Community Media Access Collaborative has announced the return of the 72-Hour Film Race — challenging local filmmakers to write, shoot, and edit a short film in just three days.

The challenge is a pulse-racing test of creativity and speed, designed to make participants think on their feet and push their creative limits.

To up the ante, CMAC provides each filmmaking team with a packet containing a unique film title, prop, and line of dialogue that must be included in their film.

Then, the clock begins ticking as teams race against the clock to create a three-to-five-minute PG-13 short film.

Free Competition Is Open to All, Prizes for Winners

It is free to participate and open to the entire community, welcoming anyone from first-time filmmakers to seasoned creators.

CMAC described the experience as a “adrenaline rush like no other” and encouraged participants to have fun.

And there is an opportunity to be rewarded for top-notch creations.

The winning team will receive $1,000, second place gets $500, and third place $250.

Additionally, the winner of the youth division — 18 and under — will receive a $350 Horn Photo gift card.

Judges will assess each film on the following criteria: 40% story, 20% how the story is told, 20% production value, and 20% acting.

The film race started in 2016 but was forced to temporarily halt due to COVID. CMAC brought it back in 2024 with a commitment to its revitalization.

CMAC 72-Hour Film Race Timeline

Sign-ups are open, and the deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 29.

The race officially begins on Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m. when CMAC will hand out packets. Coordinators suggests arriving at 6 p.m. and participating in the Filmmaker meetup or coming 15-30 minutes early.

Final submissions must be submitted online via Dropbox by 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3 to qualify for judging.

CMAC will show all completed films on the big screen and announce prize winners at a public screening on Friday, Aug. 21.

Those wishing to register or find out more information can do so here.

CMAC Announces Big Tell Winners

CMAC also presents The Big Tell film contest, awarding 10 local filmmakers with a $5,000 grant to produce a short documentary surrounding a unique Central Valley story.

This year, 123 applicants submitted film concepts, proposing underground stories from the six-county region: Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.

A panel of judges evaluated the concepts on criteria such as subject, filmmaker, diversity of stories, and subjective appeal.

Here are the winners:

• “Handmade Magic” — Brandy Boatman
• “Harvesting Champions”— Ricardo Camacho
• “When We Went Quiet”— Charah Coleman
• “Pelota de la Tierra: Keeping Pelota Mixteca Alive in Fresno”— Ricardo Flores
• “Grown in Grace” — Will Freeney
• “The Advocate’s Advocate: The Last Black Paper” — Serenity Kelly
• “Concrete Angels”— Aysia Luna
• “Merced AF” — Earvin Mendoza
• “Before the Sword Became Suspicious” — Hanayo Oya
• “Big Rock” — Jennifer Robin

Along with the cash prize, these individuals will receive one-on-one mentoring from award-winning filmmaker and CMAC education specialist Angelica Hernandez.

The 10 filmmakers have three months to complete their films, which will premiere at The Big Tell Showcase in November.