Vehicle City Film Festival To Honor Michigan Film & Media Leaders During 2026 Festival

FLINT, Mich. - Sept. 28, 2026 - PRLog -- The Vehicle City Film Festival (VCFF) will bring filmmakers, entertainment industry professionals and emerging creatives together in Flint October 1–3, 2026, for three days of screenings, workshops, networking, special events and awards. Building on a decade as the Flint Youth Film Festival, VCFF expands the festival's reach while continuing its commitment to education, mentorship and creative opportunity.

Highlighting this year's festival is an accomplished panel of entertainment industry judges.  The festival will also recognize three individuals whose work reflects VCFF's commitment to film, education, mentorship and community impact.

SPECIAL HONOREES
Jamal Bransford — Reel Impact Award
A two-time Emmy® winner and teacher at Hamady High School, Bransford will be honored during the Film Appreciation Academy on Thursday, October 1, at Mott Community College. The invitation-only academy will also feature a panel discussion with Hollywood industry professionals.

Cory James Taylor — Legacy Award
Filmmaker and Director of Photography Cory James Taylor will receive the Legacy Award during VCFF's Opening Ceremony on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Taylor is also Executive Producer and Director of Photography of Without A Doubt, which will screen Tuesday, September 29, at Flint Local 432, followed by a filmmaker talkback.

Dr. David Rembiesa — FilmEd Impact Award
Professor at Mott Community College, will receive the FilmEd Impact Award during the Media Arts and Entertainment Technology Showcase on Friday, October 2.

INDUSTRY PANEL OF JUDGES WITH EXPERIENCE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAMERA

VCFF's judging panel brings together professionals from across the entertainment industry:

Obba Babatundé — Emmy Award-Winning Actor / Producer
Jessica Mikayla — Actress / Award-Winning Voice Artist
Gregori J. Martin — Emmy Award-Winning Producer / Director / Writer
Myke Michaels — Veteran Film & Television Makeup Artist
Hammad Zaidi — Producer / Writer / Director / Film Industry Executive
LaFern Cusack — Award-Winning On-Air Host / Producer
Kwesi Davis — Technical Director / Animation Industry Professional
Belma Michael Johnson — Director / Writer / Producer / Television Host

Together, the panel represents experience across Emmy-winning television, feature films, major studio animation, independent filmmaking, voice acting, radio, digital media and production.

The judges will help evaluate VCFF's official selections for honors including the Industry Award, Heart Award, Audience Choice Award and Michigan Filmmaker Award.

"This is not a departure from our mission—it's an expansion," said Justin R. Brown, Director of the Vehicle City Film Festival. "We're creating a festival that celebrates homegrown talent while bringing new voices, new audiences and new opportunities to Flint."

VCFF welcomes Youth Filmmakers ages 13–18, Emerging Filmmakers ages 19–25 and Professional Filmmakers ages 26+, creating opportunities for local talent to share the screen with filmmakers from across the country, develop industry relationships and introduce visiting filmmakers and audiences to Flint's creative community.

The festival concludes Saturday, October 3, with screenings, a Filmmakers Mixer and Closing Event featuring special award announcements.

For festival information, screening schedules, registration and updates, visit  WEBSITE
Reserve your FREE ticket and enjoy preferred seating for the Vehicle City Film Festival. Seating is limited.

Sponsored By: Mott Community College, Flint Film Foundation, Greater Flints Art Council Share Arts Genesee, The Whiting Foundation, AG Bishop Charitable Trust, Flint Michigan Films, and Mott Student Life