American Black Film Festival Announces Atlanta Pop Up Programming Featuring Award-Winning Independent Films, Celebrity Conversations, and Curated Panels with Terri J. Vaughn, Isaac Keys, Kris Lofton, Adrienne Walker, And More
ABFF’s First-Ever National Pop Up Tour Continues in Atlanta
LOS ANGELES, CA (October 6, 2025) – NICE CROWD, the company behind the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), today announced the programming slate for the upcoming ABFF Pop Up Tour in Atlanta taking place at AMC Madison Yards 8 on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, 2025. The ABFF Pop Up Tour is a new national initiative, expanding beyond its flagship annual Miami Beach event, bringing the energy, creativity, and community spirit of the acclaimed festival to audiences in select U.S. markets this fall. The 2025 Pop Up Tour is launched with national support from Founding Sponsor Ally Financial.
ABFF Atlanta Pop Up Programming
More information and all event tickets available via Eventbrite HERE.
The Art of Emotional Writing: Engaging Audiences Scene by Scene Master Class with Randall Dottin, Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Saturday, November 8, 11:00 am
The phrase write what you know is a cornerstone of storytelling advice, but it’s only part of the equation. Great writing isn’t just about facts—it’s about feelings. Emotion is the heartbeat of every great story, and creating it is a skill every storyteller should master. In this two hour workshop, Randall Dottin, Chair of the New York Film Academy Film Arts Department, Sundance grant recipient and winner of the 2022 ABFF Award for Best Web Series—will guide you through tools and techniques to make your stories emotionally resonant. With the help of curated short film clips, writing exercises, and open discussion, you’ll learn how to make every scene in your film leave a lasting impression.
“Flourish Creatively and Financially” with a Special Guest Appearance, Presented by Ally
Saturday, November 8, 2:15 pm
Ally will host an intimate conversation with a special guest. This panel will equip you with the tools and inspiration needed to thrive, balancing creativity with financial acumen. Discover how behind the camera roles can open doors to unparalleled creative control and how forging your own path can inspire others, particularly women and underrepresented voices, to embrace their unique stories and visions. We’ll also explore how merging artistic vision with smart financial strategies can sustain your creative endeavors. Moderated by: Erica Hughes, Sr. Director-PR, Ally Financial.
Power Moves: Isaac Keys, Kris Lofton & Adrienne Walker on the Final Season of Power Book IV: Force, Presented by STARZ
Saturday, November 8, 4:30 pm
Join STARZ for a special screening of its season three premiere, “Power Book IV: Force” episode. Following the special screening, stay for a special conversation with cast members Isaac Keys (“Get Shorty,” “The Oath”), who plays “Diamond Sampson,” Kris Lofton (“Ballers,” “Snowfall”), who plays “Jenard Sampson” and Adrienne Walker (The Lion King, “Law & Order: Organized Crime,”) as the trio discuss the impact of Force, their creative processes, and their Atlanta ties.
2025 HBO Short Film Showcase Followed by Talkback with Filmmakers Princess Adenike and Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah
Saturday, November 8, 7:00 pm
The 2025 HBO Short Film Showcase spotlights the five finalists from the 29th American Black Film Festival, selected from a pool of thousands. Together, these films reflect the vitality, humor, and complexity of contemporary Black storytelling. The program features the following lineup: ADO (Written by Sam Henderson and Ryan Romine; Directed by Sam Henderson), A Beauty Supply in Queens (Written by Princess Adenike; Directed by Oluseyi Olatujoye and Princess Adenike), In Good Hands (Written by Yasmine Crawley; Directed by Nick Buchheit), ManBooBs (Written and Directed by Luke Harris), and Last Hoorah at G-Baby’s (Written and Directed by DeeDee Casimir).
BOB Talks: Couples Edition
Sunday, November 9, 12:00 pm
BOB Talks (Black-Owned Brands) is a panel series celebrating Black entrepreneurship. This edition spotlights Atlanta–based founders and their standout brands, featuring candid conversations on the realities of building a business—from navigating challenges to achieving success. The session offers practical insights and inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Featured founders include Maya & Brian Smith of The Doux and Jilea & Jamie Hemmings of Nourish + Bloom. Moderated by: Nicole Friday (President & Co-founder, NICE CROWD)
“A Creator Conversation” with Terri J. Vaughn
Sunday, November 9, 2:30 pm
Join acclaimed actor, director, and producer Terri J. Vaughn for an inspiring conversation reflecting on her multifaceted career in film and television. From her breakout comedic roles that cemented her as a fan favorite to her evolution as a filmmaker dedicated to telling authentic stories, Vaughn has built a legacy rooted in creativity, resilience, and representation. This candid discussion will explore her journey in front of and behind the camera, the lessons learned along the way, and her vision for empowering the next generation of storytellers.
Hoops, Hopes, & Dreams Screening Followed by Talkback with Special Guests Including Producer Alexys Feaster, Presented by Andscape
Sunday, November 9, 5:00 pm
The untold story about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a team of civil rights activists took to basketball courts to connect with young voters, and how their strategy echoes in politics through President Obama’s historic campaign.
Meta Take One Screening Followed by Talkback with Writer-Directors John Dierre and Ryan Dutter.
Sunday, November 9, 7:30pm
Winner, 2025 American Black Film Festival John Singleton Award for Best Debut Feature. An obsessive young director & his crew plunge into a frantic night-long odyssey of desperation to finish his film, no matter the cost.
ABFF Pop Up sponsors and partners to date include Ally Financial (Founding & National Presenting), Andscape, STARZ, (Official), New York Film Academy (NYFA), Nissan (Supporting), AMC Theaters (Screening Venue Partner), IMDbPro, Fulton Films (GA) Office (Industry).
About ABFF Pop Up Tour:
A national tour bringing ABFF programming and spirit to four key U.S. markets.
Founding sponsor: Ally Financial
- New York – October 25-26 | AMC Lincoln Square
- Atlanta – November 8-9 | AMC Madison Yards
- Dallas – November 15-16 | AMC NorthPark
- Los Angeles – December 13-14 | AMC The Grove
About ABFF:
Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier destination for Black storytelling and a vital platform for emerging talent. ABFF has helped launch the careers of many of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers and actors while advocating for inclusion and representation in Hollywood and beyond.
About NICE CROWD:
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by husband-and-wife team Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces festivals, awards shows, and destination-based experiences across major U.S. cities and international markets. At the heart of NICE CROWD is a belief in The Power of Gathering—bringing communities together to celebrate creativity, amplify emerging voices, and spark meaningful connection. The company’s mission is to harness that power to drive cultural relevance and economic impact for its partners. Best known for its flagship property, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 30th year, the company has evolved into a global brand with deep expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships.
More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop Up Tour: https://www.abffpopup.com/
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