American Black Film Festival Announces Los Angeles Pop Up Programming Featuring Award-Winning Independent Films, Celebrity Conversations, and Curated Panels with Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Tika Sumpter, Ben Watkins, and More
ABFF’s First-Ever National Pop Up Tour Culminates in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CA (November 17, 2025) – NICE CROWD, the company behind the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), today announced the programming slate for the final stop of the first ABFF Pop Up Tour in Los Angeles taking place at AMC The Grove 14 on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 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. The 2025 Pop Up Tour is launched with national support from Founding Sponsor Ally Financial.
ABFF Los Angeles Pop Up Programming
More information and all event tickets available via Eventbrite HERE.
Bringing Stories to Life in 3D: Creating Believable Creatures & Characters, Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Saturday, December 13, 11:00 am
Learn the techniques and philosophy behind how some of the most iconic creatures in Hollywood were created. Creature & character creator, Craig Caton, discusses his techniques and principles for creating memorable creatures & character performances for telling visual stories. This presentation does not require the audience to have any prior specific technical knowledge. It contains several fun moments for audience participation and interaction. Instructed by Craig Caton.
Beyond the Role: Wealth, Worth & Womanhood — A Conversation with Tika Sumpter, Presented by Ally
Saturday, December 13, 2:15 pm
In Hollywood and in life women are often cast in roles written by someone else. But what happens when we reclaim the pen? In this intimate fireside chat, actor, producer and creator Tika Sumpter joins Ally’s Head of Money Wellness, Jack Howard, for a candid conversation about rewriting your personal money story and beliefs. Together they’ll explore the intersection of creative ownership, financial wellness and emotional wealth and how to build a life and career rooted in values, not validation. Moderated by Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness.
Hit Series CROSS Returns for Season 2, Presented by Prime Video
Saturday, December 13, 4:50 pm
Be among the first to experience Prime Video’s hit crime drama CROSS with an exclusive advance screening of the first episode of Season Two, ahead of its February 11, 2026 premiere. Following the screening, join showrunner/executive producer Ben Watkins and stars Matthew Lillard, Johnny Ray Gill, and Stacie Greenwell for a live talkback diving into what fans can expect from the upcoming new season. From shocking twists to bold turns in Detective Alex Cross’ journey, the conversation offers a closer look at the stories, characters, and creative vision behind one of television’s most gripping thrillers. An exciting night celebrating dynamic storytelling and the return of a fan-favorite series you don’t want to miss.
2025 HBO Short Film Showcase Followed by a Conversation with Filmmakers Princess Adenike, Nick Buchheit, and DeeDee Casimir
Saturday, December 13, 8:30 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).
Swimming Against The Current, Presented by AARP
Sunday, December 14, 12:00 pm
As most of us dread the idea of getting “older,” the seniors of the “Harlem Honeys and Bears” Synchronize Swim Team inspire us to live our best lives regardless of age.
“A Creator Conversation” with Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Presented by AARP
Sunday, December 14, 2:10 pm
Join acclaimed Emmy nominated director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield for an inspiring conversation about her evolution both in front of and behind the camera. From standout performances in film and television to her acclaimed work directing and executive producing Task, The Gilded Age, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Richardson-Whitfield has become one of Hollywood’s most visionary storytellers. This candid discussion will explore her creative process, leadership, and commitment to authenticity and representation in shaping stories that create lasting impact. Moderated by Nicole Friday (President & Co-founder, NICE CROWD).
Hoops, Hopes & Dreams Screening, Presented by Andscape
Sunday, December 14, 4:30 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.
ABFF Pop Up sponsors and partners to date include Ally Financial (Founding & National Presenting), AARP, Amazon MGM Studios, Andscape (Official), New York Film Academy (NYFA) (Supporting), AMC Theaters (Screening Venue Partner), IMDbPro (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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