The annual Big Tell Film Contest, organized by the Community Media Access Collaborative, got a big assist from the KDA Creative Corps, which gave CMAC $255,000 funding for the annual film contest.

The boost in funding means that CMAC will be able to expand the Big Tell program to 26 filmmakers who will be awarded stipends of $8,000 each.

CMAC was one of 20 recipients of the KDA Creative Corps funding. KDA Creative Corp is a pilot program that’s part of the California Creative Corps, which is designed to promote community and civic engagement and spread awareness about water and energy conservation, climate change, and emergency preparedness, relief and recovery through the arts.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic response from artists and organizations across the region for the KDA Creative Corp grant program,” KDACC program director Andrea Hansen said in a news release. “After a thorough review process, we were excited to announce CMAC as a recipient of this inaugural grant and even more excited to see the impact this project will have on the community over the next year.

All Skill Levels Welcome

The Big Tell is open to professional, amateur, and student filmmakers. CMAC is looking for applications from filmmakers of all skill levels with subjects from six counties: Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Mariposa, and Merced.

The Big Tell is presented by the James B. McClatchy Foundation and the Central Valley Community Foundation.

Winning filmmakers will be mentored by Sascha Brown Rice, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker who will provide one-on-one support including development of storylines, technical assistance, and guidance on how to get films into production.

Grant winners also will receive a complimentary membership to CMAC, with access to training and tools such as professional video production gear and editing studios.

Applications and previous documentaries are at www.TheBigTell.org. The deadline to apply is June 27, and winners will be announced on July 26.

The 26 winners are being split into fall and winter groupings, with the fall group starting Aug. 2 and the winter group on Nov. 29. The winning films will debut at two The Big Tell Showcases in November 2023 and April 2024.