Image courtesy of CMAC

Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC) announced Tuesday the return of The Big Tell film contest, a contest for local filmmakers to produce short documentary films featuring stories from the Central Valley.

Applications are now open for the competition which will award ten local filmmakers $5,000 grants to produce the documentaries.

Applications are due July 7, with winners announced Aug. 1. Selected filmmakers will have the opportunity to work with award-winning independent filmmaker and multimedia storyteller Angelica Hernandez, who will serve as a mentor to this year’s filmmakers.

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

Now in its ninth year, The Big Tell was launched in 2017 by the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) as an opportunity for local professional, student and amateur filmmakers to share undiscovered Central Valley stories.

Last year’s competition featured films focusing on the history of Fresno City College, music, agriculture and more.

“We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and recognized,” CMAC Executive Director Bryan Harley said. “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 projects before their films are premiered at The Big Tell Showcase in November.

For more information about The Big Tell Film Contest, and to view previous films, click here.