Mamá Papaya is an immigrant-led nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and
cultivating underserved filmmakers and storytellers in Minnesota. 

Through financial support, community engagement, and mentorship, our programs support filmmakers and their communities to engage in a transformative film process that fosters deep connections, skill development, and meaningful relationships.

The visionary fellows in our programs are supported to create groundbreaking narrative short films and scripts. Their projects create ripple effects in our communities and cultures. 

Mamá Papaya fellowships cared for emerging voices, helping to launch sustainable, long-term careers in film. We believe storytelling is an ancestral tool for preservation and healing.

Our values are care, joy, community, solidarity, and cultivating long-lasting relationships. Whether it is on a film set or organizing an event, our priority is for people to feel safe, seen, nourished, connected with each other and their own selves.

Mamá Papaya is proud to co-present Cinefilmu Film Festival.



 
FilmSparks Fellowship 2024 - BTS of Amor Eterno



MAMÁ PAPAYA TEAM

Nicole Donoso Sanchez
Tahiel Jimenez Medina
Ryan Stopera



BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tahiel Jimenez Medina

Nicole Donoso Sanchez

Ryan Stopera

Mary Anne Quiroz

Reyna Rios-Starr




“My mama’s childhood nickname was Papaya.

Mamá Papaya honors my migrant mama’s creative spirit and recognizes the need for everyone to receive the skills, tools, and resources to feel powerful in their creative expression and craft.

Everyone deserves the chance to tell their story in vibrant and beautiful mediums such as film.”


- Tahiel Jimenez Medina
Founder & Executive Director of Mamá Papaya