Last Updated on August 12, 2024
Ever dreamed of making it big in the film industry? Meet Bruce Clifton, the mastermind behind the inaugural HBCU Film Invitational. This groundbreaking event showcases and nurtures the next generation of Black filmmakers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Picture this: Detroit, the heart of innovation, bustling with young talent, all competing for the prestigious $10,000 Jury Award. The best part? You can join this epic journey.
Bruce’s vision is simple yet powerful: create a platform where young Black creatives can shine, network, and grow. “I wanted to be a filmmaker since I was a kid,” Bruce shared. But making it in the industry? That’s a whole different story. That’s why he’s so passionate about this festival—because he knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the filmmaking world.
Bruce Clifton’s Journey: From Dreams to Big Screens
Bruce Clifton’s story isn’t your typical Hollywood saga. Growing up in Detroit, Bruce faced the challenge of turning his filmmaking passion into reality. Now after a decade in the industry, he says this moment was made possible by an Executive Producer who took Bruce under her wing, Capella Fahoome. “The opportunity she gave me at the beginning of my career is probably the biggest catalyst for why I started developing Autumn Sun,” Bruce shared. It wasn’t just about making films—it was about creating opportunities for others, especially young Black filmmakers.
In 2018, a visit to North Carolina A&T State University sparked an idea when a faculty member mentioned their lack of resources for a filmmaking curriculum but expressed support for student participation. That was Bruce’s lightbulb moment.
What if there was a film festival just for HBCUs, where student filmmakers could show off their work, gain recognition, and level up professionally? With support from educators like Edwin Moye from North Carolina A&T, Bruce started developing the HBCU Film Invitational, initially planning a small beta test.
Of course, it wasn’t smooth sailing. Despite the hurdles, his determination never wavered. Fast forward to today, and Bruce’s dream has come to life, setting the stage for a revolution in the filmmaking community.
The Festival’s Vision and Goals: Creating a Space to Thrive
So, what’s the big deal about the HBCU Film Invitational? It’s more than just watching movies. Bruce Clifton’s vision is to create a space where young Black filmmakers can thrive, connect, and grow.
The festival’s mission is to showcase the creativity and talent of HBCU students. “We need to highlight the creativity and art that they already have,” Bruce emphasized. It’s about building a community where young filmmakers can find their audience and develop their skills.
Key partnerships with Autumn Sun, Michigan Central, and HBCU Go TV have turned this vision into a major event. “You’re only as valuable as the people who open doors for you,” Bruce noted.
Detroit, with its rich history of innovation and culture, is the perfect backdrop. Mayor Duggan said, “Filmmakers are innovators in their own right, and so it makes perfect sense to have the HBCU Film Invitational in Detroit.”
The ultimate goal? To foster a new generation of skilled and connected Black filmmakers. Bruce’s vision goes beyond the festival; it’s about creating a legacy and a thriving community of creatives.
Meet the Stars: The Top HBCU Film Invitational Finalists
Let’s shine the spotlight on the real stars of the HBCU Film Invitational: the top student filmmakers. Selected from over 100 submissions, these talented individuals are ready to showcase their work in Detroit and compete for the $10,000 Jury Award. Here they are:
| Student Name | University | Class Year |
|---|---|---|
| Alana I. Smith | Howard University | 2024 |
| Alexis Barry | Howard University | 2023 |
| Amayah Williams | Alabama State University | 2023 |
| Cameron Rivers | North Carolina A&T State University | 2025 |
| Chris Isidoro Saldivar | Clark Atlanta University | 2024 |
| Cyan Shreve | Howard University | 2023 |
| Damon Brown | North Carolina A&T State University | 2025 |
| DaQuan Brown | Morehouse College | 2025 |
| David Dupree Jr. | Howard University | 2023 |
| Deairyus Conner | North Carolina A&T State University | 2023 |
| Dennis Simmons III | Howard University | 2024 |
| Evin Guilford | Howard University | 2023 |
| Jai Foskey | North Carolina A&T State University | 2025 |
| Jala Bennett | Howard University | 2024 |
| JaSean Allen | Alabama State University | 2024 |
| Juwaan Johnson | Texas Southern University | 2025 |
| Kennedy Dunning | Spelman College | 2023 |
| Loren Dooley | Howard University | 2023 |
| Munyang Tengen | Howard University | 2024 |
| Naylani Burton | Howard University | 2025 |
| Quincy Chester | Howard University | 2023 |
| Victoria Greer | Howard University | 2024 |
These filmmakers represent the future of Black cinema. They bring unique stories, perspectives, and talents to the screen, and this festival is their chance to shine. Whether they’re from Howard, Morehouse, Spelman, or any other HBCU, each of these students has earned their place in the spotlight.
Event Highlights: What’s Poppin’ at the Festival
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff—what you can expect at the HBCU Film Invitational in Detroit. This isn’t just any film festival; it’s packed with events that will inspire, educate, and entertain.
- Opening Night Watch Party: Kicking off on August 23rd, the festival starts with an epic watch party. Catch the 25 student films under the stars in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
- Panels and Discussions: On the morning of August 24th, insightful panels about HBCU culture and the future of Black cinema will be led by industry experts.
- Awards Presentation: The main event on the evening of August 24th, live-taped and broadcasted on HBCU Go TV, reveals who wins the $10,000 Jury Award.
- Post Awards Gala: An after-party at the historic Michigan Central station with music, networking, and celebrations.
- Guest Appearances: Notable figures from the film and entertainment industry, including Detroit’s Mayor Duggan and city council members, will attend.
Most events are free, with only the awards show and gala requiring tickets, ensuring everyone can be part of this groundbreaking festival.
Future Plans: Taking It to the Next Level
Bruce Clifton isn’t stopping at just one successful festival. His plans for the future are all about expansion and creating even more opportunities for young Black filmmakers.
- Expanding the Invitational: Inviting the top 25 films from Black filmmakers aged 18 to 30 across the country in 2025, creating a national platform for young talent.
- Building a Conference: Evolving the festival into a full-blown conference, bringing together the best young filmmakers under 30 to network and build lasting connections.
- International Reach: Exploring the possibility of taking the festival international, with potential collaborations like the Afro Nation festival to bring global exposure to HBCU filmmakers.
- Diverse Art Forms: Expanding the festival to include other art forms such as culinary arts, beauty, and dance, creating a multidisciplinary celebration of Black creativity.
The Future’s Bright for Black Cinema
By showcasing HBCU students’ work, providing networking opportunities, and setting the stage for professional development, the HBCU Film Invitational is paving the way for the next generation of Black filmmakers.
So, whether you’re a filmmaker, a film enthusiast, or just someone who believes in the power of storytelling, this festival is something you’ll want to support and follow closely. It’s not just about the films; it’s about the future of Black cinema.
Get Involved: Here’s How
Want to get involved or learn more? Here are some ways to connect with the HBCU Film Invitational:
Support these talented filmmakers, spread the word, and be part of this exciting movement. The future of Black cinema is bright, and it starts here.
Greetings Fam, I’m a proud Florida A&M Rattler and a second-gen HBCU grad through and through. Co-founding and steering the ship at HBCU Lifestyle is my gig, where I get to mix my love for UX design, digital marketing, and tech into something really cool for the HBCU community. Oh, and I’m also involved with my local FAMU alumni association chapter; it’s like keeping a piece of HBCU with me always. Plus, I’m in the trenches too, raising a college bound teenager. So, I know a little something about the highs and lows of this journey. My aim? To make HBCU Lifestyle as relatable, real, and informative as it can be, all while celebrating our amazing HBCU culture and heritage.