Our programs provide emerging storytellers and filmmakers with the opportunity to tell their story...
Through the creation and screening of their films, our fellows and their communities engage in a transformative process that fosters deep connections, skill development, and meaningful conversations.
Our fellowships serve as both incubators and accelerators for emerging talent, helping to launch sustainable, long-term careers in filmmaking. A well-crafted short film often opens doors to numerous funding opportunities and professional advancements. Our fellows join a vibrant, supportive creative community, including established filmmakers and artists.
At Mamá Papaya, we prioritize care, joy, and community-rooted processes, fostering long-lasting relationships.
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Mama Papaya Community Annual Gathering 2023
Leadership
Nicole Donoso
Tahiel Jimenez Medina
Ryan Stopera
“My mama’s nickname was Papaya.
She migrated to the United States with nothing escaping violence and for most of her life, she did not receive the mentorship, care, and resources to condidently express her vibrant creative spirit to the world.
Mamá Papaya honors my mother’s dream and recognizes the need for everyone to have the skills, tools, and resources to tell their story.
If my mamá would tell her story, the world would be a safer and caring place for everyone.”
- Tahiel Jimenez Medina,
Founder + Director of Mamá Papaya
Founder + Director of Mamá Papaya