Autumn Sun, Michigan Central and City of Detroit Partner On Groundbreaking In-Person HBCU Student Film Festival In Aug. 2024 (522 hits)
Autumn Sun, a grassroots organization dedicated to young, Black artists, will host their inaugural in-person HBCU Student Film Invitational in Detroit.
The festival will honor the student filmmakers behind 25 short films from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that serve more than 228,000 students, each vying for the $10,000 Jury Award. The event will be broadcast live on HBCU Go TV, a Byron Allen Media Group company that is partnering with Autumn Sun on the venture.
"When the doors open for the first in-person HBCU Film Invitational, it will mark six years since the genesis of this endeavor” said founder Bruce Clifton.
"Filmmakers are innovators in their own right and so it makes perfect sense to have the HBCU Film Festival in Detroit and specifically at Newlab at Michigan Central, which is our new hub for innovation," said Mayor Duggan. "We are thrilled to be able to host this film festival to showcase the incredible talent that exists at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities."
Scheduled for August 23rd and 24th, attendees and broadcast viewers will experience a weekend filled with film screenings, entertainment and panel discussions that will conclude with the Autumn Sun Invitational Awards Presentation and Post Awards Gala. All events will be hosted with the festival's Presenting Partner, Michigan Central.
Additional partners presently include Producing Partner City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship and Premiere Partners The Skillman Foundation, Ally Financial, and 313 Presents. As well as Academic Partner, the Alabama A&M University College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences.
“Detroit is a creative arts hub for every genre, fine and performing arts, dance, everything - so it’s no surprise that our city is growing its opportunities for filmmakers,” said Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture for the City. “The City is so proud to partner on an effort to expand opportunities for young voices and diverse voices in the film industry.”
Nate Wallace, Director of Civic Partnerships for Michigan Central, agreed.
“Partnerships like this that bring together leaders, thinkers, communities and creators is what Michigan Central is designed to do,” he said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking festival amplifying young, Black voices, but also to show the next generation of talent why Detroit continues to be a destination for innovation across industries and genres,” he said.
This festival, several community and civic leaders said, is what Detroit is made for.
“For nearly two centuries, HBCUs have been a bastion for the cultivation of African-American leaders and provocateurs of Black and American culture,” said Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield.
“The arts, especially film and cinematography, have played a critical role in the fight for justice and African American filmmakers and actors and actresses have been at the core. It is with great pride and enthusiasm, that I welcome and look forward to the HBCU Film Invitational celebrating Black Cinema in Detroit.”
Clifton conceived the festival after a 2018 discussion with educators at North Carolina A&T State University and Alabama State University, who wanted more opportunities for their students to pursue storytelling through cinema. Clifton acknowledged the invaluable contributions of supporters who include Edwin Moye of North Carolina A&T and Eric Knox, formerly of Alabama State, for the program's development.
Following a successful festival and virtual award show in 2022, Clifton, a Detroit native and filmmaker, decided that the second - and first in-person festival – should happen in his hometown.
“Detroit maintains a rich history of producing pioneers in the arts and Civil Rights movement. And Autumn Sun aims to be a worthy addition to the next chapter of that legacy,” he said Clifton’s goal is to host the festival in Detroit annually and expand its scope to include programming for all Black filmmakers from ages 18-30.
“The reopening of Michigan Central was a beacon to the world of Detroit’s reclamation as the innovation capital. Through initiatives like the HBCU Student Film Invitational, Autumn Sun aims to amplify the voices of emerging talent, fostering a dynamic and inclusive cultural landscape. Which is why we are thrilled to partner with Michigan Central on this endeavor to spotlight Detroit and position the city as the global hub for the next generation of Black artists.”
Details for the upcoming festival including hosts, special guests, entertainment and registration for free events will be announced on August 1st. Visit AutumnSunFest.org or follow @AutumnSunFest on social media platforms to access the most up to date information.
ABOUT AUTUMN SUN Autumn Sun is a grassroots organization dedicated to creating platforms that spotlight the creative ingenuity of young Black artists. Through initiatives like the HBCU Film Invitational, Autumn Sun aims to empower and amplify the voices of emerging talent, fostering a dynamic and inclusive cultural landscape.
ABOUT MICHIGAN CENTRAL Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, groundbreaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of more than 600 employees from over 100 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at michigancentral.com.
ABOUT THE SKILLMAN FOUNDATION A voice for children since 1960, The Skillman Foundation partners with people to transform education systems, nurturing the brilliance and power of Detroit youth. It has granted over $730 million and has served as a vocal advocate to strengthen K-12 education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice. It is in the process of developing a new strategic framework, co-designed with Detroit youth and their champions. Find more information at www.skillman.org
