The Oscar Devereaux Micheaux Black Film, Art, and Books Festival celebrates Black arts in the heart of Paducah, Kentucky — a UNESCO Creative City with a rich legacy of African American history, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Co-produced by the Paducah Historical Preservation Group, Inc. and the Kentucky BIPOCU Filmmakers Association, the festival honors the life and legacy of Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, the pioneering Black filmmaker born near Paducah whose work helped shape the future of American cinema.

Created with intention, the BFAB Festival brings together filmmakers, authors, artists, historians, educators, and audiences to celebrate stories that inform, inspire, challenge, and connect communities. Through film screenings, author showcases, artist exhibitions, book sales, cultural conversations, and a special presentation of Micheaux’s historic work, the festival highlights the power of Black creative expression across generations.

Set against the backdrop of Paducah’s vibrant arts community — home to the National Quilt Museum, the Lowertown Arts District, and the historic Hotel Metropolitan, a Green Book site that welcomed legendary Black musicians and travelers — the festival invites guests to experience creativity, history, and community in one unforgettable gathering.

The Oscar Devereaux Micheaux BFAB Festival welcomes submissions of short films, animated works, documentaries, and feature films exploring historical, educational, scientific, cultural, and social awareness themes.

Celebrate film, literature, art, and cultural history

Join us in Paducah, Kentucky for a festival dedicated to Black film, art, books, history, and cultural storytelling.

Attend the Festival

Reverence

A Connecticut genealogist restores the erased histories of African Americans, reconnecting descendants, rebuilding memorials, and returning forgotten lives to the American narrative.
By John & Erica Mills

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It Begins with God

Struggling with self-doubt and creative burnout, Myla steps away from the noise and rediscovers peace, inspiration, and the true Source of her artistic gift.
Morgan Nickles, Nicolette “Nhik” Shegog

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Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall

The story of Jonesville, a Kentucky community founded by African American Civil War veterans and dismantled in the 1960s for Western Kentucky University’s expansion.

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Annie Turnbo Malone: The Untold Story

A documentary exploring the life, struggles, groundbreaking business success, and enduring legacy of pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist Annie Turnbo Malone.

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James Michael Marshall

Filmmaker, writer, director, and educator James Michael Marshall brings experience across stage, screen, and literature to teaching creative craft, discipline, and industry knowledge.
Simmons College of Kentucky

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Water Quality Is in Our Hands

Kentucky farmers share how protecting water quality supports healthy livestock, productive farms, families, and communities while highlighting practical resources and programs available to farmers.
Christopher Edward Rapley, Nancy Dawson

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The Space

Rodney Cox Jr.’s character-driven film explores faith, identity, relationships, and the human experience, inviting audiences into a story centered on reflection, connection, and emotional truth.
Chris Rouse, Rodney Cox Jr.

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mark your dates

The Oscar Devereaux Micheaux BFAB Festival brings creators and audiences together in the heart of Paducah, Kentucky.

28-30

AUG

Maiden Alley Cinema

Location: Paducah, KY

Step into a world of mystery and elegance as Venice comes alive with ornate masks, dazzling costumes, and centuries-old traditions.

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