Detroit Hosts National Three-Day HBCU Student Film Festival This November

November 19, 2025

Detroit will become the nation's only city hosting a film festival exclusively for HBCU student filmmakers when Autumn Sun presents its three-day event in November 2025. The festival will showcase work from student directors, writers, producers, and visual artists representing more than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities across various film genres. An awards ceremony at the Charles H.

Who is affected

Student filmmakers from more than a dozen HBCUs (18 finalists named from schools including Howard, Morehouse, Spelman, Hampton, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Bowie State, Morgan State, and Alabama A&M)
Autumn Sun (Detroit-based creative organization hosting the festival)
Local arts leaders and cultural institutions in Detroit
Industry professionals attending the event
Young Black artists working in film, media, and storytelling
Detroit's mayor and City Council (as supporters)

What action is being taken

Autumn Sun is hosting a three-day HBCU Film Festival from November 21–23, 2025
The organization is screening student work spanning narrative films, documentaries, animation, and experimental projects
An Awards Ceremony is being held on November 22 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (6-10 p.m.)
Finalists are meeting with working professionals, touring Detroit's arts community, participating in workshops, and presenting their films to national audiences and a jury panel

Why it matters

This festival matters because it establishes Detroit as the only city in the country with a national film event dedicated solely to HBCU student filmmakers, positioning the city as a central stage for emerging Black storytellers at a time when the industry seeks new narratives and leadership. It addresses critical access barriers in filmmaking—funding, networks, and exposure—that disproportionately affect Black artists. The initiative reflects Detroit's historical creativity and ongoing cultural investment while building a pipeline for young Black talent early in their careers, giving them visibility and professional opportunities that can shape their future trajectories in an industry where representation and access remain significant challenges.

What's next

The festival will run November 21–23, 2025
The Awards Ceremony will be held November 22 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Event details are available at autumnsunfest.org

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle