THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
WHAT IS THE BIG TELL?
Earlier this year we awarded 13 grants of $8,000 each for the creation of short films showcasing the incredible people, places, and activities that make the Central Valley so remarkable. Winners had three months to complete their short films and received one-on-one mentorship from Emmy-nominated documentarian Sascha Brown Rice.
Now it’s time to showcase all their documentaries! If you missed our theatrical event at the Tower Theatre, mark your calendars for Sunday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m. and watch the broadcast special featuring exclusive interviews with the filmmakers. See it on Valley PBS and CMAC.
2023 FEATURED MINI DOCUMENTARIES3
Merced Pride
by Adam Lincoln Lane
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.
Reaching Alcalá
by Adán Ávalos
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.
To Plant a Garden
by Angelica Hernandez
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.
Ben’s Cafe
by Antonio Ramirez
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.
From Disabilities to Abilities: The Green Rose Revolution
by Bill Henshaw
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.
Riding Low
by Cruz Gonzales
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.
No te Here O Te Hiro’a/For the Love of the Culture
by Hashim Hassan
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.
Walappu’ ‘Uuchuthuu
by Jennifer Robin
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.
Circa ’91
by Marquis D. Perkins
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.
Valley Skies
by Orlando Garcia
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.
ZONE
by Rippin Sindher
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.
Finding Voices
by Taylor Quintanar
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.
Mi Casa Es Tu Casa: Manuel and Olga’s Garden
by Tim Tsai
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.
2020 FEATURED MINI DOCUMENTARIES
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 premiere surfing destination.
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.
Our Daily Bread: The Last Panadero
by Adán Ávalos
A poetic documentary about family unity, love for community, and the last neighborhood delivery breadman.
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.
Love in Anxiety
by Jason Duong
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.
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.
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.
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.
Famously Unknown
by RaShan McClarty
Ceasar “C-Flo” Johnson is a Merced-based 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.
#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.
2019 FEATURED MINI DOCUMENTARIES
El espíritu de las danzas
Filmmaker: 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.
100 Years of Suffrage
Filmmaker: 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
Filmmaker: Chad Saechao
A hip-hop record label is an unexpected outlet for artistic expression and community connections in Visalia.
Capital G
Filmmaker: 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.
Remembering Trevor
Filmmaker: Joshua Krause
In the wake of tragedy, a grieving Clovis mother takes steps to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
Peacock: Exeter, The Anti-Filipino Riot
Filmmaker: 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.
Story Queens
Filmmaker: 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.
Family RX
Filmmaker: 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.
Professional AND Skater
Filmmaker: Carlos Burgos
Dedicated high school teacher by day and talented skateboarder by night, Ronald Tagliareni combines his values and passions to make his community a better place.
Mariposa is Music!
Filmmaker: 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.