HANFORD ON PBS

Exciting news for Hanford: Hanford will be featured on Valley PBS on Tuesday, December 23rd, at 9pm, as part of the CMAC Big Tell film documentary series. Ten films will be showcased, including one filmed by Silvia Gonzalez Scherer (AKA Silvia Gonzalez S.) in Hanford.

Titled "Retired and Inspired," Silvia’s film highlights Hanford retirees enjoying the arts, some for the very first time. The film starts with Sigfredo Acosta, 71, trying stand-up comedy. Don Brakeman, 93, who has retired twice, shares his passion for film and theater directing. Dwayne Tubbs and Al Lorenzo also celebrate their love of theater since retiring.

Each filmmaker offers a glimpse into the Central Valley, celebrating resilience, culture, and stories that often go untold. It’s a chance to appreciate the grit, heart, and creativity that make the Central Valley special.

The Big Tell is a regional filmmaking program that provides grants for producing short documentaries about the remarkable people, places, and activities in the Central Valley.

Winners had three months to complete their films. Along with the grant funds, they will receive a one-year CMAC membership, personalized mentorship from award-winning local filmmaker and previous TBT grantee Angelica Hernandez, and participate in a career development seminar with Emmy-nominated documentarian Sascha Brown Rice.

Also featured in "Retired and Inspired" are members of the seniors’ writing group and the senior arts league. Who knew there was so much art for seniors in Hanford?