Courtney L. Branch
and Noel Braham have led the Micheaux Film Festival for six years. The international film festival honors the memory of trailblazing filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, who is regarded as the first Black independent filmmaker in America. 

In addition to more than 200 film screenings, the festival also has film panels, Opportunities WIth Fast Channels, Impact and Storytelling, and Figuring Film Financing, 

The festival also collaborates with homeless advocacy groups such as the Covenant House of Hollywood, to mentor young houseless adults and offer them opportunities in the film industry.

This year, the festival theme is “Champions, a celebration of  the resilience and determination of filmmakers who overcome countless obstacles to bring their visions to life.” The festival commenced on October 21 (Monday) and wraps on October 27 (Sunday) at the Culver Theater in Culver City, California. 

BET.com spoke with Branch and Braham about creating the festival, Micheaux’s influence on them, launching the festival, and the future of Black filmmaking.

BET.com: When did you two first meet?

Branch: We both attended Georgia State University. I'm originally from Atlanta. Noel grew up in Miami and Atlanta as well. But funny enough, we didn't meet until we were both in LA at another get-together and immediately hit it off professionally. We're both very ambitious people. He has a crazy creative vision, and I'm the logistics executioner. We've just been able to rock it out with a great partnership ever since.

BET.com: What is one of your early memories of your love for films?

Branch: In our family, TV, and film was our bonding time. We crowded around the TV set in the living room and that was something that I remember that was instilled in me. I loved the storytelling, narratives, and everything. When I got to high school, I changed my schedule in my senior year to take a broadcasting class. It’s probably the best decision I ever made because I fell in love with the behind-the-scenes aspects of creating television, creating film, and all the technical aspects of it. 

Braham: When I was 12 years old, I went to see Good Burger. Without a doubt, that was one of my first big moments. At that time,  we didn't see a lot of representation of our people on the big screen, especially Black teenagers. I can go deep about Star Wars, and I could even talk about anime. But Good Burger was a significant moment for me. I walked out of the theater with my mom and told her,” I need to get into film. I want to create more.” That inspired me to do something.

BET.com: What is the importance of Oscar Micheaux’s work?

Braham: He wanted to challenge white America. He wanted them to understand that how they were looking at the glass was wrong. To see the way we're bringing together filmmakers and the community, just aligns exactly with the history and the legacy of what he stood for.

BET: com What sparked you two to launch the festival?

Branch: Noel was at Georgia State studying speech and film, and he learned about Oscar Micheaux. He was telling me about this amazing black independent filmmaker that most people at the time hadn't really heard of. Noel has always been a career independent filmmaker since he graduated college. One day he said, ‘Hey, I think I want to show a screening of some of my indie short films.’ I said, ‘I'll help you with that but why don't we make it bigger? Let's invite other indie filmmakers, and make it a one-day screening.’ That's exactly what we did. In December 2018,  we had a one-day screening with 13 short films and a small mixer at a bar.  Now, we've grown to over 200 films, multiple mixers, and parties throughout the week.

BET.com: Tell us about the significance of having the festival in Culver City

Braham: Culver City used to be a “sundown town,” Now it has its first Black woman mayor, Yasmine-Imani McMorrin. The city sponsored the festival. We actually had Mayor McMorran out at the opening night, and she spoke about what she's doing to impact Culver City as the first black woman mayor.

BET.com: When did you realize that the festival had real energy in the community of creators?

Branch: Before Courtney and I popped off this festival, we used to do community events. Then we did a screening of Issa Rae's “Insecure,” and we got the festival going. A few months later, we expanded it and made it more than a one-day event. That’s when I really took off. I remember volunteering at the LA Film Festival here at the COVID Theater in 2015, not even realizing I would one day start my own festival.

BET.com: Lastly, what advice do you have for future filmmakers and creatives?,

Braham: Chase your calling and not platforms. Michael Ajakwe Jr. opened a door and sent me to Rome and Italy to show my film. Here's the full circle moment. The LA Film Festival, where I volunteered, is also closed. Mike, God rest his soul, passed away from cancer a few years back. But they all chased their callings. That let Courtney and me know that even when we're dead and gone in 100 years, the platforms we produced as a result of our calling will continue to live on and inspire the next generation. Chase your calling.