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CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS. SUBMIT NOW!

Entries open for second year of American Black Film Festival & Lightbox Documentary Initiative

Initiative fosters diversity and supports emerging African American directing talent

(August 2, 2018) – Award-winning production company Lightbox and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) have announced that the second year of their Initiative to foster diversity in the feature documentary arena is now open for entries. The ABFF & Lightbox Documentary Initiative is aimed at African American filmmakers and any filmmakers interested in exploring non-fiction stories and themes that speak directly to the African American experience.

Selected films from the Initiative will be developed and produced by Lightbox and ABFF Studios, leveraging Lightbox’s success in producing award-winning and commercially successful documentaries, with the ABFF’s unparalleled pipeline and record of accomplishment for identifying many of the industry’s most promising Black filmmakers.

More information about the Initiative and entry information can be found at: http://abffventures.com/film/documentary-feature-initiative/

The winner of the inaugural year of the Initiative, Storm Over Brooklyn, has been greenlit for production by HBO. Directed by Muta’Ali, the feature documentary tells the story of Yusuf Hawkins, a black American teenager who was shot and murdered after being trapped by a group of white youths in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in 1989.

Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn, Co-Founders of Lightbox said: “Supporting filmmakers from minority communities and creating content which reflects every aspect of our society is one of the most important things we can do as documentary makers if we want the genre to remain relevant and engaging to audiences. We are honored to be launching the second year of this Initiative, and look forward to the winning project being just as prestigious as last year’s winner.”

“Authenticity within documentary filmmaking is paramount. The mission behind the Lightbox and ABFF Documentary Initiative is to help increase the opportunities and access for filmmakers of color, bringing new voices to the world stage. HBO is the perfect home for our first project Storm Over Brooklyn, we’re eager to discover and help develop the next,” said Jeff Friday, Founder & CEO of ABFF Ventures.

Storm Over Brooklyn is directed by Muta’Ali and executive produced by Jeff Friday, Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn. Academy Award®-winning directors Daniel Lindsay and TJ Martin, who directed Lightbox’s Emmy® award-winning feature documentary about the 1992 Los Angeles riots, LA 92, have also come on board the project as Executive Producers and supporters of the initiative.

Lightbox was founded by Academy Award®-winning producer Simon Chinn (Man on Wire, Searching for Sugar Man, Whitney) and Emmy® Award-winning producer Jonathan Chinn (LA 92, Fantastic Lies, Whitney). Whitney, Lightbox’s theatrical feature documentary about the global superstar, directed by Academy Award® winner Kevin Macdonald, had a special screening at the 2018 American Black Film Festival and was released worldwide this month. The company recently announced a new theatrical feature documentary, Tina Turner (working title), which will tell the full story – for the first time – of the global icon and undisputed Queen of Rock and Roll, to be directed by Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin.

ABOUT LIGHTBOX:
Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Lightbox is a multi-platform media company creating high quality non-fiction content for an array of distribution platforms. It was founded by two-time Academy Award®-winning producer Simon Chinn (Man on Wire, Searching for Sugar Man, Whitney) and Emmy®-winning producer Jonathan Chinn (LA 92, American High, Whitney). Lightbox’s most recent release is Whitney, a major theatrical feature documentary directed by Academy Award® winner Kevin Macdonald, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival; The company is currently in production on Diagnosis (w/t) an innovative Netflix Original eight-part documentary series produced in partnership with Scott Rudin Productions and The New York Times; Citizen Harvey (w/t) a theatrical documentary on the Weinstein scandal which will also air on BBC 2; Tina Turner (w/t), a theatrical feature documentary which will tell the full story – for the first time – of global icon and undisputed Queen of Rock and Roll, directed by Academy® and Emmy Award winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin; Gypsy’s Revenge, a feature length documentary for Investigation Discovery and Food Exposed with Nelufar Hedayat (8×60′) for US Network FUSION. The company has previously produced documentary series including Captive, a major 8-part series for Netflix about international hostage crises; LA92, an Emmy-winning feature documentary on the 1992 LA riots for National Geographic Channels; War Child – an acclaimed feature documentary on the refugee crisis for Channel 4; Absolutely Fashion: Inside British Vogue for BBC Two and The Traffickers for Fusion, as well as content for Xbox Entertainment Studios, NBC Universal’s Esquire Network and ESPN’s prestigious 30 for 30 Strand.

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Blackish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black talent, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content, targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement in media and entertainment.

PRESS CONTACT:

For Lightbox
Mark Ogle
OH Communications
[email protected]
+44 (0) 7789 981 561

For ABFF
Michelle Huff Elliott
Strategic Heights Media
[email protected]
212-634-7176

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The 2018 American Black Film Festival was a Sold-Out Affair

FILM SCREENINGS, CONVERSATIONS, PANELS, PARTIES AND RED CARPET EVENTS FILLED THE WEEK WITH EXCITING AND INFORMATIVE PROGRAMMING

New York, NY (June 18, 2018) – The 2018 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) wrapped another successful year of screenings, red carpet events, panels and competitions to a sold-out group of attendees. The event took place in Miami Beach, FL from June 13-17th.

The festival kicked off with the ABFF Creators Summit, hosted by CAA and Cadillac returned as a partner of ABFF for the eighth consecutive year, hosting a Drive for media, as well as an exclusive welcome luncheon. Actors LeToya Luckett and Tristan “Mack” Wilds engaged in a compelling panel conversation, moderated by Allison McGevna, VP of Women’s Lifestyle at iOne, about the state of Black Hollywood today.

Sony Pictures and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) presented the opening night screening of SUPERFLY at the historic Fillmore Theater, where attendees had a chance to mix and mingle before viewing the film. ABFF Ventures founder and CEO, Jeff Friday, welcomed the crowd, along with this year’s celebrity ambassador, Jay Ellis, while the entire cast–Trevor Jackson, Big Boi, Rick Ross, Future, Jason Mitchell, Michael K. Williams, Jacob Latimore–and Director X introduced the film.

Additional films that screened throughout the festival included Universal Pictures’ THE FIRST PURGE, starring Y’lan Noel (Insecure) and Lex Scott Davis (Tales); BET showcased clips from THE BOBBY BROWN STORY starring Woody McClain and Laz Alonso; TNT’s CLAWS, starring Niecy Nash and Karrueche Tran; WHITNEY, the documentary on the life of the late icon Whitney Houston and HBO surprised the audience with the premiere of the new series, RANDOM ACTS OF FLYNESS. Each screening was immediately followed by a Q&A session with members of the cast.

At the Loews Miami Beach, there were several company activations for attendees to experience: Cadillac’s VR Lounge welcomed festival goers to come and build the first-ever XT4 Sport crossover with an immersive virtual reality experience, as well as have the opportunity to receive a limited edition 2018 ABFF T-Shirt. A number of ABFF sponsors hosted events at the ABFF Industry Expo, including: TV One’s meet and greet with the cast of DOWN FOR WHATEVER and actors from ATL HOMICIDE; Comcast Xfinity’s exhibit celebrated Black Music Month with a special celebrity meet and greet featuring TV and music stars, Ryan Destiny, Jacob Latimore and the cast of THE FIRST PURGE; visitors of the Planned Parenthood Federation Of America exhibit learned more about incorporating accurate and nuanced stories related to our bodies and sexuality, and what it means to Stand With Black Women and more.

There were several conversations held over the four-day festival. The ABFF Talks: A Conversation with Ryan Coogler was moderated by Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight). The Black Panther director and ABFF alum discussed his journey and outstanding accomplishments. Prudential sponsored Cocktails, Conversations & Financial Facts with actor Tobias Truvillion (IN CONTEMPT) and thought leaders discussed ways to achieve financial goals. Prudential professionals were also available to answer financial questions.

A big attraction for aspiring filmmakers and actors were the many Business of Entertainment panels at ABFF. This year’s line-up included Killer Creativity: A New Breed with directors and ABFF alums Qasim Basir, Storm Saulter and Deniese Davis from Issa Rae Productions/Color Creative, sponsored by BET; Verizon’s Without A Net: The Digital Divide in America screening and conversation with Mimi Valdés and Jesse Williams, and more.

Every year, the festival’s panels are a big hit: NBCUniversal’s First Look panels involved discussions with the casts of The First Purge (Y’lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, Gerard McMurray), Marlon and Trial & Error (Sherri Shepherd, Essence Atkins, Bresha Webb, Diallo Riddle); the Hot In Hollywood panel with Kofi Siriboe, Jacob Latimore, Logan Browning, Ashley Blaine Featherson and Bresha Webb, moderated by Dondre Whitfield and sponsored by American Airlines.

“I am really proud of this year’s content at the festival. As ABFF continues to grow, we will also seek to remain true to our core programming initiatives, which are education, artistic expression, collaboration, access and recognition. I believe we truly accomplished our goal and will continue to bring more opportunities for content creators of color in 2019,” says Jeff Friday, CEO of ABFF Ventures.

The parties at ABFF are always memorable with the opening night party at Story Nightclub, the Legendary White Party at Nikki Beach and the “It’s So Miami” closing night party at the Betsy Hotel.

On the last day of the festival, ABFF always recognizes the accomplishments of the next generation of filmmakers at their annual awards presentation. Actor/Producer Chris Spencer hosted the “Best of ABFF” Awards at the New World Center. During the ceremony, American Black Film Festival founder, Jeff Friday received the key to the city of Miami Beach from Commissioner Ricky Arriola and Ruban Roberts-Miami Dade NAACP President. It was also announced that ABFF signed a deal to return to Miami Beach for the next three years. The 2019 American Black Film Festival will be held in Miami Beach from June 12-16, 2019.

Here is the full list of the 2018 American Black Film Festival Winners:

2018 ABFF WINNERS LIST

2018 HBO SHORT FILM AWARD, sponsored by HBO (Prize: $10,000)
“Moths and Butterflies” written and directed by Alfonso Johnson

2018 TV ONE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION WINNER (Prize: $5,000 and a production deal)
“Connected” – written by Rashim Cannad

2018 TRU TV COMEDY WRITERS COMPETITION (Prize: $5,000)
Harold Williams “Wait…What Had Happened Was”

2018 TURNER TV WRITING CONTEST WINNERS (Prize: $500/each)
Craig T. Williams “Allergic” (Comedy)
Terrence L. Moore “Uptown” (Drama)

2018 BEST WEB SERIES, sponsored by Xfinity (Prize: $3,000)
“KELOID U.S.A.,” written, produced and directed by Huriyyah Muhammad

2018 JURY AWARD FOR BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE, sponsored by Prudential (Prize: $5,000)
“Sprinter” directed by Storm Saulter

2018 JURY AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR, sponsored by Cadillac (Prize: $5,000)
Storm Saulter, “Sprinter”

2018 JURY AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY, presented by ABFF (Prize: $2 500)
“Not in My Neighbourhood,” directed by Kurt Orderson

2018 JURY AWARD FOR BEST SCREENPLAY, sponsored by Time Warner
“JINN,” by Nijla Mumin

2018 AUDIENCE AWARD, sponsored by BET Networks (Prize: $10,000)
“Sprinter,” directed by Storm Saulter

2018 NBC HOSTING WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
Kamie Crawford
Winston Marshall

2018 NBC SPOTLIGHT ACTOR AWARD (Prize: $5,000)
Zoe Renee, performance in “JINN”

2018 SCRIPT TO SCREEN COMPETITION, sponsored by BET Networks and Color Creative
Courtney Perdue & Baindu Saidu, “African-America”
April Blair, “Curves”
Darnell Brown, “The Good Book”

2018 ABFF COMEDY WINGS WINNER, sponsored by HBO (Prize: $2,500)
Blaq Ron

Join the conversation on social media by logging on to ABFF’s multiple social media platforms:

Sponsors for the 2018 American Black Film Festival are: HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal (Presenting Sponsors); AT&T, BET, Prudential Financial, Turner (Premier Sponsors); AMC, American Airlines, Codeblack Films, Hennessy, The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Sony Pictures, Verizon (Official Sponsors); aspireTV, Comcast Spotlight, Facebook, FX Networks, Gentleman Jack, Google, Miami Beach VCA, Laugh Out Loud Networks, OWN, Netflix, Streampix, Time Warner, truTV, The Walt Disney Company, YouTube Originals (Supporting Sponsors); Arrington & Phillips LLP, Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Color of Change, Deluxe, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, SAGIndie, Technicolor, Urban Movie Channel, Walter Kaitz Foundation, Warner Bros. (Industry Partners) and Black Enterprise, Essence, TheGrio.com (Media Partners).

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Blackish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black artists, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of Black culture and achievement.

PRESS CONTACT:

Strategic Heights Media
Michelle Huff Elliott
[email protected]
212-634-7176

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HBO Orders ‘Storm Over Brooklyn’ Doc from ABFF and ‘Whitney’ Producers

Directed by Muta’Ali, this is the first project from the initiative created in 2017 by award-winning non-fiction production company, Lightbox, and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to foster diversity in documentary filmmaking.

ABFF and Lightbox announce second year of the initiative to discover and support emerging African American documentary directing talent.

Miami, (June 18, 2018) – HBO has greenlit Storm Over Brooklyn, the winning project of the inaugural Feature Documentary Initiative created in 2017 by award-winning production company Lightbox and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), as part of their joint initiative to foster diversity in the feature documentary arena.

Storm Over Brooklyn is a feature documentary, directed by Muta’Ali and tells the story of Yusuf Hawkins, a black American teenager who was shot and murdered after being trapped by a group of white youths in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, on the evening of August 23, 1989. Sixteen-year-old Hawkins had come to Bensonhurst with three friends to look at a used car, when they were attacked by the hostile mob, whose members mistakenly believed that Hawkins was dating a neighborhood girl who was white. The incident shocked New York and the world and unleashed a torrent of racial tension in an already divided city and led to televised protests and marches. The growing unrest contributed to the ousting of New York City Mayor Ed Koch in favour of David Dinkins, who became the city’s first — and as of now, only — African American mayor.

Storm Over Brooklyn was conceived by director Muta’Ali and selected from more than 300 submissions to the initiative, which was open to all African American documentary filmmakers and any documentary filmmakers interested in exploring non-fiction stories and themes that speak directly to the African American experience.

Muta’Ali said: “Yusuf Hawkins’ murder had a major effect on the public, and the locked away regret and sorrow questions a history that those involved have held onto for nearly 30 years. We will finally see the light of day in the context of our time. This is due to the courage of Yusuf’s loving family, as well as the visionary talent teams at HBO, Lightbox and ABFF.”

“We are genuinely thrilled that HBO has greenlit Storm over Brooklyn – a powerful, timely film which feels so relevant to today’s audience even though the events it depicts took place 30 years ago,” said Lightbox co-founders Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn. “Muta’Ali is a talented and passionate director who is perfectly placed to bring this highly relevant story to the screen and we are proud to support his vision. We are delighted to be working once again with our friends at HBO Documentary Films whose reputation for high-quality, thought-provoking documentaries make it the perfect home for this project and we’re honoured to be working in partnership with them to nurture and support new, diverse creative talent.”

“It’s an honor to partner with HBO Documentary Films on Storm Over Brooklyn which is a natural extension of the ABFF HBO relationship. Together, we have been fostering diverse storytellers in the narrative space for 22 years. Expanding into the documentary space and production is a very exciting opportunity for ABFF and the filmmakers who come through our talent pipeline programs. We could not have wished for a more fitting home than HBO,” said Jeff Friday, Founder & CEO of ABFF Ventures, LLC.

Lightbox and the ABFF announced today that the second year of this multi-year program will open for entries on July 18, 2018. Go to www.abffventures.com for more information. Selected films will be developed and produced by Lightbox and ABFF Studios, leveraging Lightbox’s success in producing award-winning and commercially successful documentaries, with the ABFF’s unparalleled pipeline and record of accomplishment for identifying many of the industry’s most promising Black filmmakers. This collaboration will help to elevate unique perspectives and vision in the documentary space.

Storm Over Brooklyn is directed by Muta’Ali and executive produced by Jeff Friday, Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn. Academy Award®-winning directors Daniel Lindsay and TJ Martin, who directed Lightbox’s Emmy® award-winning feature documentary about the 1992 Los Angeles riots, LA 92, have also come on board the project as Executive Producers and supporters of the initiative.

Lightbox was founded by Academy Award®-winning producer Simon Chinn (Man on Wire, Searching for Sugar Man, Whitney) and Emmy® award-winning producer Jonathan Chinn (LA 92, Fantastic Lies, Whitney).

Lightbox’s Whitney, the theatrical feature documentary about the global superstar, directed by Academy Award® winner Kevin Macdonald, screens at the American Black Film Festival this week ahead of its nationwide US release on July 6th. The company recently announced a new theatrical feature documentary, Tina Turner (working title), which will tell the full story – for the first time – of the global icon and undisputed Queen of Rock and Roll, to be directed by Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin.

Media Contact:

For Lightbox
Mark Ogle, OH Communications: +44 (0) 7789 981 561; [email protected]

For ABFF
Michelle Huff Elliott, Strategic Heights Media, 212-634-7176; [email protected]

Notes to editors:

  • Information about entries for the second competition will be made available on the ABFF websites shortly.
  • Jeff Friday and Lightbox are represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

ABOUT LIGHTBOX:
Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Lightbox is a multi-platform media company creating high quality non-fiction content for an array of distribution platforms. It was founded by two-time Academy Award®-winning producer Simon Chinn (Man on Wire, Searching for Sugar Man, Whitney) and Emmy®-winning producer Jonathan Chinn (LA 92, American High, Whitney). Lightbox’s most recent release is Whitney, a major theatrical feature documentary directed by Academy Award® winner Kevin Macdonald, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival; The company is currently in production on Diagnosis (w/t) an innovative Netflix Original eight-part documentary series produced in partnership with Scott Rudin Productions and The New York Times; Citizen Harvey (w/t) a theatrical documentary on the Weinstein scandal which will also air on BBC 2; Tina Turner (w/t), a theatrical feature documentary which will tell the full story – for the first time – of global icon and undisputed Queen of Rock and Roll, directed by Academy® and Emmy Award winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin; Gypsy’s Revenge, a feature length documentary for Investigation Discovery and Food Exposed with Nelufar Hedayat (8×60′) for US Network FUSION. The company has previously produced documentary series including Captive, a major 8-part series for Netflix about international hostage crises; LA92, an Emmy-winning feature documentary on the 1992 LA riots for National Geographic Channels; War Child – an acclaimed feature documentary on the refugee crisis for Channel 4; Absolutely Fashion: Inside British Vogue for BBC Two and The Traffickers for Fusion, as well as content for Xbox Entertainment Studios, NBC Universal’s Esquire Network and ESPN’s prestigious 30 for 30 Strand.

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Blackish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black talent, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content, targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement in media and entertainment.

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The American Black Film Festival Opening Night Set for SUPERFLY

–ABFF’s Premiere Screening of Sony Pictures Film, directed by Director X, to Be Wednesday, June 13–

New York, New York (May 24, 2018) – In celebration of the nationwide release of Superfly, in theaters June 13, the 2018 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will open with the festival’s premiere screening of Sony Pictures’ Superfly on that same night at the Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach, Florida. Directed by the acclaimed Director X, director of legendary music videos for such artists as Drake and Rihanna, and starring Trevor Jackson (“Grown-ish”), the film’s original soundtrack has been curated and produced by Future, who also produces the film with Joel Silver (The Matrix trilogy, Die Hard).

The film also stars Jason Mitchell (Mudbound, Straight Outta Compton), Michael Kenneth Williams (“The Wire,” “Boardwalk Empire”), Lex Scott Davis (“Training Day,” the upcoming The First Purge), Jennifer Morrison (“Once Upon a Time,” “House”), and Andrea Londo (“Narcos”). The film also features cameo appearances by Rick Ross and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. The screenplay is by Alex Tse.

“We are thrilled Superfly will be the opening night film at the 2018 ABFF. For many, the title resonates as a cultural touchstone, not only for the look and style of the film itself, but also for Curtis Mayfield’s legendary soundtrack, and for its place in history – Superfly is one of the few films of its era that featured African-American characters with agency and power. In bringing Superfly to a new generation, Director X has transitioned a timeless classic into a modern day, entertaining film that will be enjoyed by all,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of ABFF VENTURES.

Director X added, “I am excited for ABFF’s premiere of Superfly in Miami. The original Super Fly from 1972 is a classic and we all felt a responsibility to that legacy. I directed a film that builds on the special elements of the original and evolves them for 2018. The story, fashion, cars, hair and music all have added relevance for today with an extra twist of style. It’s all Superfly. Thank you Jeff Friday for welcoming my movie to the 2018 fest.”

To purchase passes, tickets for events, panels and screenings at the American Black Film Festival, log on to https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-passes/.

Join the conversation on social media by logging on to ABFF’s multiple social media platforms:

Sponsors for the 2018 American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal (Presenting Sponsors); BET, Prudential Financial, Turner (Premier Sponsors); AMC, American Airlines, Codeblack Films, The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Sony Pictures, Verizon (Official Sponsors); ASPiRE, Facebook, Gentleman Jack, LOL Networks, Miami Beach VCA, Netflix, OWN, Streampix, truTV (Supporting Sponsors); and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Google, SAGIndie, Warner Bros., Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners).

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Blackish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black artists, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of Black culture and achievement.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

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TV One Announces Fourth Annual American Black Film Festival Screenplay Competition Finalists

2017 American Black Film Festival Screenplay Winner, “Down for Whatever” Set to Debut at American Black Film Festival on Thursday, June 14 with Television Premiere Scheduled for Sunday, July 22 on TV One

Silver Spring, MD (April 24, 2018) – TV One has announced the 2018 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) TV One Screenplay Competition finalists – Fedna Jacquet (New York, NY), writer of “Isaiah”; Rashim Cannad (Los Angeles, CA), writer of “Connected”; and Sylvester K. Folks (Deatsville, AL), writer of “The Patrolman.”

The three finalists of the TV One competition will receive an all-expense paid trip to this year’s ABFF in Miami (June 13-17). During ABFF’s TV One “Celebrity Scene Stealers” event on Friday, June 15, each finalist will direct a table read of a scene from their script, performed by professional actors participating in this year’s festival in front of a live audience. A brief overview of the TV One Screenplay Competition finalists scripts are as follows:

  • “Isaiah,” a drama by Fedna Jacquet: One young black man is killed. An officer’s life is torn to pieces. Time rewinds as we discover the intimate pieces of the victims’ lives, and see how they and everyone in their lives are changed forever after this fatal encounter.
  • “Connected,” a romantic comedy by Rashim Cannad: In today’s world, where people text before the talk, and where one’s Internet persona rarely resembles their real-life self, a beautiful online personality and a brilliant app developer must find a way to stay connected.
  • “The Patrolman,” a dramedy by Sylvester K Folks: A female cop must pass a job evaluation after a series of aggressive interactions with the public.

This year’s winner will be announced at the ABFF Filmmaker Ceremony on Saturday, June 16. The winner will earn a $5,000 cash prize and an opportunity to have their screenplay produced into an original, made-for-TV movie, which will debut in 2019 on TV One and at the 23rd Annual American Black Film Festival.

Screenwriter and TV One’s 2017 ABFF Screenplay Competition finalist Timothy Folsome will debut his original film, Down for Whatever, during this year’s festival on Thursday, June 14 at The Colony Theatre (1040 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139) at 2:30 p.m. The film is slated to premiere on TV One on Sunday, July 22 at 7 p.m.

In the film Down for Whatever, A young female doctor who works at a prestigious hospital learns that her newly-found biological teen sisters are ruthless cop killers that her detective husband is hunting down. The film stars two-time Grammy Award-winning actress and singer LeToya Luckett as Tracy, Calesha “Bre-Z” Murray (Empire) as Denise, Imani Hakim (Everybody Hates Chris) as Sonya and Hosea Sanchez (The Game) as Mike.

For more information about the ABFF TV One Screenplay Competition and TV One’s upcoming programming, visit www.abff.com and the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hash tags #Represent and #ABFF18, and catch clips and promos on TV One’s YouTube Channel.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. It supports emerging artists to foster a wider range of images, stories and storytellers represented in the entertainment industry. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. Today, the ABFF is recognized as the preeminent pipeline to new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content targeted to upscale African American audiences.

ABOUT TV ONE:
Launched in January 2004, TV One serves 59 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Unsung, Rickey Smiley For Real, Fatal Attraction, and The NAACP Image Awards. In addition, TV One is the cable home of blockbuster drama Empire. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, www.urban1.com], the largest African-American owned multi-media company primarily targeting Black and urban audiences.

CAST AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS UPON REQUEST

TV One Media Contact:

Tosha Whitten-Griggs, 202.246.7875 or [email protected]

La’Shawna Saint-Preux, 301.755.2865 or [email protected]

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BLACK PANTHER Director Ryan Coogler Returns to the American Black Film Festival to Headline the ABFF Talk Series

THE 22ND ANNUAL ABFF TO BE HELD IN MIAMI JUNE 13 – 17, 2018

New York, (April 20, 2018) – On the heels of smashing box-office records, Black Panther director/writer Ryan Coogler returns to the 22nd annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) as one of its most distinguished alumni. He will headline the “ABFF Talk Series” on Saturday, June 16 in Miami, Florida.

“A Conversation with Ryan Coogler,” will spotlight Coogler’s journey to success, how he catapulted from a breakout indie talent to an A-list director, and the path he took to become one of the most respected and sought-after filmmakers in Hollywood. The interview will also highlight his connection to the ABFF from the beginning of his career.

Founded by film and television producer Jeff Friday, the ABFF for more than two decades, has provided a platform for emerging black artists. It has premiered the early works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians – including Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Through its TalentWorks initiative, the festival sustains talent pipeline programs supported by entertainment companies (HBO, Turner, ComcastNBCU) that have significantly expanded the reach of the diverse talent working in Hollywood today.

In 2011, Coogler was a beneficiary of one of these programs and won the HBO Short Film Award for his film FIG, along with a $20,000 cash prize.

Following ABFF, Coogler continued his career and directed his first feature-length film, Fruitvale Station, which earned rave reviews. In 2015, he directed the mega-hit Creed, a spin-off of the Rocky films, starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone. Most recently, Coogler signed on to executive produce of Creed 2 and tapped another ABFF alum, Steven Caple, Jr., to direct.

In 2016, Coogler was recognized for his accomplishments and was presented with the “Rising Star” award at the 2016 ABFF Honors, an awards show extension of the American Black Film Festival that salutes the outstanding achievement in film and television of individuals, as well as recognizing those who champion diversity and inclusion. ABFF Honors aired on BET Networks.

While filming Creed, Coogler received the call to direct Black Panther and has delivered Marvel and Disney the most outstanding Hollywood achievement of the 21st century to date, a black superhero story with an almost all-black cast. Black Panther has recently surpassed Titanic on the all-time list of highest-grossing films to become the third-biggest earner in unadjusted profits. Coogler’s meteoric rise has secured his place in film history.

“Ryan is a tremendous talent, but more importantly a humble and thoughtful human being. It is because of people like him that the ABFF continues its mission of supporting inclusion in film and television. What he’s accomplished after just three feature films is unprecedented and proves that it is in Hollywood’s own best interest that it continues to focus on diversity,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures Founder & CEO.

For information about the 2018 American Black Film Festival visit www.ABFF.com. To apply for media credentials to cover the 2018 American Black Film Festival, apply here: https://www.abff.com/miami/media/media-credentials/.

Follow ABFF on its social media platforms:

Sponsors for the 2018 American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac, and Comcast NBCUniversal (Presenting Sponsors); BET and Turner (Premier Sponsors); American Airlines, Codeblack Films, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and Verizon (Official Sponsors); Gentleman Jack, LOL Networks and truTV (Supporting Sponsors); and SAGIndie and Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners).

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black talent, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content, targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement.

PRESS CONTACT:

Strategic Heights Media
Michelle Huff Elliott
[email protected]
212-634-7176

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The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Announce the Finalists in the 6th Annual Comedy Wings Competition

EMERGING COMEDIANS WILL COMPETE FOR THE TOP SPOT AT THE 2018 ABFF IN MIAMI ON FRIDAY, JUNE 15

Los Angeles, CA (April 11, 2018) – ABFF Ventures announced today their selection of finalists who will compete at the 6th annual Comedy Wings Competition, presented by HBO, during the American Black Film Festival in Miami June 13-17.

Last night, nine comedians competed for a finalist position at The HaHa Comedy Club in North Hollywood, hosted by comedian Alex Thomas. Each finalist will receive an all-expense paid trip to Miami, with the opportunity to win a $5,000 cash prize and attend an informational meeting with HBO talent executives.

They were judged by accomplished artists and industry executives, including “Def Comedy Jam” producer Bob Sumner; television executive and producer Rikki Hughes; comedian and actor Affion Crockett; CAA Executive Jelani Johnson; Original Programming Manager at TBS Networks Olivia Morris; Producer Mark Adkins; Television Personality and Contributor at TMZ Loren Lorosa; ABFF Ventures CEO Jeff Friday and Director of U.S. Syndication Sales at Sony Pictures Television, Monique Kelley.

The Comedy Wings Competition is one of several platforms innovated by the ABFF that is designed to uncover talent and introduce them to a broader audience. ABFF has always participated in the cultivation of Black talent and has provided a stage over the years for dynamic performers such as Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Craig Robinson, Tommy Davidson and Bill Bellamy.

“Comedy Wings is an extension of ABFF’s 22-year relationship with HBO, which also includes the HBO Short Film competition. Both of these platforms were created with the intent of introducing emerging talent to the entertainment industry at large,” says ABFF Ventures CEO, Jeff Friday.

“Since its inception, The Comedy Wings competition has been one of the highlights of the ABFF,” said Dennis Williams, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility, HBO. “No examination of Black creativity would be complete without including the comedic tradition and the long legacy of humorists, who have provided insightful laughter and levity when people have needed it the most. HBO has long recognized, nurtured and tended to many of those comedic voices so we are eager to laugh with the talented performers we are sure to see on stage this year at the ABFF!”

This year’s five finalists are emerging comics from across the United States, with diverse styles and sensibilities.

See our complete list below:

Leighann Lord
Recently named one of the 35 Most Hilarious Comedians of Diversity, Leighann has been seen on Lifetime, AspireTV, Comedy Central, HBO’s Def Comedy All-Star Jam and ABC’s, The View. She’s performed for U. S. troops stationed in Europe, the South Pacific, and the Middle East. Leighann’s comedy album, I’ve Got Connections, is played heavily on Sirius satellite radio and she has been a radio/TV co-host on the Emmy-nominated Star Talk with Neil de Grasse Tyson. Leighann, a native New Yorker, is the author of several humor books including Dict Jokes and Real Women Do It Standing Up.

T. Murph
T. Murph is an Internationally known comedian who has been featured on nationally syndicated shows Chicago Fire, Key & Peele, the 2014 Reboot of BET’s ComicView, and Get Shorty on Epix. In 2017, Murph was a 2nd City Breakout Comic, STANDUp NBC finalist and has headlined shows in Dubai, Punta Cana, and Jamaica! T. Murph has built an undeniable following across the country touring hundreds of colleges and performing for thousands of students. When he’s not on tour you can catch him hosting his monthly Show “FADED by T Murph” in Chicago!

Rita Brent
Rita Brent is an up-and-coming Comedienne based in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2013, Rita made a sharp career turn and responded to, what she believes was the voice of God, urging her to do stand-up comedy. Since then, she has been fully committed to the craft and finding a place for her voice in the industry. In 2016, she was the opening act for the late and legendary, Dick Gregory. She also met Rickey Smiley in 2016 and he took her under his wings as a mentee and tours with him often as an opening act on the “Rickey Smiley and Friends Tour.”

Blaq Ron
NBC “Stand Up For Diversity” regional finalist and Dallas, TX native Ron Dailey, more commonly known as “Blaq Ron,” is rapidly burning up the underground comedy scene at a gasoline infused pace! Regaled as one of Texas’ hottest young comedians, the “Malcolm X of Comedy” has certainly hit the ground running. His observational humor quickly gained the attention of the local club promoters and comedy competition judges, which propelled him to feature and tour with comedians Dick Gregory, Robert Powell, Lil Rel Howery, Arlen “Griff” Griffin, Rob Stapleton, Rodney Perry, Joe Torry, Shuckey Duckey, and dozens more.

Kris Atkins
With his quick-witted style of deadpan along with his southern vernacular and twang to match; comedian/writer/actor Kris Atkins often leaves audiences doubled over gasping for air. Kris is the epitome of the old saying “big things come in small packages”. He is considered an observational comedian with experience performing for churches, schools, corporations, arenas, and comedy clubs (Improv, Jokes n Notes, Comedy Store, Caroline’s, Gotham, etc.) all around the nation.

The Comedy Wings Competition Competition is one of several platforms innovated by the ABFF, designed to uncover talent and introduce them to a broader audience. To purchase passes, tickets for events, panels and screenings at the 2018 American Black Film Festival, log on to https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-passes/.

Join the conversation on social media by logging on to ABFF’s multiple social media platforms:

Sponsors for the 2018 American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal (Presenting Sponsors); BET, Turner (Premier Sponsors); American Airlines, Codeblack Films, The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Verizon (Official Sponsors); Gentleman Jack, LOL Networks, and truTV (Supporting Sponsors); and SAGIndie, Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners).

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black talent, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content, targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement.

PRESS CONTACT:

Strategic Heights Media
Michelle Huff Elliott
[email protected]
212-634-7176

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The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Announces New Writing Competition in Partnership with truTV

COMPETITION PROVIDES COMEDY WRITERS A CHANCE AT THEIR BIG BREAK

THE 22ND ANNUAL ABFF RETURNS TO MIAMI JUNE 13 – 17, 2018

New York, New York (April 5, 2018) – The 22nd Annual American Black Film Festival, (ABFF) taking place in Miami, Florida June 13-19, 2018, is thrilled to announce a new talent pipeline program, in partnership with truTV: the ABFF® truTV Comedy Writers Competition.

The first-ever ABFF® truTV Comedy Writers Competition is searching for the next generation of comedic voices and will provide a unique opportunity for a content creator to develop a project with truTV. Each competitor will be required to submit a paper-developed half-hour comedic format (1-2 page document), consisting of a logline of the show premise, the type of format, the talent leading the show and the show overview. truTV is a comedy network, so it’s all about leaning into the comedy first. For inspiration, submitters are encouraged to research existing truTV original programming formats, including Impractical Jokers, Comedy Knockout, Hack My Life and Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks.

For additional information on these competitions and to submit an application, please visit: https://www.abff.com/miami/trutv-comedy-writers-competition/.

Follow ABFF on its social media platforms:

Sponsors for the 2018 American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal (Presenting Sponsors); BET, Turner (Premier Sponsors); American Airlines, Codeblack Films, MPAA, Verizon (Official Sponsors); Gentleman Jack, LOL Networks, and truTV (Supporting Sponsors); and SAGIndie, Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners).

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black talent, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content, targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement.

ABOUT truTV:
truTV is the home for original, creator-driven comedy series with a distinct point of view. With millions of engaged fans across linear, digital and social channels, the cable network features a growing roster of critically-acclaimed premium scripted, non-scripted and hybrid series, such as Adam Ruins Everything, At Home with Amy Sedaris, Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters, Hack My Life, I’m Sorry, Impractical Jokers, Jon Glaser Loves Gear, Talk Show the Game Show, The Carbonaro Effect, The Chris Gethard Show, Those Who Can’t and more. As a division of Turner, truTV is also a partner in airing the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship each year.

Turner, a Time Warner company, is a global entertainment, sports and news company that creates premium content and delivers exceptional experiences to fans whenever and wherever they consume content. These efforts are fueled by data-driven insights and industry-leading technology. Turner owns and operates some of the most valuable brands in the world, including Adult Swim, Bleacher Report, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, CNN, ELEAGUE, FilmStruck, Great Big Story, HLN, iStreamPlanet, Super Deluxe, TBS, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), TNT, truTV and Turner Sports.

PRESS CONTACT:

Strategic Heights Media
Michelle Huff Elliott
[email protected]
212-634-7176

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The American Black Film Festival and Laugh Out Loud Network Announce Filmmaker Fellowship

ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS; THREE FINALISTS TO RECEIVE BUDGET TO PRODUCE FILM THAT WILL PREMIERE AT ABFF 2018

LAUGH OUT LOUD CONTINUES MISSION TO RECOGNIZE AND CHAMPION DIVERSE COMEDIC CONTENT

Los Angeles (February 28, 2018) – Today,the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and Laugh Out Loud, the comedy brand and multi-platform network created by Kevin Hart and global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), announced a new partnership for a filmmaker fellowship showcasing exciting new comedic creative voices. The ABFF and Laugh Out Loud will take submissions for comedic narrative film ideas and scripts that are 5-10 minutes in length and feature diverse casts or have a broad appeal to multicultural audiences, with the top three films to receive a production budget and premiere slot at ABFF.

The “ABFF and Laugh Out Loud Filmmaker Fellowship” begins accepting submissions on March 1, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. PST, ending on March 15, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. PST. ABFF has a rich history of unique programs designed to identify and showcase talent, including directors, writers and other content creators.

“We’re excited about this fellowship program and partnership with Kevin Hart and Lionsgate’s Laugh Out Loud network. We believe that it will unveil some really talented new writer/directors with authentic and keen comedic sensibility,” stated Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures CEO.

“We’re thrilled to partner with ABFF in an official capacity,” said Jeff Clanagan, President of Laugh Out Loud. “With their legacy of supporting talent in front of and behind the camera and our mission to make big bets on undiscovered comedic voices, the filmmaker fellowship will continue those initiatives to give a platform to the next generation of diverse, comedic stories.”

After submissions close, a panel will select 20 semi-finalists based on a variety of criteria including creativity, comedic integrity, narrative ability, directing, budget restraints, and target demographic. Judges will then narrow down the list to 10 finalists who will be invited to pitch their submissions to a jury consisting of ABFF and Laugh Out Loud representatives. Ultimately, the judges will select three potential winners who will receive an opportunity to have their project produced by Laugh Out Loud, using a fund of up to $20,000 for each filmmaker, and will then premiere their film at the 22nd annual American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 13-17.

Only the first 200 submissions received within the entry period will be accepted to the competition. For complete submission details and to review all eligibility requirements for the ABFF and Laugh Out Loud Filmmaker Fellowship go to: http://abffventures.com/filmmakerfellowship/

ABOUT LAUGH OUT LOUD:
Laugh Out Loud is a comedy brand and multi-platform network founded by the world’s top comedian Kevin Hart, in partnership with Lionsgate. Through his streaming video service Hart delivers his vision for the future of comedy: social, mobile, multicultural and seriously funny. From stand-up legends to globally-recognized digital influencers, Hart and LOL curate comedy’s boldest voices to produce original scripted and unscripted series, stand-up specials, live broadcasts and special events. Hart brings the groundbreaking social-first strategy that earned him 100 million+ followers to Laugh Out Loud, with one core mission: keep the world laughing. Dope Comedy. Delivered Daily. Always On. Always Loud. Directly from Kevin Hart and his hand-picked crew of comedic rockstars. For more, visit LaughOutLoud.com.

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black talent, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content, targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Michelle Huff Elliott/Strategic Heights Media – for ABFF
[email protected]
212-634-7176

Laura Michael/Metro PR – for Laugh Out Loud
[email protected]

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Ava Duvernay, Tiffany Haddish, Billy Dee Williams, Omari Hardwick, and the Cast of “Martin” Were Honored Last Night at the 2018 American Black Film Festival Honors

Angela Bassett, Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina Hall, Snoop Dogg, Lena Waithe, Armie Hammer Presented Awards to the Honorees and Winners

Hosted By Actor and Comedian Cedric the Entertainer

Performance by Charlie Wilson

Los Angeles, CA (February 26, 2018) – Last night, ABFF Ventures hosted its annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The ceremony, hosted by actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer, honored director Ava DuVernay with the Industry Visionary Award, legendary actor Billy Dee Williams with the Hollywood Legacy Award, comedian Tiffany Haddish with the Rising Star Award, actor Omari Hardwick with the Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award and the writer and cast of “Martin” (Martin Lawrence, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell, Carl Payne II, Bentley Kyle Evans) received the Classic Television Award.

Regina Hall, Lena Waithe, Armie Hammer and Snoop Dogg made special presentations to the honorees and Harrison Ford made a surprise video tribute to Billy Dee Williams.

Black-ish (ABC) and Insecure (HBO) were announced as winners of the Television Show of the Year (Comedy) category, presented by actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery. Tracee Ellis Ross, Deon Cole, Issa Rae, Jay Ellis and Yvonne Orji accepted their awards on behalf of their show, cast and crew.

For the second year in a row, Queen Sugar (OWN) took home the coveted Television Show of the Year (Drama) award. Ava DuVernay, along with the cast (Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Dondre Whitfield, Tina Lifford, Bianca Lawson, Timon Kyle Durrett) accepted their award.

Additional winners of the night included Get Out (Universal Pictures), for Movie of the Year. Jordan Peele, Lil Rel Howery, Betty Gabriel and Marcus Henderson accepted the award.

“Some of you know that I did not enter this industry as an artist. I came into this business as an advertiser with a profound love for art, and the ABFF became my canvas, says Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures CEO. “It has allowed me to show my love of “all things Black,” by curating experiences that promote our culture and support young creative people who are now changing the world,” Jeff continues. Grammy-winning artist Charlie Wilson, accompanied by The Adam Blackstone Band, ended the night on a high note signing “I’m Blessed” and “Outstanding” to an energetic audience standing on their feet and singing along to every word.

In just two years, ABFF Honors has become one of the most talked about Hollywood events, attracting top-tier talent and press coverage in mainstream and African American media outlets including, LA Times, Essence, Variety, Deadline, Extra, and The Associated Press. The show had its broadcast premiere on BET Networks.

The event was executive produced by ABFF Ventures founder Jeff Friday, in association with Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones for de Passe Jones Entertainment.

The 2018 ABFF Honors sponsors are BET Networks (Presenting Sponsor), AT&T and Cadillac (Red Carpet Sponsors), American Airlines (Official Airline Sponsor), Hennessy (Official Spirit Sponsor), Hilton (Official Hotel Sponsor) and CBS, Comcast, Creative Artists Agency, Facebook, HBO, Morgan Stanley, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Netflix, Prudential and Universal Pictures (Corporate Diversity Sponsors).

For more information about the 2018 ABFF Honors, log on to www.ABFFHonors.com. Also, follow us on our social media platforms:

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the works and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Blackish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). Today, it is the preeminent pipeline for Black talent, in front of and behind the camera, significantly expanding the range of talent in the entertainment industry at large. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content, targeted to upscale African American audiences. The company is a joint venture between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement.

PRESS CONTACTS:
Michelle Huff Elliott
Strategic Heights Media
michelle@strategicheights.com
212-634-7176