“Making Movies that Matter (MMTM)” Youth Short Film Festival is open to all K-12 students within Council District 12 and the West San Fernando Valley. This project will introduce students to the art of digital storytelling and filmmaking while providing critical mentoring and technical support to ensure student efficacy and success.
Building on the success of the MMTM project from 2016-18 and its return in 2022-23, this process begins again in September of 2023 and culminates on May 16th, 2024 with a juried competition and red carpet celebration at the Soraya Performing Arts Center on the campus of Cal State University, Northridge (CSUN). Categories include Documentary, Fictional Short, Public Service Announcement and Animated Short.
This experience is driven by a powerful collaboration between Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee (CD12) and several of our community partners such as the Valley Relics Museum, Region North (LAUSD), Disney and ABC Television, GEC Events, My Valley Pass and the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA).
Awards will be made in the following categories by school level (elementary, middle and high school):
-Outstanding Documentary
-Outstanding Fictional Short
-Outstanding Public Service Announcement
-Outstanding Animated Short
With an overall, Councilmember John S. Lee "Best of Festival" award as well.
All winners will be chosen by a special jury.
Films that are world premiering at the Festival are eligible for the Festival’s multiple competitive categories.