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MMTM Festival Application

The MMTM Project Is Designed To:

  • Support young filmmakers in developing the passion and capacity for our hometown craft of movie-making and breathe life into a new generation of entertainment industry professionals
  • Promote equity and access to the arts to all of our children through the use of smartphone or equivalent technology along with expert instruction provided at no cost to participating schools/organizations
  • Demonstrate a an ongoing commitment to offsetting decimated arts education funding in our K-12 school systems by offering the MMTM project in perpetuity for the youth of Los Angeles

MMTM Festival Project Numbers to Date (2016-18, 2023-24)

  • Over 170 sponsored public and private K-16 schools and institutions
  • Over 5,000 participants from throughout the Northwest San Fernando Valley who write, edit, direct, act or work on the respective film crews
  • Over 650 short films produced thus far
  • Gender Demographics: 60% female/40% male
  • Over 63% of the participants qualify for TITLE I Funding
  • Past participants have also Included: LAPD Devonshire PALS, San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, New Horizons (Developmentally Disabled Adults) and Alternative High Schools Serving Foster Youth

WHAT IS A SPONSORED SCHOOL?

The foundation of the MMTM Film Festival is not simply to invite young filmmakers to participate in the MMTM Youth Short Film Festival, but also to make the process as effortless and seamless as possible.

Understanding that arts education funding in the K-16 community has plummeted in recent years, a commitment was made to provide a completely cost-free experience for the participants.

Reflecting this, the project includes:

  • 30-40 hours of expert instruction from artists-in-residence (AIR) from California Institute for the Arts (CalArts) Community Arts Partnership and other film-making institutions
  • When appropriate, complimentary smartphone and/or iPad bundles, including an external microphone, tripod, lens attachments, Gimbal and other equipment are provided to the participants
  • Specialized mid-project training to augment the teaching they are receiving at their school sites from the assigned AIR 
  • A project website and social media program to share successes, post photos, ask questions and register for special events
  • Charter bus transportation to and from culminating event if necessary
  • Free admission to a red carpet gala at the Soraya Performing Arts Center on the CSUN Campus
  • Ancillary materials such as software, project t-shirts, phone cases, and other materials