Michigan Film Festivals That Deserve to Be Noticed
Going to the movies in Michigan is always a fun activity, and as the years go by, seeing film in a theater becomes more of a classic activity. Believe it or not, back in the day, movie theaters were the only way people could see big flicks when they came out. Then, came the home video, and people could see the movies in the theater and then catch them at home on VHS months after they debuted. Now, we’re spoiled, and with home streaming services, we can watch new movies all the time from the comfort of our homes.
But, there’s something special and nostalgic about going to see a movie in the theater. It’s even better if you actually go to a film festival to catch that niche flick that’s getting so much buzz online.
Best Film Festivals in the U.S.
The experts at USA Today have released their roster of the best film festivals in America, as part of their 10 Best series. This series has experts picking spots for which to vote, and then readers voting for their favorites. “Film festivals can be as astonishingly varied as cinema itself, showcasing everything from glossy premieres to daring independent productions to underground cult films,” USA Today notes in the feature.
Coming in at No. 1 is a festival that’s a road trip away from Michigan: The Cinema Columbus Film Festival in Columbus, Ohio. “With a mission to inspire and connect audiences through the power of cinema, the Cinema Columbus Film Festival collaborates with venues throughout central Ohio to showcase a curated selection of independent films from around the world,” USA Today notes.
While that’s fine and dandy, the list doesn’t include any Michigan festivals. But, this state has so many great, under-the-radar festivals. One of them is the Detroit Black Film Festival, which is set for September 25 through 28, 2025. The regular deadline for submissions is June 2, so you still have time to enter. Another is the Capital City City Film Festival, happening April 2 through 12 in downtown Lansing, featuring a bevy of indie films.
As for some history on these festivals, according to Britannica, the very first film festival took place in Venice in 1932. “Since World War II, film festivals have contributed significantly to the development of the motion-picture industry in many countries,” they note. “The popularity of Italian films at the Cannes and Venice film festivals played an important part in the rebirth of the Italian industry and the spread of the postwar Neorealist movement.”