The Big Tell (TBT) is the only annual film festival in the region which exclusively features Central Valley filmmakers and their stories. Led by the Community Media Access Collaborative CMAC and supported by the Foundation with generous financial support from the James B. McClatchy Foundation, TBT offers grants to local filmmakers for the production of mini-documentaries that feature Central Valley stories.
Visit The Big Tell for info on this year’s winners and film showcase:
View past films
Launched in 2017 by the Central Valley Community Foundation and now managed by CMAC, ten grants of $5,000 each are awarded to area filmmakers for the creation of short films about the people, places, history, and future of the Central Valley. Winners have 3 months to complete their short films and receive one-on-one mentorship from Emmy-nominated documentarian Sascha Brown Rice. The ten films are showcased at the annual The Big Tell film premiere.
Foundation’s Role
The Foundation was the founder of The Big Tell and developed the program for the first five years before drafting CMAC to take over as project lead. CVCF remains a financial supporter, collaborator and, in general, leads the cheering section for the filmmakers and their powerful stories each year.
Geographic Focus
Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Merced, and Mariposa Counties
Partners