We were thrilled to say yes when long-time supporter Kevin Maki of @NBCMontana invited MAPS to be showcased on his news segment Montana Moment!

Video Courtesy of @NBCMontana

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In 2004, a retired Hollywood producer started a free, after-school program in Corvallis to teach high school kids filmmaking. Media Arts In The Public Schools, or MAPS, has now grown to include programs across the state. Based in Hamilton, MAPS Media Institute teaches youngsters film production, graphic design, music production, and new technology.

MAPS is now the recipient of television's highest honor for its work. In 2023, MAPS received an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Northwest Chapter for its work since 2004.

MAPS Executive Director Clare Ann Harff couldn't be prouder.

"MAPS is most certainly a trailblazer within Montana," she said in art, creativity, and education.

Since its inception 19 years ago, MAPS has helped more than 10,000 students tap into their creative talents.

"We're helping these students learn how to take an idea or a skill and how to transfer those into something," said Clare Ann, "whether that be a screenplay, a film, a song, or a piece of digital art. Any of those skills learned can be applied to anything they go into."

MAPS Media Institute's presence at Fort Belknap has sparked tremendous interest among students and their entire community.

Young people have produced several film projects that have attracted attention from all over the country. When she was a kid, Amilia Blackcrow, whose Native name is Little Cloud Woman, watched movies on VHS tapes so much that she wore the tapes out.

"I love film," said the Fort Belknap native. "I love the visual."

It's through visuals that Amilia connects. It's her art form. Amilia is working on her fingerprint.

"What I want my fingerprint to be," she said, "isn't to be known as Amilia, a Native American woman, or Amilia, this Native American woman, Amilia, this filmmaker. I want to be known as a person that tried to connect with others."

For Little Cloud Woman from Fort Belknap, it's just the beginning.

She has so many stories to tell.