CMAC’s The Big Tell amplifies Central California’s unique stories
Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC) has received funding from the KDACC to support The Big Tell, a regional filmmaking program.
CMAC, a Fresno-based nonprofit organization, provides citizens and businesses with access to filmmaking resources, including training, equipment and studio spaces, at little-to-no cost. Through media, CMAC hopes to encourage community engagement and creative expression.
The Big Tell furthers its mission by awarding $8,000 grants to 26 individuals who were selected among 200 applicants. Divided into two groups, the 13 participants of the winter cohort are gearing up to present their five-minute short films on Tuesday, April 16 beginning at 6 p.m. You can get your free tickets here.
During each cohort, the filmmakers are empowered to use resources they might not otherwise have access to use. Each grant recipient is provided with training in media arts, including one-on-one mentorship from Emmy-nominated documentarian Sascha Brown Rice.
The Big Tell amplifies the voices of these individuals and allows them to harness the power of storytelling for a greater purpose. Artists use their films to increase awareness of issues faced by their respective communities, hoping to improve the quality of life for those living in the lowest quartile of the Healthy Places Index.
Two of the 13 films set to premiere in April 2024 feature grant recipient Joshua J. Cordero’s film about the life of a man who repairs bicycles and gives them to children from broken homes. In their film, Jes Therkelsen and Kerry Klein explore gaps in healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
The Big Tell film festival will explore a wide range of topics, from Fresno City College to Dia de los Muertos and much more. To see the full list of films and learn more about The Big Tell, visit https://cmac.tv/thebigtell/.
About the Artist/Organization: Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC)
CMAC is a Fresno-based nonprofit organization designed to give citizens, schools, nonprofits and others a resource to produce media. They offer training, equipment and studio spaces for little to no cost. CMAC aims to help promote media literacy, civic engagement, cultural awareness and creative expression in the Central Valley.
