Courtney L. Branch and Noel Braham, founders and directors of the Micheaux Film Festival, join Cheddar News to discuss this year's festival kicking off July 11 at the Regal Cinemas Live LA. 

Between Bells

Micheaux Film Festival Celebrates Diversity in the Entertainment Space

Welcome back to Between Bells. The Micheaux Film Festival is making its mark in the industry for recognizing and honoring bipod creators. The weeklong celebration kicks off july 11th through july 17th and features a series of film screenings, digital panels, master classes and workshops. The event also provides attendees with an opportunity to gain access to new content and establish those tangible connections. Earlier, I sat down with Courtney L. Branch and Noel Bram, the co founders and directors of the Micheaux Film Festival, to talk all about the inspiration behind this incredible of that lesson. So you know, we really realized that there was a hole in the market. There was a space where people um creators just didn't have a place to call home, right there, a lot of different niche festivals, a lot of different niche markets, but no place that just welcomed and celebrated everyone. And we really wanted to create that space, especially in L. A. In the home of entertainment where there are so many independents trying to make their path and create their ways. So we wanted to fill in that gap, paying homage. Yes, please go ahead. Oh no, I was gonna say paying homage to Oscar Micheaux who is a black writer, director, producer and distributor, who from the 1920s to 1940s produced over 40 for feature films under his company's banner, all while operating outside of the traditional Hollywood commercial financing system. And so in that same light in vain we wanted to use our platform to bring together the polarizing world that otherwise would not intersect. Michelle was really big on not only race film but ensuring that black people were de stigmatized and that there was an accurate accurate portrayal who and what we are as a people. And so in that same vein, we wanted to bring together both multi culture and bipac storytellers of all backgrounds and walks of life to share the unique work and also to celebrate one another and what we're accomplishing here in L. A. And around the world. And there are more than 100 and 80 plus film screenings this year. Guys and Courtney L send this question to you what films are making a buzz this year? Yeah. You know, we've seen some incredible quality and diverse content coming through our submissions this year. Um a few standouts, I can definitely point out Marshall Tyler Slow Post, which stars Jimmie fails. It's very touching short film about a father and his way of honoring his son um jennifer zeng spanish which is a hilarious commentary on fetishization in the dating world. In addition to Ryan steven, Harris Moon Garden, which is a uniquely experimental and artistically masterful feature film. Um a couple of other quick highlights, Ghost Girl bypass Bohannon and featuring Jamie Newman, Artistic by Nina Lee which features Marshawn lynch and Birdwatching by level holder holder, which features them in a safe free. So we're excited and know you mentioned the Micheaux film festival also honors two influential forces in the entertainment industry Brenda. Gilbert and Ernest Dickerson talk to me about their influence on the culture. It's huge. You know, Brenda has been able to create such an incredible company that provides financing for array of huge commercial Hollywood projects, but she also has the heart for independent and also up and coming talent. Ernest, you know, being a longtime collaborator and paired with Spike Lee has been able to also make a huge impact within the black community. We're celebrating the 30th anniversary of juice, which everyone's super excited about. So they do A Q and A. And also to honor both of these living legends and to recognize their impact not only on the Independent, but also in the commercial scene in Hollywood is what our festival stands for and what it means. And Courtney, this festival has gained so much respect from the industry, Why do you think it's so popular and respected on the same levels as the more seasoned festivals that were used to? You know, I think it's a little bit of everything. It's not only our touch in our personalization towards the filmmakers, but it's also our touch in the community. Um every third thursday. Um every third thursday of the month, we actually go out and we partner with covenant House, which is one of the largest youth shelters in the nation and we bring in different industry executives and professionals who can just talk to the Kids and the young adults who are interested in entertainment and that's just one of the many ways that we try to give back again, not only to the filmmaking community but to the community as a whole. In addition to, you know, we're creators ourselves, we're disruptors. So we're always looking for different ways to do things and a way to just kind of shake up the status quo. So we don't just, you know, host the film festival, we curate an entire experience. I know who are some upcoming bipac filmmakers that we should know about. We're going to know their names very soon. Well, you know, Courtney definitely hit on some with Marshall Tyler with slowpoke, he's been an alumni the festival for quite some time. You also have maliki, who we have champion. She actually just directed a few awards spots where the B. E. T. Awards so incredibly excited about her. Uh Carlton jordans as well. Um he did a project called pas Ross and end up winning best digital series and so they have been able to create some incredible work. He's also just signed with C. A. A. And really excited to continue to keep them apart of our family and continue to champion what they're doing. Guys have about 20 seconds, but I want to ask and Courtney will pose a question to you, but whoever wants to answer it. What advice or tips for up and coming filmmakers or people wanting to create, but don't know where to start, what would you tell them. You know, it's gonna sound so cliche, but you just have to start, you have to do it. There's so many books you can read, there are so many workshops you can attend, but you're never gonna get that hands on experience until you just do it. You know, Oscar Micheaux won't say that there's no barrier to success, which diligence and perseverance cannot hurdle. So, you know, use your platform, use your phone, use your friends and use whatever you have at your disposal to create and tell the story that you want to create. You don't have to have all the answers and you definitely don't have to have all the resources, you have to have the persistence, the love, the passion and the willingness to ensure that you see the process through love talking to these two Courtney L Branch and all brand, the co founders and directors of the Micheaux Film Festival. The festival, like I mentioned kicks off july 11th through the 17th. You can get your tickets by visiting Micheaux Film fest dot com