Short films. Big stories. One powerful platform.
The Big Tell is back for its ninth year—and if you’ve ever dreamed of sharing a powerful Central Valley story through film, this is your moment.
Presented by the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC) and powered by the James B. McClatchy Foundation and the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF), The Big Tell offers 10 local filmmakers a $5,000 grant, mentorship, and access to professional production resources to bring a short documentary to life.
Whether you’re a student, amateur, or professional filmmaker, this contest is all about highlighting untold, meaningful stories from right here in the heart of California.
“We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and recognized,” said CMAC Executive Director Bryan Harley. “The goal is to bring untold stories to light and help create a more connected community.”
What You Need to Know
- What: A short documentary contest with $5,000 in production grants
- Who: Open to Central Valley filmmakers of all levels
- When: Apply by Monday, July 7, 2025
- Where: Submit your story idea at TheBigTell.org
- Premiere: Winning films will debut at The Big Tell Showcase in November 2025
This year’s mentor is Angelica Hernandez, an award-winning filmmaker whose work champions underrepresented voices and addresses urgent social topics. Her guidance, along with CMAC’s full support—membership, technical help, training, and tools—ensures selected filmmakers have everything they need to succeed.
“Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, reflect, and inspire,” says Angelica. “I’m honored to support this year’s filmmakers as they bring their visions to life.”
Key Dates
- đź“… May 20, 2025: Q&A Zoom Session
- đź“… July 7, 2025: Application Deadline
- đź“… August 1, 2025: Winners Announced
- 🎥 August 6, 2025: Program Begins
- 🌟 November 2025: The Big Tell Showcase
The Big Tell is more than just a film competition—it’s a celebration of the people, history, challenges, and triumphs that make the Central Valley a place unlike any other.
👉 Ready to tell your story? Visit www.TheBigTell.org to apply, explore past films, and get inspired.
About the Organizers
CMAC – A nonprofit championing media access and creative expression for our community. Learn more at cmac.tv | @cmactv
CVCF – For over 50 years, CVCF has supported bold ideas and smart philanthropy to uplift the Central Valley. CentralValleyCF.org | @CentralValleyCF
James B. McClatchy Foundation – Advocating for free expression and supporting English Learners across the Valley. jbmcclatchyfoundation.org
📽️ Central Valley storytellers—this is your stage. The world is ready to listen.
I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.
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