The MICHIGAN MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS celebrates the best music videos by Michigan artists. 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.

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.

Music video submissions should 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.

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 should 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.

4 Reviews
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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 Music

    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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  • Katarina Keeley

    I had a really nice time at the Michigan Music Video Awards. I loved being able to talk with people who had lots of music-related experiences. I loved the venue. I thought it was really pretty and absolutely loved the performances that took place throughout the event. They did SUCH an amazing job. I even got to meet them after the event, which was so cool!

    I am so grateful to Ms. Cathy Bovitz, to the incredible host of the night, Mr. Chris Campbell, and for the nominations. I was shocked to hear that I was nominated at all, let alone in two categories. I loved being able to watch snippets of everyone's work because everyone worked hard. Everyone did such a great job. And then to find out that I actually WON an award was truly a blessing. I appreciate everyone's patience since I took a about two minutes to give my speech. It was a really great opportunity and I encourage whoever reads this to apply! You never know what doors could open up for you. Thank you Michigan Music Video Awards and good luck to the future nominees. :)

    June 2022
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