“We’re more in control of our own destiny now.” That’s the charge from Marshalle Favors, founder of the Detroit Black Film Festival and creative visionary behind The Collective—a 13-filmmaker-owned production hub that’s changing the game for independent Black cinema in Detroit. In this powerful episode, Marshalle builds with Khary Frazier about the art, business, and unapologetic legacy of storytelling from the heart of the Blackest city in America. From working as an extra in Sparkle alongside Whitney Houston, to curating an international festival rooted in Detroit soul, Marshalle shares how Black film is being reclaimed—on our terms. They dive deep into the sixth year of the Detroit Black Film Festival, why venues like the Charles H. Wright Museum and the Love Building matter for cultural connection, and what it means to create a platform where “everybody wants to see each other win.” If you’re a creator, this episode is your push: “It doesn’t matter how small you start. It matters how consistently you build.” Whether it’s a courtroom scene shot in Southfield or a social justice doc playing at the Downtown YMCA, this is a masterclass in building Black Detroit’s future from its brilliant past. The message is clear: Detroit isn’t just a music or car city anymore—it’s a film capital in the making.
6th Annual Detroit Black Film Festival
THE DETROIT BLACK FILM FESTIVAL & TASTE OF BLACK SPIRITS TAKES PLACE AT 5 LOCATIONS. CHECK THE LOCATION FOR EACH SCREENING AND EVENT.
Location 1: Carr Contemporary, 15 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
Location 2: Marlene Boll YMCA Theater, 1401 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226
Location 3: DoubleTree Hotel, 525 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Location 4: Charles H. Wright, 315 E. Warren, Detroit Mi. 48204
Location 5: The Love Building 4731 Grand River Detroit MI 48208
The 6th annual Detroit Black Film Festival (DBFF), continues to showcase the voices and stories of Black independent filmmakers nationwide. DBFF is dedicated to screening excellent, high-quality films from seasoned and emerging filmmakers that highlight a spectrum of stories reflecting African American experiences, narratives, and culture.
Detroit is Different will be screening the Video Essay (Documentary)
a Debt Owed Not a Handout: Detroit History of Reparations
Friday September 26, 2025 at 3pm at the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History (315 E Warren Detroit MI 48201)