The Idlewild International Film Festival features carefully curated short films and documentaries

Celebrating the historic community of 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.

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***

Best Narrative Short
Best Micro Narrative Short
Producers Award
Best Director
Best Performance
Best Production Design
Best Cinematography
Best Short Documentary
Most Trend Setting, Daring, and Out The Box
Spirit of Idlewild International Film Fest Award
Best Foreign/International Film

General Rules and Regulations:

*** PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTING WAIVERS FOR THE 2025 SEASON ***

Women over 30 making their directorial debut are encouraged to submit!

Student Films are accepted.

Filmmakers retain all rights to their film/intellectual property.

All non-English speaking films must include English subtitles.

Agreement of Participation

By submitting to the Idlewild International Film Festival, I confirm that I have read and accepted the terms and regulations of IIFF.

I will provide the festival with any additional information required pursuant to these rules and regulations.

I authorize the IIFF to exhibit my film, and if selected, I confirm that an exhibition copy will be available in a required format for screening during the 2025 ( festival official dates TBD)

I authorize festival to promote my film in it's marketing campaigns, promotional materials and social media.

I certify that I hold all necessary rights for the submission of this film/video to the IIFF and that all rights and clearances have been made.

This film is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation. I hold IIFF harmless from damage to, or loss of any or all materials in route to, from or otherwise at the festival. I assume all legal responsibilities therein.

By Agreeing to these terms, I transfer to IIFF the right to use excerpts of the submitted film, its stills, and trailers, for the purposes of publicity and marketing of the film at the 2025 festival, and for other uses related to the promotion of the Idlewild International Film festival.

I hereby agree to indemnify IIFF, in the event that such rights have not been properly transferred.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Angela Robinson

    Such a well-curated and intimate festival that I’m excited to see flourish as the years progress. A wonderful staff made sure no question was left unanswered. Thank you for having us.

    December 2024
  • Safiya Songhai

    This festival comes about because of the epic hard word of the fearless, dynamic leader Tinisha Brugnone. She is creating a movement that will resurrect the Idlewild community and pour money into the community.

    The film won best documentary short and it received a beautiful trophy and recognition. I met some other brilliant women filmmakers and have networked with them on future projects.

    There is a bus that takes you from the Detroit area to Idlewild, and there is amazing, culture, food, and or course rare entertainment. You must attend! You must submit! You must return!

    August 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank You Safiya! We are happy to be a part of the numerous events led by neighboring creatives and the community members of Idlewild. We are working together to keep the "Spirit of Idlewild" alive and thriving. Thank you for your contribution to our growing festival and we hope to see you in 2025!

  • Victorious DeCosta

    My team and I really appreciated Idlewild. First, I am upset I didn't get to go because of other responsibilities - because not only have I never been to IDLEWILD but because it is an outdoor vibe, complete with camping (optional) - Half of the reason you go to festivals Is for the networking, and it felt like that type of energy. We won a couple of awards and guess what? They came on time and right away. Seasoned filmmakers know what I'm talking about. I mean within weeks. And the award was nice. I can't wait to actually go out there -so yea, recommend.

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Victorious! We were honored to have been able to share your work with our audience. Hoping next year to see you in Idlewild!

  • Bummed that I had to cancel my trip to Idlewild last minute. Tinisha's hospitality and communication were on point leading up to my cancellation. I can only imagine how flawless the actual festival must have been!

    Thanks again for screening "grist" and awarding us the Best Microshort Narrative Award!

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    You are very welcome and we hope to see you next year!

  • Essence Mason

    I was excited to have my short film, "A Little You: A Fibroid Story" selected to be a part of this festival. My work was shown alongside so many other great films. Although I was unable to attend the festival, I received many updates throughout the process. The communication was great.

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you and much continued success!