Idlewild International Film Festival

The Idlewild International Film Festival features carefully curated films, documentaries and music videos.

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.

A message from the founder:

In August of 2021 my family and I lost my brother Adam Kingsley Hickman to suicide due to mental illness. Adam was just 38 years old when he decided to end his life. Even before Adam’s passing, I had become increasingly aware, and concerned, with the growing number of Black men who were taking their own lives. The lack of proper treatment, resources, and outlets, continue to be a concern and problem in the Black Community.

This volatile situation needs urgent attention. I am doing my part by helping to raise awareness in the best way I know; In honor of my brother Adam (and the many black men struggling with depression, and mental illness) I am dedicating and focusing a section of this year’s Idlewild International Film Festival to Black Men & Mental Health. With this focus in mind; we are accepting submissions for this year’s festival from filmmakers of all genders. Our goal is to dedicate at least one of our screening blocks to strictly films that address mental health issues. We feel this will ensure we are able to expand our reach to as many filmmakers as possible while increasing the variety of submissions.

As always, IIFF is an international women’s film festival, which means that we strive to highlight the work of female filmmakers internationally. Topics and genres for our other film blocks will continue to be diverse.

For submissions and to help support the Idlewild International Film Festival visit our website www.idlewildintfilmfest.com

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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.

**** PLEASE NOTE FESTIVAL DOES INCLUDE ONLINE SCREENING FOR SELECTED FILMS***