The Trinity International Film Festival Returns for 13th Run

It’s a simple mantra that drives husband and wife duo Marshalle Montgomery Favors and Lazar Favors to get organized: “Create the things you wish existed.” 

The two are the force behind Detroit’s Trinity International Film Festival, a multicultural celebration of film.

LaToya Cross

After running into Detroit filmmakers in different countries and others who questioned the existence of a film community in Detroit, Montgomery Favors began to take note on the city’s lack of connectivity in film. 

In 2006, the tag team launched the festival to provide Detroit filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work, network and gain industry knowledge and resources. Over the course of 13 years, the festival has expanded to include international films and filmmakers, panel discussions and workshops that further create collaborative opportunities. 

“It’s international because we want all that culture,” Favors says. “We see talented people as far away as Australia and as close as the 48207 area code. We understand that bringing all of those cultures and that mix together makes for a larger story.” 

“There were about 300 films and we curated 67 films, from 18 countries,” Montgomery Favors, adds. “The whole idea behind the festival is bringing cultures together through story. So, we want to share this cultural experience but also have a good time watching movies.” 

Click on the player above to hear CultureShift’s Ryan Patrick Hooper interview Trinity International Film Festival founders the Favors. 

The 13th annual Detroit Trinity International Film Festival runs August 14th to 18th at the Marlene Boll Theatre.