California Student Media Festival

03/01/2026

Have your students -- even primary age ones -- tell stories digitally. It's good and easy for them:

Use this powerful form of communication to build literacy for emerging readers and writers.

30/12/2025

End 2025 on a positive note: make a positive impact on student voices by donating to the California Student Media Festival at http://mediafestival./org

23/12/2025

Get inspired this holiday with student videos that show media literacy and library love:

Winning Media Literacy Videos:
Boston Tea Party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LHYZ4EyVP8
Cryptids: an animated series concept: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36mUVOgfDX4

Winning Videos about School Libraries:
Why school libraries are great! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YSjx1XLYc8
The Importance of School Libraries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l6tIbNky5k

10/12/2025

The first-ever statewide initiative to survey media literacy in schools providew an action plan of recommendations to advance media literacy efforts. This initiative was done in collaboration with the Media Education Lab and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It draws on a year-long study that included interviews with educators, input from national experts, and survey responses from Massachusetts teachers.

The results are clear: educators see media literacy as essential, and they’re already incorporating core practices like media analysis, student media creation, and inquiry-based research, with a strong interest in expanding instruction for the youngest learners. But the report also shows what’s missing—system-wide training, clear guidance, and equitable access—especially as AI rapidly changes the media environment students navigate every day.

“This report provides a practical roadmap for Massachusetts and other states who want to prioritize comprehensive media literacy education,” said Kyra Brissette, CEO of Media Literacy Now. “As we look to 2026, we are excited to champion these policy recommendations in Massachusetts and nationwide to ensure every student learns to think critically, evaluate information, and engage safely and confidently in today’s digital world.”

Media Literacy Now. (2025). Media Literacy in Massachusetts: A Landscape Scan and Policy Recommendations,

With existing standards, strong educator engagement, and growing public awareness, Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education can catalyze meaningful change through guidance, professional learning, system integration, and strategic investment.

08/12/2025

Support student voice by becoming a Festival sponsor or partner - and join esteemed supporters below. Contact [email protected]

02/12/2025

11/11/2025

Check out great resources for making media at mediafestival.org

04/11/2025

Last week was national Media Literacy Week, but you can still honor it with lessons; see NAMLE's collection at

QUICK LINKS Elementary Resources Middle School Resources High School Resources Higher Ed Resources Library/Community Resources Ready to participate? Don't forget to register to join the movement! PARTICIPATE Need Event or Classroom Lesson Ideas? The mission of Media Literacy Week is to highlight the...

27/10/2025

Today is the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage -- celebrate!