Our Mission
Mamá Papaya nurtures and cultivates historically underserved filmmakers and storytellers.
Through practices of care, community building, and education, our programs support filmmakers and the public to engage in a healing experience rooted in the values of care, interconnectedness, and accountability.
We are rooted in Mni Sota Makoce, the unceeded lands of the Dakota (Minnesota, United States).
“My mama’s childhood nickname was Papaya.
In ode to her creative spirit, Mamá Papaya hopes to heal the world through empowering artist’s agency and creative expression. Being a working class undocumented immigrant, she didn’t always have the resources to express her powerful soul.
Through this organization, I dream of a world where everyone has access to the skills, tools, and community to feel powerful in their voice with the support of a vibrant community.”
- Tahiel Jimenez Medina
Founder of Mamá Papaya
