Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshalle Favors.
Hi Marshalle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Marshalle Favors began her journey in the film and film festival industry driven by a lifelong passion for storytelling and a dream to work in entertainment that took root in childhood. A turning point came in 1999 when she took a summer break from her teaching career to attend the American Black Film Festival in Acapulco, Mexico. There, encounters with industry legends like John Singleton, Spike Lee, and Bill Duke made the film world feel accessible and inspired her to commit seriously to the craft. She further fueled this newfound drive at the Jamerican Film and Music Festival, led by Sheryl Lee Ralph, which proved equally transformative.
Following these influential experiences, Marshalle immersed herself in filmmaking, spending summers working on sets in any capacity she could. Her creative breakthrough came when she pitched an idea for a short film to her friends. Their enthusiastic support and encouragement for her to direct, led to her first project and cemented her commitment to storytelling through film. Since then, she has produced several independent feature films and directed three short films.
In 2006, she co-founded the Trinity International Film Festival in Detroit with two filmmaking partners. Despite limited resources, they were fueled by a shared determination to create space for independent voices. In 2020, Marshalle and her husband, LAZAR Favors, launched the Detroit Black Film Festival, which debuted on September 18–19, spotlighting the work of Black independent filmmakers from across the country. Both festivals feature work from around the globe and continue to grow, attracting notable figures from the industry.
Beyond the festivals, Marshalle remains a powerful force in Detroit’s creative community. She co-founded the Fearless Tribe of Fanatic Filmmakers, an initiative designed to uplift and support the local film ecosystem. She is also one of the owners of The Collective Studios in Southfield, MI – a 10,000-square-foot creative production space designed for filmmakers and content creators. The studio was founded by a group of 13 independent filmmakers—including Marshalle Favors—to address the challenge of accessing diverse filming locations.
A graduate of Michigan State University and the Institute of Touraine in France, Marshalle is also a proud ForbesBLACK Community Member. Her impact has been widely recognized. She was named one of the Most Influential African American Women in Metropolitan Detroit in 2021 and honored as a Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence in 2023.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Navigating the film industry as both a creative and a business owner is very challenging. I’ve been intentional when it comes to accessing resources, building relationships and establishing a strong network. I’ve had to learn the ropes of entrepreneurship: handling budgets, negotiating contracts, marketing work, and figuring out how to turn passion into something sustainable. Scaling up from intimate projects to full-fledged productions came with a steep learning curve and a need to grow as both a leader and a strategist. Building a sustainable model that turns passion into profit is rarely straightforward, especially when scaling up requires additional resources, knowledge, and a solid team. One of the greatest strengths in my journey has been having my husband, LAZAR, as a true partner in both life and work. His support isn’t just emotional—it’s hands-on and visionary. Whether we’re building a film festival from the ground up, brainstorming creative projects, or navigating the behind-the-scenes logistics, he brings a level of dedication and insight that truly elevates everything we do. We complement each other’s strengths, challenge each other to grow, and share a deep belief in the power of storytelling and community building. There’s something incredibly grounding about knowing that the person beside you understands both your passion and your purpose—and is just as committed to the vision as you are. Our collaboration isn’t just about shared goals; it’s about shared values, and that makes all the difference.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a filmmaker, festival curator, and storyteller at heart. My work lives at the intersection of creativity and community. I specialize in creating platforms that uplift independent filmmakers, especially those whose voices are too often overlooked. I co-founded both the Trinity International Film Festival and the Detroit Black Film Festival, and I’m passionate about using these spaces to celebrate bold, authentic narratives from around the globe.
What I’m most proud of is not just the films I’ve produced or the festivals I’ve helped grow, but the collaborative spirit behind them. I’ve had the joy of working with amazing people; my husband, LAZAR, being my strongest partner who share the same vision of nurturing talent and telling meaningful stories. We’ve built something from the ground up, with limitless determination.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend the creative with the strategic. I don’t just dream up stories, I know how to bring them to life, manage the logistics, and build communities around them. Whether I’m directing a short film or mentoring a new filmmaker, my approach is hands-on, heart-led, and rooted in a genuine love for the art form.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network has been one of the most transformative parts of my journey. For me, it started with showing up and attending festivals, panels, workshops, and community events where creatives and industry professionals gathered. I made it a point to be present, to listen, and when the time felt right, to introduce myself with authenticity and curiosity.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that real connections come from genuine relationships, not just exchanging business cards. I didn’t approach people with the mindset of “what can you do for me,” but rather, “what can we create or learn together.” That shift in mindset made a huge difference.
I’ve also found mentors in unexpected places, not always the most established name in the room, but the person who took the time to share, to advise, or simply to encourage me when I needed it. It’s been just as valuable to offer mentorship as it has been to receive it; there’s something powerful about community-based growth.
Trusting your instincts, staying open, and investing in people, not just opportunities has worked well for me. Relationships built on mutual respect and purpose tend to lead to the most meaningful collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://filmfreeway.com/DETROITBLACKFILMFESTIVAL
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmarshalle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marshalle.montgomery/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshalle-favors-864b555/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/TFEG21
