Calling all creatives, the deadline for submissions is July 11th
The Micheaux Film Festival continues to champion an often-underrepresented demographic of creatives who may not always feel seen within the media. Ahead of the forthcoming submission deadline, Co-Founders Noel Braham and Courtney L. Branch spoke with the LA Sentinel about the continued importance of the Micheaux Film Festival as planning and preparation is underway for its sixth year.
LAS: With nearly 40 film festivals that take place in Los Angeles throughout the year, why is the Micheaux Film Festival important and necessary?
Braham and Branch: The Micheaux Film Festival, now in its sixth year, holds critical importance among thousands of filmmakers in LA due to its dedication to celebrating the legacy of Oscar Micheaux, a pioneering African American filmmaker who wrote, directed, and produced over 44 feature films independently from the 1920s to the 1940s. Micheaux worked outside the traditional Hollywood financing system, bridging diverse communities that otherwise might not intersect. The festival’s mission aligns with Micheaux’s ambition of bringing together these disparate worlds—Black and white, rich and poor, rural and urban—under the banner of a film legend. It aims to provide a platform where filmmakers can not only derive value but also contribute, fostering a sense of community and acknowledging Micheaux’s significant contributions to both American and global cinema. Thus, the Micheaux Film Festival is essential because it offers both multicultural and BIPOC filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their unique art. It supports a community where people can understand, celebrate, and recognize each other’s stories and experiences, continuing the legacy of breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in the film industry as a way of life rather than a trend of the moment.
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LAS: What initially inspired the idea for the festival and does that initial inspiration help you to stay motivated until this day?
Braham: The inception of the Micheaux Film Festival was inspired by a confluence of events and personal experiences that deeply resonate with me. Twelve years ago, I created a web series. Upon completion, I was unsure how to proceed with marketing and distribution. However, the idea of submitting it to a film festival materialized when I came across the LA Web Fest, founded by the late Michael Ajakwe Jr. A quiet internal voice urged me to submit it. That festival, the only one I submitted the project to, not only accepted us but also nominated us for several awards. I was able to travel to Rome, Italy, and Seoul, Korea, for screenings as part of a syndicate formed by Michael among global web festival directors, underscoring the power of platforms.
Mike was pivotal in my early days in Los Angeles, helping me appreciate the power of my gifts and the importance of community support and generosity. This was transformative, teaching me the value of giving back and selflessness in an otherwise transactional city.
Another profound influence was a personal encounter with a production assistant on one of my sets who was living in a tent encampment and told me about his situation after we wrapped production. This assistant worked tirelessly, never complaining, arriving early, and leaving late and his situation opened my eyes to the stark realities that I often ignored in my own community. This revelation, at a time when I was also struggling financially and living in a hostel to support my film project, struck a deep chord. It highlighted the disconnect between my daily environment and the community that I was a part of.
These experiences catalyzed the creation of the Micheaux Film Festival, named to honor not only the legendary filmmaker Oscar Micheaux but also to reflect the stories of individuals like Michael Ajakwe Jr. and my production assistant. The festival aims to embody the spirit of overcoming barriers and supporting those who face them, much like Micheaux, Michael, and countless other filmmakers who navigate the challenges of the industry.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between indie filmmakers and the broader industry, fostering a space where new voices can be heard and validated, and where community and identity are central themes. We focus on elevating those who might otherwise be overlooked, supporting them in finding and affirming their identities through the cinematic arts.
LAS: What are some of the important dates and deadlines to keep in mind for those wanting to be involved? Why was it moved from the summer to October?
Braham and Branch: July 11 is the last chance for filmmakers, writers, directors, and actors to submit their short films, documentaries, podcasts, and music videos. Submissions can be made through Film Freeway or directly on the festival’s website at micheauxfilmfest.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work featured at the festival!
August 1 – Creative Mixer and Official Selections and Theme Announcement Party at Elevate Lounge, Downtown Los Angeles. This event serves as a networking opportunity where this year’s official selections will be revealed. It’s a chance for writers, directors, producers, distributors, and sponsors to connect, celebrate, and support each other’s projects.
The festival will take place from October 21 to October 27. We found it best to move the festival to the fall to better focus on delivering a meaningful experience during a less crowded time in the film industry calendar.