FRESNO – The Community Media Access Collaborative is getting ready to call “Lights, camera, action!” on its youth documentary filmmaking program for students in the Central Valley.
The CMAC Youth Voices Program has returned for its seventh year, offering young filmmakers a chance to develop their skills while shedding light on topics that matter to them. Applications are open until May 11, and twelve applicants will be selected to receive mentorship, a one-year CMAC membership and a $1,000 stipend.
“Programs like this, and resources at CMAC in general, can help prepare the students with technical skills that they wouldn’t be able to develop otherwise,” said Davie Ramirez, program mentor, in a statement. “We try to individualize the experience as much as we can. Apart from working as a group, we make time to work with each student one-on-one to ensure everyone is developing the skill set they’re interested in.”
The 10-week program is open to students ages 18 and under, and requires no prior experience. Ramirez will provide support and guidance throughout the entire process, and participants will receive training on every stage of the filmmaking process.
There is no cost to participate, as CMAC will provide all equipment including cameras, microphones and editing software.
“We see students start with little to no experience and finish with stories that are personal, powerful, and entirely their own,” said Johnny Pecina, CMAC’s community media manager in a statement. “Youth Voices is a reminder of what young people can do when they’re given the space and support to be heard.”
Those with questions can attend the virtual Q&A on April 16. Spots for the CMAC Youth Voices Q&A Session can be reserved on Eventbrite, and additional inquiries can be sent to Pecina at johnny@cmac.tv.
Documentaries from previous years, 2020 and on, can be found on CMAC’s website. Students have produced documentaries on subjects like: intergenerational politics, poetry, food trucks, LGBTQ+ rights, pet therapy, and much more.
Those selected to participate in the program will be announced on May 20, and the program officially begins on May 29. Applications can be submitted through the CMAC website.
