Idlewild International Micro Film Festival

The Idlewild International Film Festival brings a little Idlewild to the D with a micro film festival held at the historic Paradise Valley Antique Store, formerly Paradise Valley C.O.G.I.C. Detroit native and founder of the IIFF “Tinisha Brugnone” will again, transform her grandfather “Joseph T. Williams S.R.” church grounds into a colorful and vibrant festival for this monumental outdoor event. 

The Idlewild International Film Festival was originally launched in Idlewild Michigan in 2019 and held on the grounds of Paradise Lake. Since its launch, the festival has taken place online and in Detroit in continuation of the tradition and mission of this event which is to highlight the works of women filmmakers internationally and share the stories of the history of Idlewild, Michigan. Idlewild was once one of the most visited African American resort communities in the United States and was listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book as one of the safe towns to travel through. 

The hope for this project is to expose the community to the diversity of international films, highlight women filmmakers and to encourage viewers to visit Idlewild Michigan in the future. This outdoor festival includes food, vendors, live music/entertainment and so much more! The event will start in the late afternoon and films will begin screening at dusk. The funds collected will go toward the production costs associated with the project as listed in the budget section. Please note; IIFF is a family friendly event but the films screened are not always appropriate for children. Viewer discretion is advised. 

Once we have cash in hand we will be able to complete the following tasks: 

1. Order trophies for winner
2. Pay off balance of screen rental company due 08/14/23
3. Order decorations and supplies due 08/14/23
4. Secure entertainment. Balance due 08/14/23
5. Order supplies & hire security 08/14/23

Our goal is to expose the community to an African centered international film festival in the actual neighborhood. Often times event's like these are out of reach for Detroit residents many or which have a  lower social economic status. One of our missions is to keep this event affordable and to also bring the wonderful world of independent short films to people who otherwise may not have access to them.