The world is finally waking up to the need for authentic, diverse stories like the ones that BAYCAT youth have been telling for the past 16 years. We are proud to be helping build a world where women and BIPOC storytellers have a seat at the table and the power to create media that ushers in a more just, equitable society.
Our Digital Media Pathway supports aspiring young media makers, like BAYCAT alumni Marcellino “Nino” Rosario, to grow their technical skills, creative voice, and social consciousness. Nino was a BAYCAT youth filmmaker for five years and is now pursuing his degree in film production at Loyola Marymount University while working alongside San Francisco artist, Sorrin Norris.
“One of the films that we made a BAYCAT was The Art of Food Justice about the Tenderloin and SF Oasis for Girls. I didn't really know a lot about the Tenderloin and, you know, you drive by and see this really impacted area. It sucks, you know? So exploring what’s being done to help out the people living in that area, I was like, wow. There's like a lot of knowledge that I feel like a lot of people just don't really know about. And I kind of felt like it was my duty as a filmmaker to tell these stories and to make sure that these voices who might not be heard are heard. I probably wouldn't have pursued film if it wasn't for my experience at BAYCAT.”
The kind of stories that I've been able to tell at BAYCAT—telling other people’s stories and realizing the power within that and the power of other people’s voices—is something that I want to continue [pursuing] through the rest of my life.”
We all have a role to play in this new world we’re creating. We invite you to put your support behind the BAYCAT youth and young adults like Nino who are creating new narratives about themselves, their communities, and the world.
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