The Big Tell – Film Contest

The Big Tell is Back for Its Ninth Year

The Big Tell is a regional filmmaking program offering grants for the production of short documentaries that feature stories about the amazing people, places, and activities that make the Central Valley so remarkable.

Applicants will submit their best idea about an undiscovered story from the six-county region: Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties. A panel of judges will evaluate the film concepts based on criteria including film subject, diversity among filmmakers and the stories they tell, and how the film will contribute to the rich and compelling narrative of the Central Valley. Then CMAC will award 10 grants of $5,000 each for the creation of the short films.

Winners will have three months to complete their film. In addition to the grant funds, they will receive a one-year CMAC membership, one-on-one mentorship from award-winning local filmmaker and previous TBT grantee Angelica Hernandez, and take part in a career development seminar with Emmy-nominated documentarian Sascha Brown Rice.

Eligible applicants include professional, student, and amateur filmmakers who live in Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Kings or Tulare counties. The deadline is apply is July 7, 2025.

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Program Funders

 

The Big Tell 2025 is presented by the James B. McClatchy Foundation, and the Central Valley Community Foundation.

Support The Big Tell

Want to show your support for programs like The Big Tell? Donate today and be a part of the community that uplifts untold stories from the Central Valley!

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  • May 6

    Applications Open

  • May 20

    Q&A on Zoom

  • July 7

    Applications Close

  • August 1

    Winner Announcement

  • August 6

    Meet & Greet

  • November 11

    The Big Tell Showcase

  • April 2024

    Winter Cohort Showcase

FAQs

The Big Tell is a regional filmmaking contest offering grants to filmmakers to produce short documentaries that feature stories of California’s six-county Central San Joaquin Valley.  Now in its ninth year, The Big Tell is coordinated by the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC), an organization committed to empowering voices in our community to share their stories using media.

This year, we will be awarding 10 filmmakers grants of $5,000 each. Filmmakers have three months to create their films, which then premiere together at The Big Tell Showcase. Each filmmaker will pre-record an interview to introduce their film.

Filmmakers receive one-on-one mentorship from award-winning filmmaker and past TBT grantee Angelica Hernandez. The Big Tell 2025 is presented by the James B. McClatchy Foundation and the Central Valley Community Foundation.

Individuals who live in Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera, Merced, or Mariposa counties are eligible to apply. Women, people of color, and people who identify as members of minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Although films are often collaborative, we will only recognize one individual as the filmmaker of record. The person who fills out the application should be the lead filmmaker on the project.  Only this person will receive programming information and will be listed on all promotional materials. You may recognize all members of your team in the film credits.

For the 2-minute interview for the showcase, the filmmaker may bring a guest – a member of the film team, the subject of your film, etc., to introduce your film.

Yes. All past applicants and winners can apply if they meet this year’s eligibility requirements. Please note that requirements may have changed from previous years.

Winners must be available to fulfill all the grant requirements in the timeline below.

May 6, 2025         Applications Open

May 20                  Application Q&A on Zoom (optional)

July 7                     Applications due at midnight

July 29                   Winners notified

Aug 6                       Meet & Greet w/ Angelica Hernandez @ CMAC

Aug – Nov               Four check-ins with Angelica Hernandez

Nov 3                       Final Cuts due by midnight

Nov 5-12                 Filmmaker Interviews

Nov 19                     The Big Tell Theatrical Showcase, Location TBD

TBD                         The Big Tell Broadcast Showcase

Filmmakers and their teams/partners will participate in one-on-one mentoring sessions with Angelica Hernandez. Those dates will be determined between the filmmaker and Ms. Hernandez. These sessions are required for all filmmakers.

Final films must be submitted by the deadline as an MP4 file, must be 1920×1080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and meet television broadcast requirements for production quality and decency standards. Failure to meet submission requirements, meeting attendance, or deadlines will result in forfeiture or return of grant funds and your film will not air at the Showcase.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of judges including representatives from JBMF, CVCF, CMAC, and Emmy-nominated documentarian Sascha Brown Rice.  They will evaluate film concepts on four criteria:

  1. The Story: Is this story truly original in theme, idea, or storytelling technique? Does the film idea have a clear structure, plot, and story arc? Is the story original and engaging?
  2. Filmmaker: Whether novice or professional, will this filmmaker create a compelling film (based on what is included in the application – samples of previous work, experience and/or promise)? Is it likely the filmmaker can deliver the vision laid out in the application?
  3. Diversity: Does this application contribute to our goal of diversity among filmmakers, storylines, and geographical focus? We commit to having at least 1 film representing each county in our service area (Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings).
  4. Other/Subjective: What do you find, compelling, interesting, or unique about this application, above and beyond the other scoring criteria? Is this a film you want to see? How will this film relate to the other 9 films when they premiere together at the Showcase (i.e., We are unlikely to select two films with similar subjects, despite both being strong applicants).

We receive over 100 applications each year and can only accept a set number of films. Every year, we turn away incredible film concepts that score high on those four criteria because we can only fund a set number films. This is a highly competitive program.

The most common reasons applications are not selected are:

  1. The idea is too similar to a previous film; or, too similar to another film selected for this year
  2. Execution plan seems unlikely (i.e., Timeline is too aggressive or unreasonable; Ability to actually interview subjects – do you really have access to elected officials, institutional/business leaders?)
  3. Idea is good, but too generic. We can only judge based on what you share, so make sure to paint a compelling picture that shows you know your subject matter and have thought through the story arc. Which film idea sounds like a winner:

“This film will detail the impacts of COVID on our community” vs “This film tells the story of local restauranteur Lynnette Johnson as she fights to keep her business open during a global pandemic. She finds the answer in an unlikely place – her grandmother’s attic.”

There is no fee to apply. Applications are due before midnight on July 7, 2025.

You may submit as many applications as you like. Each film concept must have its own complete application.

No.

This grant is for the production of new, non-fiction material. We will not accept completed films or work that has been publicly viewed. You may use footage that you already have on hand, but the film itself must have been completed for The Big Tell this year.

Films should offer a meaningful look into the lives, cultures, and communities that shape the region. This could include individual experiences, long-standing local traditions, grassroots efforts for change, or histories that haven’t been widely shared. We also welcome stories about cultural identity, environmental resilience, creative expression, or the everyday moments that reveal something deeper about life in the Valley.

Films must be authentic, original, non-fiction, short documentaries, between 5 to 8 minutes in length, including opening and credits.  The stylistic or artistic approach and techniques are at the discretion of the filmmaker.

Applicants are strongly advised to look at films from previous years. If your idea is the same as a film from a previous year, it is unlikely to be selected. Films from previous years can be found on this web page.

For the purposes of this program, applicants must be a resident of Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera, Merced, or Mariposa counties. Further, your story must be about a person, place, event, or activity in at least one of those counties.

Winners will be notified in late July 2025.

The grant winners are required to:

  • Attend the Filmmaker Meet & Greet session.
  • Participate in one-on-one mentoring sessions with Angelica Hernandez.
  • Submit rough cuts on time.
  • Participate in the recording of a 2-minute introduction to your film.
  • Provide at least 2-minutes of behind the scenes footage and up to 10 behind the scenes photos that can be used as b-roll for your 2-minute introduction.
  • Submit your final cut by the deadline.
  • Attend the Career Development Seminar with Sascha Brown Rice.
  • Attend the Theatrical Showcase event.

The films will premiere at The Big Tell Showcase – which will consist of a theatrical presentation and a broadcast television presentation.

Keep in mind, films cannot be publicly screened prior to these events. After the events, you are welcome to share your film as you like.

While we are not able to consult on story ideas for your application, we encourage you to explore untold stories rooted in California’s Central Valley. Strong applications often center on personal journeys, community traditions, or local movements, but stories can also explore themes like intergenerational knowledge, resilience in the face of environmental or economic challenges, neighborhood history, or the cultural contributions of underrepresented groups. The most compelling projects are those that reflect the heart of the Central Valley and elevate voices that may not often be heard.

This program is only open to filmmakers and each application must be submitted by the lead filmmaker on the project. However, amateur and student filmmakers are encouraged to apply.

No. CMAC offers access to training and tools including a production studio, private editing suites, meeting rooms, classroom space, and a computer lab, along with a variety of portable production gear.

All winners will receive a one-year membership to CMAC.  Use of CMAC equipment is not required for participation in The Big Tell, but is encouraged for filmmakers who can benefit from it.

The film becomes shared property between the filmmaker and CMAC and cannot have prior ownership. Additionally, your project cannot be publicly available or viewed publicly or commercially before The Big Tell Showcase in November 2025. Our broadcast partner will also have rights to broadcast your film for The Big Tell Showcase, a television special.

CMAC reserves the right to unlimited and non-exclusive broadcast or sharing of your film for purposes that include but are not limited to marketing, promotions, fundraising, or coalition-building. Filmmakers will sign a contract with CMAC that further outlines the terms of the agreement.

Filmmakers assume liability for the short documentary’s content and are expected to take all steps necessary to secure proper permissions for copyright, as well as location and talent releases and permits.

You will sign a contract with CMAC and then submit an invoice for $5,000 for payment processing. Funds will be made available within one month of contract signing. There is no restriction on the use of the funds, but be advised that no additional funds will be administered for any reason.

Failure to submit a completed film, meeting our specifications, by the deadline will result in forfeiture of grant funds.  The applicant will be expected to return the full grant funds to CMAC. No exceptions.

Failure to participate in mentorship activities, grant reporting requirements, or public events can result in similar sanctions, at the discretion of CMAC.

Failure to adhere to the film’s time limit (not less than five minutes and not more than eight minutes), will result in forfeiture of grant funds and your film will not be screened at the Showcase. This means a hard stop at 8 minutes, including title card and credits.

We require that all films recognize CMAC and other sponsors in the credits. Guidelines for credit recognition will be provided to filmmakers.

Past Participants

The Big Tell 2024

The Big Tell 2024 was presented by the James B. McClatchy Foundation, the Central Valley Community Foundation, the KDA Creative Corps, California Arts Council, and Valley PBS.

Brandon Ezequil Hernandez

“The Tagus Ranch Peach Strike“

In 1933 Tulare, California, Patrick Chambers, secretary of the Cannery and Agricultural Workers Industrial Union, spearheads the Tagus Ranch peach labor strike against the unyielding H.C. Merrit Jr., sparking a statewide uprising for fair wages and workers’ rights.

Watch Now

Charlene DeCicco

“The People From The Lake“

The Yokut tribe of Kings County built their life around the Tulare lake. The lake they call Pa’ashi which means, “big water”. The lake has been dried up for many years and now has mysteriously returned. The Yokut believe the lake is alive and speaking, and they are listening. This is their story.

Watch Now

Evan Christensen

“In the Shadow of Giants”

Guided by environmentalist Ali Sheehey, the story of Sequoias living and dead in Long Meadow Grove (the “Trail of 100 Giants”) provides insight into how we can live more harmoniously with nature, and with greater humility.

Watch Now

Jacqueline Álvarez

“Skateboards in Prison”

Good things happen when the Central Valley community works together toward a common goal. A local non-profit called Fresno Skateboard Salvage earns funds through the participation of inmates’ artwork on old skateboards. That money is then used to buy new high-end skateboards and gear for children.

Watch Now

Jamillah Finley

“Roots Run Deep“

 Back to the beginning, local spoken word poet Lila Imani, chronicles the restorative practices of local Black and Brown organic farmers as they reach back to their roots to retain and restore cultural traditions in an effort to heal the earth and themselves.

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Watch Now

Jes Therkelsen & Kerry Klein

“Gaps in Care: The Closing of Madera Community Hospital”

Gaps in Care explores gaps in healthcare access, particularly for rural residents that make up the backbone of the U.S. agricultural industry. After Madera County’s only hospital closed earlier this year, what is next for an already vulnerable population?

Watch Now

Joshua J. Cordero

“Papa Joe and the Redeemed Riders”

Joe grew up disowned by his biological father and hated by his step-dad for being a symbol of his wife’s unfaithfulness. Despite his upbringing, Joe launched a ministry of collecting broken bicycles, repairing them and giving them away to children from broken homes; earning him the name: Papa Joe.

Watch Now

Jose Romo Jr.

“Elite”

From street survival to shop owner. Barber Carlos Pompa, owner of Elite Barber Studios, creates a haven not just for his customers, but for aspiring barbers looking for a chance in the industry. He hopes to empower young barbers to thrive, encourage growth, and nurture in an inclusive environment.

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Justus Briggs

“Rooted Resilience”

Chronicles the life and trials of Will Scott, an 82-year-old African-American farmer, who specializes in growing Southern crops in Fresno.

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Karina E. Turner

“Ballico Taiko”

Ballico Taiko has been developing character and confidence in children for over 20 years. Through the ancient art of Japanese drumming called Taiko, Chris Kubo helps to build confidence and a sense of community in children as they learn drumming skills and collaborate to perform the art of Taiko.

Watch Now

Kaylee Josefina

“The First”

A look at how Fresno City College – reputedly a sleepy little college in a middle-of-nowhere town – began as the first of California’s 116 community colleges, and became the catalyst for reshaping the entire system of higher education in America.

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Kristin Lesko

“La Milpa”

A farmworker-led permaculture farm in Fresno is preparing for its first harvest – a bountiful crop of marigolds in celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

Watch Now

Rebecca Adams

“The Best Little Museum West of the Mississippi”

In this charming short film, experience a captivating journey through time at the Mariposa Museum & History Center, showcasing the rich heritage of a small town. Discover untold stories, forgotten treasures, and the spirit of resilience that make it the best little museum west of the Mississippi.

Watch Now

The Big Tell 2023

The Big Tell 2023 was presented by the James B. McClatchy Foundation, the Central Valley Community Foundation, the KDA Creative Corps, California Arts Council, and Valley PBS.

Adam Lincoln Lane

“Merced Pride”

Merced Pride Fest would be nothing without its volunteers. Watch as one woman leads an organization and creates positive cultural impacts for the LGBTQ community in a conservative area.

Watch Now

Angelica Hernandez

“To Plant a Garden”

This film follows three workers at Yoville community garden and farm, as they sow seeds of hope for a more just and sustainable food system in the shadow of an embattled industrial meat factory set to close after 60 years of community protests.

Watch Now

Bill Henshaw

“From Disabilities to Abilities: The Green Rose Revolution”

This documentary takes viewers on a heartfelt journey into the world of Green Rose Productions, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of the arts.

Watch Now

Hashim Hassan

“No te Here O Te Hiro’a/For the Love of the Culture“

This documentary briefly explores the historical, cultural and inter-generational impact of Fresno’s only Polynesian Dance Group, started by Linda Kuma and her late husband Kolei Kuma in 1973.

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Watch Now

Marquis D. Perkins

“Circa ’91“

This story pays homage to the Juneteenth celebration of 1991 in Madera, California, where lifelong generations created legacy, culture and heritage within the San Joaquin Valley.

Watch Now

Adán Ávalos

“Reaching Alcalá”

Against the odds, a kid from the barrio picked up a discarded trumpet and became a leading musical legend in the Central Valley. A lyrical documentary of passion for Latin music and a man that has given his all to his community.

Watch Now

Antonio Ramirez

“Ben’s Cafe“

We explore the forgotten legacy of Ben’s Cafe. From the 50s to the 90s, Ben Koga and his family ran a beloved diner in downtown Parlier that catered to local farmers, families, and was a place of community for the disappearing Japanese population in Parlier. 

Watch Now

Cruz Gonzales

“Riding Low“

Lowriders are more than fixed up classic cars. Many times these cars represent a person’s lifetime of hard work and dedication to their projects and for some it’s their lasting legacy to their families.

Watch Now

Jennifer Robin

“Walappu’ ‘Uuchuthuu”

A silent colonizer threatens Yosemite’s land and Her People. Join us as we expose the detriment of invasive species to life-giving pollinators and native plants. Follow experts who give testimony to the history and vital importance of native species to the land and the Tribes who depend on them.

Watch Now

Orlando Garcia

“Valley Skies“

This film highlights the unique relationship between a skilled aviator and flight nurse, assigned to the Skylife Air Ambulance based in our own Central Valley. These professionals selflessly risk their own lives to bring medical aid to those who are suffering a traumatic incident where time is of the essence. Prepare to be inspired by the vigorous dedication of these Skylife Air Ambulance pilots and nurses, where saving lives is their ultimate mission.

Watch Now

Rippin Sindher

“ZONE“

This film centers on the lasting impacts of redlining in Fresno, long after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 outlawed the practice and how social activists today are mobilizing communities through advocacy for housing justice and equity-building in neighborhoods through public art.

Watch Now

Taylor Quintanar

“Finding Voices“

Explore the art and impact of S. Bryan Medina, the first Black Poet Laureate of Fresno County and creator of the beloved Inner Ear Open Mic and Beat Down Poetry Slam.

Watch Now

Tim Tsai

“Mi Casa Es Tu Casa: Manuel and Olga’s Garden“

A lush botanical garden nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills provides the backdrop to a couple’s love story of fifty-seven years and their life-long dedication to nourishing their community.

Watch Now

The Big Tell 2022

Melonie Bisset

“Tango Fresno”

A vibrant community of Central Valley citizens celebrate their passion for Argentine tango as they welcome back in-person dances after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Jason Duong

“Stubborn”

Dinuba musician, Jeffrey Holmes, overcomes a rare autoimmune disorder while pursuing his passion for music.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Karina Turner

“Invisible Love”

A look at the “invisible” people who care for the fragile and vulnerable family members who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Edward Goto

“How Sweet It Is!”

We all love creampuffs and jelly doughnuts. But have you ever heard of manju? Come discover the wondrous Japanese confectionary delights handmade in Fresno’s 100 year old, family run, manju store, Kogetsu-Do! It’s one of only four Manju shops in the United States!

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Zach Green

“The Fighter”

Before she was ever known as “The Belizean Bruiser” and a top-ten ranked UFC fighter, single mother Marion Reneau faced a difficult struggle, alone with her son, just fighting to survive.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Jeremy Miller

“School Yard Rap”

Who could’ve known that education could be so fun?! Brandon Brown uplifts the history of minorities through music, art, passion and smarts!

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Ernesto Cruz Pulido

“Unsung Heroes”

From farm to table, but what’s in between? An inside look at truck drivers’ lives, their aspirations and love for trucking.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Rieka L. Rain Tree

“Non-Acknowledged”

A candid and educational representation of what it means to be a non-acknowledged, non-recognized Central Valley Indian tribe.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Jennifer Robin

“Endangered Language”

An exploration of the language of the Southern Sierra Miwuk people of the Yosemite National Park region and how the preservation and resiliency of language is intrinsically tied to enduring place names, stories, arts and culture of the Miwuk people.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

Eric Galan

“Out in the Tules”

What’s more important than water? 200 years ago Tulare Lake, the largest lake in the West, fed the water systems of Central CA. Through the wet past and man-led dry present, explore the effect and potential future of the South Valley’s lost treasure.

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Watch the filmmaker interview

The Big Tell 2021

Mi Elotero (My Corn Man)
by Carolina De La Torre

Community support is imperative as Latino street vendors face a rise in violence against them.

Kaweah Kweens
by Zach Green

From the foothills to Capitol Hill—middle school girls help pass national legislation combating climate change.

Not Just any Restaurant
by Matt Mealer

A mother and daughter draw on 130 years of Central Valley heritage as they breathe new life into an iconic Basque restaurant in Los Banos.

Stan Bitters: Ceramics Wizard
by Ed Goto

A documentary focusing on the impact this local internationally-known ceramics artist had on the 1960’s Organic Modernist Craft Movement

Hope in a Basket
by Chad Saechao

Asian strawberry farmers in Visalia share the roots of their business and what it takes to own one of the busiest strawberry stands in town.

Mammoths in Madera?!
by Eddie Garcia

A paleontologist uncovers Madera’s Ice Age history after an intact mammoth tusk led to the discovery of a trove of fossils in a Madera landfill.

Good Fire
by Erica Tom

For thousands of years the North Fork Mono Tribe has used fire to restore Central Valley land. A look at this practice amidst a time of drought, megafires, and climate change.

Little Big Gym
by Rigoberto Moran

A small gym in Farmersville is a free outlet for kids to play and learn—and a source of inspiration for the community.

Beyond the Basket
by Jennifer Robin

A look at the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation’s traditional basket making and medicine gathering. Elder basket weavers share why cultivating medicine is important to the tribe.

The Arts, The Gift That Keeps on Giving
by Jeremy Miller

Local legend Deborah McCoy shares what fuels her passion for dance, the role it has served in her life and how she uses her talent to serve others.

The Big Tell 2020

Famously Unknown
by RaShan McClarty

Ceasar “C-Flo” Johnson is a rapper, recording artist, entrepreneur, coach, and mentor. His influential words have touched the lives of countless people and he continues to motivate during these difficult times.

On the Edge
by Shira D. Gordon

Clipped to the rock hundreds of feet in the air, female climbers embark on a journey that is about so much more than the long and difficult climb.

Lemoore, CA – Home of the Perfect Wave
by Michael Price

A dream to create the perfect wave forever changes a small Central Valley town into a premier surfing destination.

Pintor Diego
by Rigoberto Moran

An artist born and raised in the Central Valley becomes an art professor. Inspired by his grandfather early in life, he encourages his students to accomplish their dreams and follow their passion.

Our Daily Bread – The Last Panadero
by Adán Ávalos

A poetic documentary about family unity, love for community and the last neighborhood delivery breadman.

#BlackGirlMagic
by Jamillah Finley

Breakbox Thought Collective documents its transformative program, the Fresno Black Girl Magic Project, uniting young Black girls from unique backgrounds as they transition into adulthood.

The Steam
by Matthew Mealer

In the shadow of Yosemite National Park, the oldest and youngest crew members of a historic steam railroad ponder the future of their trade in a post-pandemic world.

Liminal
by Chihiro Wimbush

A former lifer now brings two recent parolees who did time together, out of the uncertainty of their urban environments and into the refuge of nature.

BEEware
by Jenny Toste

Heath, the little beekeeper, doesn’t do it for the honey; he does it for the bees. If we’re not careful, they could disappear, taking 80% of our food and our Valley’s $22 billion ag production along with them.

Love in Anxiety
by Jason Duong & Julease Graham

Julease Graham speaks with activists, artists, academics, and faith leaders on the anxiety of living, surviving, and thriving amid racism and violence while the future for the Black community seems so uncertain.

The Big Tell 2019

Capital G
by Regina Simmons

Fresno’s Green Team and Youth Ambassadors are on a mission to promote sustainable practices including innovative water recycling processes and air quality monitoring.

El espíritu de las danzas (The Spirit of Dances)
by Adán Ávalos

A lyrical documentary of the celebratory power of dance and music to keep history, tradition, and community alive for Central Valley Oaxacan families.

Family Rx
by Christopher Velazquez

Pharmacist Rafael Velazquez has owned and operated Merced Drug for over 20 years, living the American dream while helping countless families in the community.

Mariposa is Music
by Karen Dusek

Mariposa is a small town with a big soul, and nothing reflects that more than the music of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra, founded in 2002 by Les Marsden.

100 Years of Suffrage
by Orlando J. Gomez

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of national women’s suffrage. Learn about the women behind the movement in Fresno, and how local women today are honoring the sacrifices of the past.

NSD
by Chad Saechao

A hip-hop record label is an unexpected outlet for artistic expression and community connections in Visalia.

Peacock: Exeter, The Anti-Filipino Riot
by Glenn Philip Martinez Aquino

Exploring the anti-Filipino riot that occurred on October 24, 1929, in Exeter, and the attitudes that are echoed today, 90 years later.

Professional AND Skater
by Carlos Burgos

Dedicated high school teacher by day and talented skateboarder by night, Ronald Taglireni combines his values and passions to make his community a better place.

Remembering Trevor
by Joshua A. Krause

In the wake of tragedy, a grieving Clovis mother takes steps to promote suicide awareness and prevention.

Story Queens
by Haley White

Drag Story Time in Fresno is part of a national movement to promote love, acceptance, fun, and reading for children and adults alike.

The Big Tell 2018

Avenal, Oasis in the Sun
by Antony V. López

Avenal may be a small community, but it has a rich history from oil boomtown to pistachio capital. This film explores the past through the stories of 89-year-old resident Betty Weaver.

Valley of Murals
by Carissa Garcia & Sam Contreras

A look at the Central Valley’s thriving community of young muralists interwoven with stories from muralists who led the Chicana/o muralism movement of the 60s and 70s.

Ichi Ni San She (How to Throw Like a Girl)
by Hans Steele

A team of women Judoka (judo players) inherit a generational Judo dojo and their efforts to grow their club and share the wisdom of past Senseis with a new generation of Judoka.

One Step at a Time
by Jes Therkelsen

The story of three men who hit rock bottom and their ensuing struggle to regain control of their lives. FIlmed in the style of observational cinema, or cinéma vérité, the film shows each man in his personal journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

Just Stuff
by Karen Dusek

In July 2017 the Detweiler Fire destroyed 80,000 acres in Mariposa including the home of 70-year-old artist Dennis Bright. This is the story of his efforts to rebuild and the community that stepped in to help.

Needle and Thread
by Orlando J. Gomez

The story of Dr. Fitzalbert M. Marius, a 96-year-old African American WWII Veteran, who got his start as a tailor and went on to perform the very first open heart surgery in Fresno in 1958.

SEVA
by Rippin Sindher

Centered around the Sikh-American community, this film delves into the importance of selfless service known as seva, and the National Day of Seva, which emerged after the massacre at a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in August 2012.

Raisins Made with Love
by Sarah Linder Gonzales

Every August in Madera, over 10,000 volunteers gather to pick grapes from an 80-acre vineyard that is solely devoted to producing raisins used for humanitarian aid.

Transformation in the Central Valley
by Floyd Sanchez

This film shows how cutting-edge technology is used throughout the region as the Central Valley leads the nation in green building and transportation innovations.

Preying on Innocents
by Zachary Green

The compelling story behind Operation Baby Face in Tulare County, a collaborative undercover effort in the ongoing battle to catch child sex predators and human traffickers.

The Big Tell 2017

On The Banks of El Canal
by Martha Yesenia Juarez

A young Chicana uncovers the history of the land she grew up on. She discovers the beauty of this land and the richness of life of the migrant families that work the land.

Road to Hope
by Hashim Hassan

The struggle and resilience of one Syrian family in Fresno who are among 10,000 Syrian refugees accepted in the United States since the war began.

Joaquin Murrieta: Tradition and Culture
by Armando Valdez

Arte Americas will capture the history and tradition behind the annual horse ride in late July of the Association de Charros to commemorate the mythical legend of Joaquin Murrieta, a controversial symbol in California’s early history.

The Promise
by Jose Munoz

A love story of Mr. and Mrs. Medina and the promise they made to give back to their community, thus leading to the creation of the Kings Cultural Center in Armona.

Forgotten Veterans of the Vietnam War
by Paula Yang

Three Hmong veterans serve the United States during the Vietnam War in Laos. This film showcases their life stories, their experiences during the war, and transition to American civilian life after their service.

The Blessing and the Curse
by David Kennedy

The surprising and inspiring story of local folk, Americana and rockabilly musician Lance Canales, who rose from humble Central Valley farmworker beginnings to prominence in the international music scene.

Literacy Empowers
by Karen Dusek

Literacy empowers, as two volunteer tutors and learners in the Mariposa Library’s adult literacy program reveal in their inspirational stories about the experiences that brought them together. Learn how their efforts translate to a more sustainable, hopeful community.

59 Days of Code
by Rebecca Miller and Troy Ruff

Technology is a tool people can use to change the world, for better or worse. Three students from Avenal, who care so much about the Valley where they grew up and the industries here, are competing in 59DaysOfCode’s annual competition.

Unbound
by Haley White

Amy Querin used dance to heal her own emotional wounds, and now she helps others do the same. From her own dance company to the work she does with the prisoners at Central California Women’s Facility through the Prison Arts Project.

A Library for London
by Johnny Soto

There may not be paved roads in the small town of London, CA, but that won’t stop one man from bringing to his hometown something he didn’t have growing up; a library. Follow his journey as he fights to bring accessible books and media to London, sparking interest and inspiring education and imagination in the hearts and minds of its youth.

Contact Info

Address:
1555 Van Ness Ave.
Suite #201
Fresno, CA 93721

Phone:
(559) 266-2622

Getting to CMAC

Hours:
Tues: 12 – 8 p.m.
Wed: 12 – 8 p.m.
Thur: 12 – 8 p.m.
Fri: 12 – 6 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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