Community Media Access Collaborative’s The Big Tell film contest, back for its ninth year, will award $5,000 grants to 10 local filmmakers for the production of short documentaries that feature stories from California’s great Central Valley.

The Big Tell is coordinated by CMAC, a nonprofit committed to empowering community voices by promoting media literacy, civic engagement, cultural understanding, and creative expression.

“We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and recognized,” CMAC Executive Director Bryan Harley said in a news release. “The goal of this program is to bring untold stories to light to help create a more connected community with people who are informed, engaged, and inspired by everything this region has to offer.”

Filmmakers will have three months to complete their films, which will premiere at The Big Tell Showcase in November.

Presented by the James B. McClatchy Foundation and the Central Valley Community Foundation, The Big Tell allows local filmmakers — professional, student, and amateur — the opportunity to share a meaningful, undiscovered Central Valley story.

Goal Is to Raise Valley’s Profile

The Big Tell Film Contest was launched in 2017 by CVCF, an organization committed to raising the profile of California’s Central Valley.

“Each year The Big Tell offers a collection of powerful stories, each essential in sharing the bigger story about our Central Valley,” CVCF President & CEO Ashley Swearengin said in the news release. “It’s imperative we create a space to highlight these diverse stories and to support our talented local filmmakers.”

Angelica Hernandez will serve as mentor to this year’s cohort of filmmakers. As an award-winning independent filmmaker and multimedia storyteller, Hernandez specializes in narrative and documentary filmmaking that amplifies underrepresented voices and tackles pressing social issues.

“Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, reflect, and inspire,” Hernandez said in the release, “I’m honored to support this year’s filmmakers as they bring their visions to life and share stories only they can tell.”

In addition to the cash grant and one-on-one mentorship, CMAC will provide grantees with an annual membership, ongoing technical assistance, and a full range of production tools and training.

Applications and previous documentaries are available at www.TheBigTell.org. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 7, 2025. The winning films will debut at The Big Tell Showcase in November.

Important Dates:

• May 20: Q & A Session via Zoom
• July 7: Application Deadline
• Aug. 1: Winners will be announced
• Aug. 6: Program begins
• November: The Big Tell Showcase