DETROIT, MI - Autumn Sun is set to host their inaugural in-person HBCU Film Invitational in Detroit. Supported by Executive Partners, The PepsiCo Foundation, DTE Energy, Walker-Miller Energy Services, and Bedrock, the festival will honor the student filmmakers behind 20 short films from the 2024-2025 submission program, each vying for the $25,000 Jury Award.
The festival’s highly anticipated Invitational Awards Presentation will take place at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Saturday, November 22, 2025, celebrating exceptional films, vision, and creativity from students representing more than a dozen HBCUs.
Finalists Poised for the Spotlight
The festival will feature the following finalists, whose work spans narrative, documentary, animation, dance, and experimental film formats:
- A’Jah Canty, North Carolina A&T State University (2025)
- Akiva Bell, Florida A&M University(2025)
- Arnold Cadayona, Alabama A&M University (2025)
- D’Mani Washington, Bowie State University (2025)
- Elisabeth Walton, Howard University (2025)
- Jala Bennett, Howard University (2025)
- Julia Washington, North Carolina Central University (2026)
- Kenaji Blevins, Morehouse College (2025)
- Kennedy Jones, North Carolina Central University (2025)
- Kiara Mangum, Howard University (2025)
- Mason Brown, Howard University (2025)
- Morgan Lewis, Morgan State University (2025)
- Nyhle Wilson, Dillard University (2025)
- Shane Cameron, Howard University (2025)
- Suuna McKitty, Morehouse College (2026)
- Ysabella Lopez, Spelman College (2025)
- Zachary Ramseur, Hampton University (2028)
- Zion Murphy, Howard University (2026)
- Orchesis Dance Company, Grambling State University
Stay tuned for details regarding the upcoming festival including hosts, special guests, entertainment and registration for events.
