advocates. I will explore what we can do to make a change in both our own lives and the policies that are driving this change.”

Cosmo Velez (Sierra High School, Tollhouse)
Topic: Education Barriers

“In schools there seems to be an increasing divide between the two paths you can take. There are the A.P-take-every-hard-class-I-can students, and the kids that don’t take any higher level classes. Students often express they feel treated differently if they take certain courses. Is there any truth towards this prejudice?”

Daniela Maciel Navarro (Summit Charter High School, Porterville)
Topic: First Generation Latinos*

“An issue that I have found myself in throughout my time at high school so far would be the education rates in the Hispanic-Latino communities. Education in general within hispanic families is a touchy subject. As many of our parents are immigrants and have had to work since a very young age, continuing higher education is praised. There are definitely many layers to education and I understand that it’s not perfect but I know it will come my way harder in the future.”

*2023 WAVE Award Winner

Fernando Ortega (Computech Middle School, Fresno)
Topic: LGBTQ+ Rights

“The story that I would like to inform people with my documentary is the issues of LBGTQ+ rights, and how they should all be treated the same not mattering the sexuality they are labeled as. I feel like more awareness should be brought up about these protests and riots happening near Fresno in the Central Valley, and also around California about how people are being treated differently because of who they are labeled as or are attracted to. The documentary should try to inspire other people to embrace themselves for who they are and should encourage people to act and fight for their rights. It should try to help normalize the idea of labels, pronouns, and sexuality to other people, that it really should not be such a big deal and that everyone is human and should be treated the same.”

Grace Persons (Buchanan High School, Fresno)
Topic: Angel Babies Program

“I would like to bring more light and attention to the Hinds Hospice Angel Babies program. They are a Central Valley organization that helps families that loses babies pre and post pregnancy. This organization holds a special place in my heart because it has been a prominent part in the lives of my family. My parents lost by brother when he was born, and they didn’t know how they would continue on through their lives. Hinds Hospice helped my parents through their grief and showed them a community of people who knew exactly what they were going through. I would like to share the stories of those people, the story of the founder and how she created this amazing organization, and show others that could be going through this that they aren’t alone.”

Isabella Riley (Liberty High School, Madera)
Topic: The Dangers of Fentynal*

“The idea that I have for the documentary is to bring awareness to drugs on the street of Fresno. I want young people to realize that Fentanyl is not a game. If you even take a small amount there is a great chance that you can die. If you don’t die, you’re lucky but know that your mind will never be the same again. Fentanyl is hurting many people and it’s sad to see young people throw their lives away for a drug that will likely kill them. People need to know about this drug and they need to know the harmful consequences they will face if they take it.”

* 2023 WAVE Award Finalist

Kaylee Offerman (Justine Garza High School, Fresno)
Topic: Teens and Eating Disorders

“This documentary will give insight on how food can effect a pretty girl who has a good family and straight A’s in a pandemic who constantly had to be with herself all the time. Yet my story does cover everyone who struggles with eating, it can still reach to some people who are going through the same things I went through. Along with giving insight with people who may not have it but notice someone who might be having a hard time. This effects the community because it impacts people a lot of people who struggle with it. Overall I am trying to send a message that no one is alone and no one has to go through it alone.”

Ryan McFarland (Phillip J. Patiño School of Entrepreneurship, Fresno)
Topic: Homelessness

“A big story that is important to me is addressing homelessness in the Central Valley. To illustrate this story I will interview those directly affected by homelessness and those actively supporting the homeless throughout the Central Valley. Giving a voice to those who are unable to be heard and are frequently ignored and silenced is very important to me. It troubles me to see those affected by homelessness being treated like they are nothing and they have no story to be told. I want to be there for them to feel heard, and wanted, and that their story is important.”

Sukhan Brar (Granite Ridge Intermediate, Fresno)
Topic: Traffic Safety

“In my documentary, I want to talk about reckless driving and pedestrian accidents throughout Fresno and Clovis. I want to figure out why these accidents happen and how they can be prevented. I have a couple of friends who have experienced losing someone a relative to a jaywalking or reckless driving accident. They can help make a personal connection with the viewer and increase the chance the viewer will take precautions.”

Youth Voices 2021

Our 2021 cohort was comprised of high school students from Fresno, Clovis, Kerman and Visalia. These young filmmakers began meeting in January 2021. CMAC staffers Lisa Talley and Dom Zamora guided them through a comprehensive 14-week training program that included topics such as media literacy, idea generation, scriptwriting, field production, audio production, editing, and post-production. Participants produced their own documentary films focusing on social justice issues relevant to the Central Valley. Topics include contemporary education barriers in Fresno, disparities in access to high-speed internet, immigration, homelessness, and LGBTQ+ visibility.

This CMAC Youth Voices cohort was made possible by funding from The California Endowment and from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The goal of the program is to increase the health outcomes of youth through video arts. Research shows that sharing stories not only connects people but is also good for an individual’s mental health. The film screening is suitable for audiences of all ages.

Bisexual Visibility: Acknowledging the Overlooked – By Isabella O’Neal

Often people who identify as bisexual are overlooked and discriminated by both the LGBTQ+ and straight community. This film shares the experience of two bisexuals to alleviate some of the fears and discomfort associated with coming out.

Contemporary Education Barriers in Fresno’s Concentrated Poverty – By Eunice Choi

The lack of adequate funding in public schools is largely due to geography and zip code placement. It’s a phenomenon that perpetuates decreased access to class mobility in modern society. This film explores how insufficient funding for schools has become a contemporary education barrier.

CASA – By Brianna Mendoza

This documentary focuses on the non-profit organization Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fresno and Madera, what they hope to accomplish, as well as the struggles foster kids face.

Meri Mitti. My Land. – By Ishan Singh

India was built on the backs of farmers. However, the country has turned against its people, it has turned against its Kisans with the passage of key legislation that greatly impacts their livelihood. The film is about the fight for life, rights, and land. This is the farmer protest of India.

404 Connection Not Found – By Ruben Diaz

This documentary focuses on the digital divide – the disparity of high-speed internet access between our urban and rural areas.

Immigration in the U.S. – By Jennifer Garcia-Villa

Immigration has become a hot-button issue fueled by misinformation that creates stigmas that are often, only myths. The issues surrounding immigration from Central America are driven by poor policies and misunderstandings. This documentary aims to raise awareness to the issues within our system and debunk some of those myths.

Field Workers – By Oscar Ledezma

This documentary takes an intimate look at the lives of field workers and the struggles they overcome on a daily basis.

She/Him/They – By Alicia Lopez

Pronouns are not a preference, but an integral part of one’s identity. This documentary shares the significance of pronouns by telling personal stories in an effort to normalize pronouns in a way that promotes asking others about, and using, their correct pronouns.

Teen Depression – By Laila Jordan

Life is never as it seems, and those who seem “ok” on the surface may not be deep down. This story explores the personal story of the filmmaker struggling with depression and the ways others can potentially recognize it in their children and family members.

Unhoused in a Pandemic – By Jackie Schuster

In 2020, many of us were stuck in our homes, unsure of what the future held. For people experiencing homelessness, this uncertainty was made worse by a lack of shelter and safety. This documentary explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected homeless people in the Central Valley.

Perseverance is Key – By Yaeleen Garcia

Wanting to start a business is challenging. Trying to run a business is even more difficult. This documentary focuses on two individuals who give insight, based on their experiences, on how to overcome obstacles to achieving long-term goals and dreams.

Youth Voices 2020

Our first Youth Voices cohort produced three documentary films that were screened to the public on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Maya Cinemas in Fresno. Our 2020 program was made possible by funding from The California Endowment.

Intergenerational Politics In Fresno – By Gabby Rivas and Johnsen Del Rosario

A documentary about politics in Fresno from different points of view.

Fresno: A Home For All – By Raymart Catacutan and Melissa Andrade

A documentary about finding resources for the local homeless population.

Tolteca: A Story of Success – By Ruben Diaz, Gabby Rivas, Mark Pizana

A documentary about Aaron Ordaz, an immigrant and owner of Candies Tolteca.

Behind the Scenes

Interviews with participants from CMAC’s 2020 Youth Voices program.

CMAC Youth Voices Screening with Filmmaker Q&A

Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Maya Cinemas in Fresno, California.

Contact Info

Address:
1555 Van Ness Ave.
Suite #201
Fresno, CA 93721

Phone:
(559) 266-2622

Getting to CMAC

Hours:
Tues: 12 – 8 p.m.
Wed: 12 – 8 p.m.
Thur: 12 – 8 p.m.
Fri: 12 – 6 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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