A WORD FROM THE FOUNDERS
From the moment we decided to create this festival, in 2018, our mission was to establish an artistic platform for all walks of life, religions, cultures, and ethnicities. Oscar Micheaux was a visionary and pioneer whose focus was to use art as a medium to bridge the gap between competing realms – whether it was the rich and poor, black and white, rural and urban. He challenged negative stereotypes and stigmas perpetuated throughout society, one film at a time.
No different than Micheaux, one hundred years later, our goal is to serve and provide the community and filmmakers with a channel to bridge those same worlds of difference, as we continue to progress as a people.
Putting together this festival has been an outpouring labor of love; we have laughed, cried, and persevered through many trials in order to see his legacy through. We aim to act as living testimonies to Micheaux’s ideals and sacrifices, and we invite you to do the same. No different than Micheaux, we understand and pledge ourselves to be the change that we want to see in a national and global environment desperately fighting for a new identity.
We can’t thank you enough for supporting the festival and the filmmakers who have poured blood, sweat, and tears into their projects – in the name of artistic advancement. We ask that you continue to reflect and consider your own legacy and the mark that you will leave on the world. Because no different than Micheaux, your presence and support exemplifies your commitment to progressive change and representation – inclusive of all, within the domestic and global landscape.
As Micheaux once said:
“There is no barrier to success which diligence and perseverance cannot hurdle.”
Noel Braham & Courtney L. Branch
Co-Founders | The Micheaux Film Festival