Tickets now available for national HBCU Student Film Competition and Festival co-sponsored by Detroit ACE

• Student creators will screen their films at New Lab on August 23
• Winner of the $10,000 Jury Award will be announced at a ceremony on August 24, followed by a gala reception at the iconic Michigan Central Train Station
• Admission to screenings and panel discussions are free, but registration is required
• Tickets for the award ceremony and gala are available for purchase

Tickets are now available for the nation’s first HBCU Student Invitational Film Competition and Festival. The two-day event is co-sponsored by City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture & Entrepreneurship (ACE), Michigan Central Train Station, The Skillman Foundation and Ally Financial.

Autumn Sun, the grassroots organization dedicated to young, Black artists, chose to host the inaugural, national in-person film festival in Detroit because it is home to its founder, Bruce Clifton.

Mayor Mike Duggan joined Clifton and city officials on the Michigan Central campus July 10 to announce the film festival.

Clifton, a filmmaker and Detroit native, said he is honoring student creators from historically black colleges and universities that serve more than 228,000 students nationwide, to make sure their voices are among those creating content for the nation.

Student creators will screen their films at New Lab on August 23 and learn the winner of the $10,000 Jury Award at a ceremony on August 24, followed by a gala reception in their honor at the iconic Michigan Central Train Station that gained national attention upon its opening in June.

Admission to screenings and panel discussions are free, but registration is required. Tickets for the award ceremony and gala are available for purchase. To register for the event and purchase award ceremony and gala tickets, click here.

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.

Additional sponsors of the filmfest include 313 Presents and 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 Detroit Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship. “The City is so proud to partner on an effort to expand opportunities for young voices and diverse voices in the film industry.”

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 DETROIT ACE

The Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship oversees the City’s investments in arts, culture and history. It develops opportunities for residents to experience music and art in neighborhoods across the city and offers support for one of the nation’s greatest creative workforces. Follow @detroitcityarts on all social media platforms for updates.

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.