Idlewild International Film Festival

The Cinematic Griot Collective brings to you "IIFF 2020” an outdoor film screening under the stars in the Historical African American Community of Idlewild, Michigan. In 2020, we will be in our second year! We are super excited to bring more creative energy to this rural community! Our event includes all day family activities to include: yoga lessons, meditation, belly dancing, filmmaking workshops and so much more!

The Idlewild International Film Festival showcases the works of WOMEN filmmakers from all walks of life telling vibrant and unique stories. The festival will take primarily outdoors on the picturesque Lindsey Park Festival grounds. The entire weekend will be filled with short films, tours of the Island, art, music, food, and fun!

The Idlewild International Film Festival features carefully curated films, documentaries and music videos. This festival will also include an art and photography exhibit.

Idlewild, once called the “Black Eden of Michigan”, is known for it's beautiful beaches, glistening lakes, and native wildlife. During the height of it's popularity, travelers from all over the country would go there to experience the exciting nightlife. Regularly featuring entertainers such as the legendary Lena Horne, Motown's The Four Tops and stage and screen star Della Reese.

After segregation ended, more entertainers of color were free to perform anywhere in the country and Idlewild became somewhat forgotten. Over the past two decades, there has been a renewed interest in Idlewild. Many new business and venues have sprung up in the Idlewild community and in 2019 we invite you to join us in making history (again) by attending the second Idlewild International Film Festival.

Our Mission:

The Cinematic Griot Collective is a network of filmmakers, artists, and creatives who create and showcase, inspiring and unique culturally relevant works. We aim to reach beyond the surface with non-linear perspectives and creations. Traveling throughout forgotten communities, we bring to the forefront people and places that are often overlooked, misrepresented and forgotten.