Micheaux Film Festival, honoring the legendary Oscar Micheaux and celebrating diverse storytelling, will return to Los Angeles July 10-16 at The Culver Theater & Regal Cinemas L.A. Live. The theme for the 5th annual event is Outliers – inspired by the seminal book by Malcolm Gladwell – celebrating individuals that defy odds in the face of adversity.
The festival will open with the World Premiere of My Home Unknown, a powerful drama about a schizophrenic homeless woman in search of home written and directed by Yaz Canli. Closing out the festival is an early look at Sony Picture’s Gran Turismo starring Darren Barnet, Orlando Bloom, David Harbour, and Djimon Hounsou, written by Jason Hall, Zach Baylin and directed by Neill Blomkamp. The upcoming American biographical coming-of-age sports drama film is based on the racing simulation video game series published by PlayStation Studios, while inspired by the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player aspiring to be a race car driver.
Micheaux Film Festival goes above and beyond in its commitment to enlighten and ignite the imagination of its viewers. Through a carefully curated selection of impactful films, the festival delves into the pressing issue of homelessness, particularly relevant in the context of Los Angeles. The festival programming also embraces the complexity of present-day society, presenting nuanced concepts and thematic explorations that challenge prevailing narratives.
Festival Founders Noel Braham and Courtney L Branch state, “We aspire to create an unparalleled sanctuary where individuals from all walks of life are embraced, acknowledged, and elevated. Our festival dares to defy convention, shattering the limitations imposed upon us, and becoming a catalyst for transformative experiences.”
The LA premiere of Scrap, written and directed by Vivian Kerr, follows a young single-mom (Vivian Kerr) finds herself living in her car struggling to hide her homelessness from her estranged brother Ben (Anthony Rapp) and his wife (Lana Parrilla) after being laid off.
The World Premiere of Feature Documentary Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia directed by Kyra Knox charts the effects of gun violence in Philadelphia, following the stories of three young adults who were empowered to discover their self-worth, and ultimately pivot their life journeys toward a positive and hopeful future, by turning to basketball.
The LA Premiere of A Pretty Good Movie from Erik Gantvoort and Brian Spillane starring Lea Thompson and John Huertas follows an amalgamated man setting out to make a name for himself through cinema after 50 years of failure. While his production unfolds the various versions of him clash over whose story is being told and he must confront an entrenched industry that may never let him finish.
The World Premiere of Nowhere Men, from Aria Inthavong, is a Borat-style unscripted comedy that showcases the hilarious trials and failures that often come with chasing your dreams, through the lens of community theater.
The LA Premiere of Nicole Gomez Fisher’s Good Egg follows Jessica Nieves-Sanders after two failed in-vitro attempts, must consider using a stranger’s eggs. When fate brings Jessica together with the cunning con artist Bridget Garcia, a daring exchange is proposed.
Short films include We Were Meant To, a story of defying fears, insecurities, and societal barriers. Set in 1968 Vietnam, Black Dragon (Rồng đen) follows a feared American colonel nicknamed “the Black Dragon”. Fathead follows one of the last free children of Junkyard Paradise who has her brother stolen away from her, no Ragamuffin army or vicious beasts will stop her from getting him back. Full Service follows an Indonesian woman who gets more than she expects when she resorts to hiring an escort to bring to her cousin’s engagement party.
The festival will showcase a captivating array of special events, immersive workshops, and engaging panels, all featuring esteemed special guests.
To view the entire film slate and events program visit www.micheauxfilmfest.com and follow @micheauxfilmfest on Instagram.
About Micheaux Film Festival
The Micheaux Film Festival has become a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression, welcoming filmmakers from every background and showcasing a kaleidoscope of narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences. From thought-provoking dramas to captivating documentaries and gripping comedies, the festival serves as a platform for underrepresented voices to shine. With a focus on fostering inclusivity and promoting emerging talent, the festival embraces a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives. It acts as a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of storytelling. Year after year, the Micheaux Film Festival attracts an enthusiastic audience eager to discover the next cinematic masterpiece. Industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and cultural connoisseurs gather to witness the magic of diverse storytelling and engage in thought-provoking discussions that propel the art form forward. As the lights dim and the screens come to life, the spirit of Oscar Micheaux permeates the atmosphere, reminding us of the transformative power of film. The Micheaux Film Festival stands tall as a testament to his enduring legacy, showcasing the best of contemporary cinema while honoring the visionary whose name it carries. Join us as we celebrate Oscar Micheaux’s remarkable journey and the indelible mark he left on the world of cinema. The goal of the festival is to captivate, inspire, and move by the untold stories that illuminate the screen, forging a path toward a future where diversity and representation reign supreme.
Sponsors
Braham Entertainment, Roku, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Panavision, Participant, Shicken Productions, Magic, So Much Entertainment, Magic Rentals, Berhe Love, and Dr.SelfTapes