Oscar Micheaux was a visionary filmmaker whose trailblazing work challenged the boundaries of Hollywood during the early 20th century. From the shadows of adversity, Micheaux emerged as a pioneer, using the power of cinema to shed light on the black experience as he challenged norms and empowered communities.

In homage to his groundbreaking contributions, the Micheaux Film Festival was born. A beacon of creativity, innovation, diversity, and inclusion. Our annual event celebrates the indomitable spirit of Oscar Micheaux and his enduring influence on the world of film.

Since our founding in 2018, The Micheaux Film Festival has become a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression, welcoming filmmakers from every background and showcasing a kaleidoscope of narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences. From thought-provoking dramas to captivating documentaries and gripping comedies, the festival serves as a platform for underrepresented voices to shine.

With a focus on fostering inclusivity and promoting emerging talent, the festival embraces a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives. It acts as a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of storytelling.

Year after year, the Micheaux Film Festival attracts an enthusiastic audience eager to discover the next cinematic masterpiece. Industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and cultural connoisseurs gather to witness the magic of storytelling and engage in thought-provoking discussions that propel the art form forward.

As the lights dim and the screens come to life, the spirit of Oscar Micheaux permeates the atmosphere, reminding us of the transformative power of film. The Micheaux Film Festival stands tall as a testament to his enduring legacy, showcasing the best of contemporary cinema while honoring the visionary whose name it carries.

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Our commitment to diversity and inclusion transcends buzzwords. While diversity encompasses the traits that render individuals unique, inclusion embodies the behaviors and social norms crucial for ensuring everyone feels embraced. Our primary focus revolves around cultivating an environment that fosters a sense of belonging within a community, allowing individuals to resonate with the narratives unfolding on screen. We welcome the entire spectrum of individualism and distinctiveness, encompassing dimensions such as race, color, religion, gender, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military service, and other factors unrelated to merit.

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***SUBMIT FOR CONSIDERATION & OPPORTUNITY TO SCREEN AT OUR 2024 FESTIVAL WHEN SUBMISSIONS OPEN SOON***

Our Promise:
We pride ourselves on accepting a plethora of diverse projects, and our promise to creators is that every submission is viewed in its entirety (start to end) by our programming team before a determination is made. We understand how much time, effort and money goes into creating independently, and we want you to know that we honor your commitment to the art.

Please make sure to read the requirements thoroughly before submitting your project. If your short film or web series has a runtime longer than 25 minutes, please be sure to submit it in the *PLUS (Extended Runtime)* category.
We currently only accept produced works - no scripts/screenplays.

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We would like to thank our Sponsors and Partners:
- Roku
- Braham Entertainment
- Panavision
-Sony Pictures Entertainment

"Outstanding" category winners will be determined by a jury of industry professionals.

Awards:

Outstanding Music Video
Outstanding Student Project
Outstanding Action/Suspense
Outstanding Horror/Thriller
Outstanding Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Outstanding Short Documentary
Outstanding Feature Documentary
Outstanding Special Programming
Outstanding Editing
Outstanding Performance Piece
Outstanding Music
Outstanding VFX
Outstanding Cinematography
Outstanding Podcast, Digital Talk, or Vlog
Outstanding International Feature
Outstanding International Short
Outstanding Dramatic Short
Outstanding Comedic Short
Outstanding Animated Short
Outstanding Dramatic Actress (short form)
Outstanding Comedic Actress (short form)
Outstanding Actor (Feature)
Outstanding Actress (Feature)
Outstanding Dramatic Writing
Outstanding Comedic Writing
Outstanding Writing (Feature)
Outstanding Directing Comedic Short Form
Outstanding Directing Dramatic Short Form
Outstanding Directing (Feature)
Outstanding Dramatic Digital Series
Outstanding Comedic Digital Series
Outstanding Unscripted Digital Series
Oscar Micheaux Trailblazer of Excellence Award
Michael Ajakwe Pioneer of Influence Award
Cesar Chavez Civil Impact Award

[] For the purposes of our festival, traditional short films can have a maximum runtime of 25 minutes.

[] Filmmakers are responsible for sorting out the copyright on their own materials. All films and projects submitted must be free from any legal disputes.

[] By submitting to us, you give us the right to screen your film in front of a live audience.

[] We may promote clips from your film on social media, based on the content you provide us with.

[] We retain the right to change the date and venue of the festival under special circumstances. All filmmakers will be informed about any changes via email.

[] We place no restrictions on your work in terms of premiere status or whether your work has previously been made available online. We do ask that any public viewing or free streaming access online of your project be taken down from moment of official selection & acceptance through the entire duration of festival (regardless if screening virtually and/or in-person) until the closing night of festival on November 3rd.

[] Any technical issues with submitted films are 100% the responsibility of the filmmaker. The programming team will reach out if there is concern your film will not pass QC by DCP standards.

[] We cannot provide refunds.

[] By submitting to us you agree to our terms and conditions.

[] We reserve the right to update our terms and conditions.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Veialu Aila-Unsworth

    Micheaux Film Festival is amazing! An incredible community vibe and a place where BIPOC storytellers get to shine and feel seen. I attended in 2023 with my Indigenous short film (after two years of attending virtually) and the festival not only celebrates the art of cinema but also digs deeper into the journey of filmmaking with great panel talks by industry experts and independent filmmakers. These panel talks were very inspiring. I love the friendly, playful vibe and I went knowing nobody but made a bunch of new filmmaker-friends! I feel really proud to be a part of the Micheaux community.

    February 2024
  • This was my second time at the Micheaux Film Fest and I honestly can't say enough good things about this festival. I feel like it is the only festival I have ever been to that truly cares about their artists. The venue was great, the sound was great, the perks are fantastic and I'm proud to be part of their film family.

    November 2023
  • Rumi Oyama

    Attending the Micheaux Film Festival was a transformative experience that left a lasting impact on me. The festival represents the pinnacle of excellence in the film industry and I feel privileged to have had my first film, Spirit Box, premiered there. From the team to fellow filmmakers, everyone welcomed me into the Micheaux family with open arms, making the experience even more special. Spirit Box received nominations in three categories and was awarded Outstanding Dramatic Digital Series, which was an incredible honor for me and my team. I am immensely grateful to Neol, Courtney, and the entire Micheaux Film Festival team for making it an unforgettable experience that has inspired me to create even better films in the future.

    October 2023
  • I recently had the pleasure of attending The Micheaux Film Festival, and it was an experience like no other. The curated selection of films showcased an incredible blend of innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives. Each screening left a profound impact, and the atmosphere was electric with passionate filmmakers and enthusiasts. The festival not only celebrates the art of cinema but also serves as a wonderful tribute to Oscar Micheaux's legacy. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable cinematic journey!

    October 2023
  • Joanne Williams

    Micheaux was a great festival. We had a good time and met lots of filmmakers and film lovers in L.A. I would recommend it to new filmmakers. They are willing to give your film a chance. I will be back.

    September 2023