Youth Voices

CMAC Youth Voices

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CMAC Youth Voices is a 14 week documentary filmmaking intensive for Central Valley Junior High and High School students, age 18 and under.

The Youth Voices program teaches youth how to harness the power of media to tell stories of personal and societal significance through documentary filmmaking.

Over the course of 14 weeks, CMAC will provide video production equipment, mentorship, and instruction as members of the Youth Voices cohort develop and produce their own documentary films.

12 applicants will be chosen to participate and will receive a $1,000 stipend and a one year membership to CMAC. The cohort will meet in person and virtually as needed. CMAC Youth Voices is made possible by funding from The California Endowment.

More About the Program

Now accepting applications for Youth Voices 2022!

Apply Now

Past Programs

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Youth Voices program?

The program runs for 14 weeks beginning June 3, 2022. Time commitment will vary but participants should anticipate dedicating 3 – 5 hours per week to the program.

Who is eligible to participate?

Central Valley Junior High and High School students, age 18 and under.

Do students need any prior knowledge or experience in video production to apply?

No, students will gain any necessary experience during the 14-week program. All experience levels are welcomed to apply.

Do I need to have a documentary subject/topic idea ready at the time I apply?

CMAC staff and mentors can help you develop a film topic, but we highly encourage students to outline an idea or provide insight into a topic they are interested in creating a documentary about.

How is this program funded?

CMAC secured a grant through the California Endowment to host this program. Programs like these are only made possible through community partnerships. If you are interested in partnering with CMAC, we are interested in collaborating with you!

Contact Info

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

Phone:
(559) 266-2622

Parking: Free in the northwest corner lot in stalls marked CMAC. Free street parking.

Hours:
Tues: 12 – 9 p.m.
Wed: 12 – 9 p.m.
Thur: 12 – 9 p.m.
Fri: 12 – 6 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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CMAC Youth Voices

Important Dates

Special Thanks To

More About the Program

Now accepting applications for Youth Voices 2022!

Past Programs

Youth Voices 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Info

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Youth Voices

CMAC Youth Voices

Important Dates

Special Thanks To

More About the Program

Now accepting applications for Youth Voices 2022!

Past Programs

Youth Voices 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Info

Receive Our Newsletter

Follow Us

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