When I tell you that being a part of the Micheaux Film Festival with our short film, The Guest, was a dream come true, believe me—it’s not an exaggeration. From the moment we were notified that our film was selected as an official virtual selection, we were ecstatic. As the first stop in our festival journey, it exceeded every expectation we could have dreamed of. From the warm welcome to the inspiring connections, the entire week was a celebration of storytelling, art, and culture that we’ll never forget. Nothing could have prepared us for the level of excitement, and inspiration we experienced during the festival.
A Warm Welcome and an Inspiring Screening
From the moment we arrived at the festival's Welcome Mixer, it felt like stepping into a creative utopia where stories, dreams, and possibilities collided in the best way imaginable. The atmosphere was electric, filled with filmmakers, storytellers, and industry professionals buzzing with excitement. The Micheaux Film Festival team truly outdid themselves in creating an environment that was as welcoming as it was inspiring.
During the mixer, we had the privilege of watching Desde la Raíz, a visually stunning and deeply moving four-part series by Paulina Gamiz and Gus Sanchez. This Roku series dives into the heart of Mexican products like chile and coffee with rich cultural roots, exploring their histories, traditions, and potential for the future. Hosted by the charismatic Jaime Camil, the series takes viewers on a journey through Mexico’s cultural heritage, showcasing products that carry stories generations deep. It was visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant, a true love letter to Mexican heritage. As the credits rolled, we couldn’t stop talking about how deeply it moved us.
I was captivated by the rich narratives woven into the series, the vibrant traditions, and the pride that shone through every frame. It wasn’t just a story; it was a celebration. By the end, my sisters and I were so inspired that we decided to honor the show with a feast of our own. After the mixer, we hunted down a cozy Mexican restaurant and immersed ourselves in flavors as rich as the stories we’d just seen. It was our way of savoring the moment, quite literally. There’s something magical about art that connects people through shared appreciation, and Desde la Raíz did exactly that.
Opening Night: A Celebration of Storytelling
The official opening night of the Micheaux Film Festival was electrifying. The energy in the room was palpable as filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals gathered to celebrate stories that matter. One of the highlights of the night was the screening of A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery, a documentary about the trailblazing former WNBA player who became the first to co-own and lead a WNBA team. Her story of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers left me inspired and motivated to push forward in my own journey as a filmmaker and creator.
Being surrounded by fellow storytellers who were equally passionate and driven felt like finding a home away from home. The connections we made that night set the tone for the rest of the festival.
Panels That Changed the Game
One of the Micheaux Film Festival's standout features was its rich array of panels amidst its hundreds of screenings, designed to equip independent filmmakers with tools, knowledge, and strategies to succeed. It wasn’t just about watching films; it was also a treasure trove of knowledge. Throughout the week, we made it a point to attend as many as virtual and in-person panels as possible. These panels explored the nuances of the entertainment industry and provided valuable insights for independent creators like us; two sessions stood out to me in particular.
The first was “The Playlist: Music Sync and Supervision.” This panel was a goldmine for anyone looking to understand the often-overlooked but critical role of music in film. Industry pros from Raedio, Madden Flow Entertainment and more shared insights on how music can elevate storytelling, the nuts and bolts of securing sync licenses, and what music supervisors look for when pairing tracks with scenes. As someone passionate about creating the perfect vibe for our projects, and how music was a huge factor in our neo-noir short film - this session was invaluable. It felt almost kismet.
Another panel I found incredibly valuable was led by Kia Alexander, founder of the Entertainment Business School, alongside Donna Marie-Reid. They dived into the current state of the industry and emerging trends, offering practical advice on how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of entertainment and stressed the importance of adaptability - especially with the emergence of AI. Hearing their perspectives was both sobering and energizing, a reminder that while the road is tough, it’s also filled with opportunities for those willing to innovate and adapt.
Meeting Fellow Creators: A Celebration of Community
One of the festival's greatest gifts was the chance to meet and bond with fellow filmmakers. Connecting with talented directors like Tiger A.J. (Hours), Humam (Life Goes On), and Jirod (Mosiah) was inspiring. We exchanged stories, offered advice, and formed bonds that will only be unique to that space. These conversations weren’t just about sharing our work; they were about exchanging ideas, supporting each other’s journeys, and building a community of creatives who are shaping the future of storytelling.
Each interaction was a reminder that while filmmaking can sometimes feel isolating, festivals like Micheaux provide a space to build relationships and foster collaboration. Hearing from other filmmakers about The Guest was incredibly moving. To know that our story resonated with people and sparked conversations was the ultimate reward. One filmmaker described how our portrayal of homelessness challenged their point of view and deeply moved them, and another said the film’s emotional depth stayed with them long after the credits rolled. As creators, there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing your art has touched someone’s heart.
The Micheaux Film Festival: Black and Gold Gala
By the time the festival's Black and Gold Gala rolled around, I didn’t think things could get better. But I was wrong. The gala was an elegant celebration of artistry, resilience, and community. It was the perfect way to wrap up a week of hard work, inspiration, and connection. Dressed to the nines, we toasted to our accomplishments, cheered on our peers, and danced the night away.
There was something magical about seeing everyone in one space, celebrating not just the work we’d done but the journey we’re all on. The feedback we received about The Guest was humbling, and the encouragement from our peers left us inspired to keep pushing boundaries in our work. It was the kind of night that leaves you full—not just with joy, but with the resolve to keep pushing, keep creating, and keep telling your story.
Looking Ahead
Being part of the Micheaux Film Festival and now part of the Micheaux 6 Family wasn’t just a milestone; it was a launching pad. It was our first official selection and submission, and it couldn’t have been a better way to kick off our festival run. The warm reception for The Guest affirmed that the story we set out to tell resonates. It’s a story about homelessness, humanity, and the lengths people will go to find a sense of security and belonging. Seeing audiences engage with it on a deeper level was both humbling and inspiring.
As I look back on the week, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the Micheaux Film Festival for creating such a welcoming and enriching space. Gratitude for the connections we made and the lessons we learned. And gratitude for the opportunity to share our story with the world.
To everyone who made this experience possible—from the Founders Noel and Courtney, organizers like Niana, to the panelists, fellow filmmakers, and our supporters—thank you. Your energy, insights, and encouragement mean the world to us. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.
Here’s to storytelling, to community, and to the magic of cinema. Let’s keep creating, collaborating, and celebrating the power of our voices.
I appreciate the almost purity of your expression and the insight into you ladies journies into the creative space. This demystifies the spookism in that field and authenticates the power of intention. Forever blessings to you all!