The MICHIGAN MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS celebrates the best music videos by Michigan artists and filmmakers. The Michigan music industry has a rich and diverse history and talent, from Motown to rock, and this festival aims to showcase that.

From the team that brings the popular Wolf Tree Film Festival, the MICHIGAN MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS will feature live musical performances, industry expert host, screenings of the video finalists, and an awards presentation. The event also includes a reception for networking and socializing.

IMPORTANT: Music video submissions must be set in Michigan or include themes or topics related to the state, as well as the work of filmmakers and/or musicians who reside in or grew up in Michigan.

The MICHIGAN MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS is housed in historic Marshall, Michigan, a gorgeous small town with a vibrant artistic community. The festival is held at Franke Center for the Arts, originally a church built in 1921, now an arts complex that is the proud home of world-class concerts, inspiring theater, and award-winning movies.

Submitted videos should be no longer than 5 minutes and all genres of music will be considered.

Nominated bands may be asked to perform at the event.

The festival will adhere to all public health and safety recommendations at the time of the event.

Awards & Prizes

Segments from winners and honorees' work are screened at the event. Nominated bands may be asked to perform at the event.

Juried awards will be presented, pending entries.

An Audience Choice award will also be given.

All award winners may receive a physical award.

Rules & Terms

Videos must be music videos from the most recent 5 years and should be set in Michigan or include themes or topics related to the state, and/or work of filmmakers or musicians who reside or grew up in Michigan.

Videos are accepted only through electronic submission via FilmFreeway. Application fee is $5.

More than one entry may be submitted, however each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form and entry fee.

All rights must be held by the individual making the submission and/or legal documentation must be provided that permission has been given by the copyright holder of the video to be shown as part of the event.

Video submission grants Franke Center for the Arts the right to screen your video in front of a live audience as well as part of a live stream during and at the festival, if applicable.

Videos selected for screening will be notified via email. Awards will be determined by a juried panel (prior to the event) and/or audience selection (at the event). Awards will be presented the night of the festival and shared through various media channels following the event.

Franke Center for the Arts reserves the right to promote clips/stills from your film, based on the press kit(s) provided upon video submission/selection.

Franke Center for the Arts retains the right to change the date and venue of the festival under special circumstances. All filmmakers will be informed ASAP about any changes through our online platforms/email.

Franke Center for the Arts places no restrictions on your work in terms of premiere status or whether your work has been made available online.

Any technical issues with the submitted films are 100% the responsibility of the filmmakers. If, at the time of judging, the video file doesn’t work or doesn’t have English subtitles (if in a language other than English), it will be automatically rejected without refund. Please contact the festival team ASAP if there are any issues with the submission process and a solution will be found.

Franke Center for the Arts will not provide submission refunds.

By submitting to Franke Center for the Arts filmmakers agree to the noted terms and conditions. Franke Center for the Arts reserves the right to update our terms and conditions. Upon update, each submitting party will be notified.

6 Reviews
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  • Fangs and Twang

    Fangs and Twang had an incredible time at the 2024 Michigan Music Video Awards! The combination of live performances, the screening of all of the nominated videos, and time and space for networking made for a great night (that was made better by taking home the award for 'Best Animated Video'. So much talent was on display and we look forward to next year!

    April 2024
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  • Ben Steer

    I had a wonderful time at the Franke Center for the Arts, viewing some incredible videos from directors and artists across the state of Michigan! The event allowed me to personally congratulate some of the winners and make new connections. Highlight of the event for me was Willy FoTang.

    July 2023
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  • Drake Whelton

    Was so awesome to have my videos in Michigan Music Video Awards AND to win video of the year! I was not expecting that but am super grateful. Can't wait to submit for next year!

    June 2022
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  • Jackson Ezinga

    Had such an amazing time with my cast and crew attending the MMVAs. Will definitely be submitting more films to this event in the future. It’s a great way to connect and network with other Michigan creatives who have a passion for music videos.”

    June 2022
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  • Grace Theisen

    This entire event was INCREDIBLE!!! A huge success. The Accidentals were AMAZING and the whole thing was run so smoothly & professionally. Cannot wait for next year!

    June 2022
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