River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images; Gilbert Flores/ Billboard via Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Spotlight Screenings Include Projects from Jermaine Dupri and Tyler Perry Studios

Because They’re Funny (BTF) @ ABFF Comedy Show Returns with Host D.C. Young Fly

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 22, 2025) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its 2025 Talks Series lineup, featuring conversations and panels with industry leading directors, producers, and talent, including Chris Paul, Jemele Hill, Gabrielle Union, Blair Underwood, Ashanti, Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete and Tyson Beckford. Also announced today are the Spotlight screenings which include projects from Jermaine Dupri and Tyler Perry Studios and as previously announced, Nia Long and Larenz Tate, Ambassadors to ABFF 2025, will participate in an intimate conversation titled Remembering Love Jones on June 14. The 29th annual ABFF will take place in Miami Beach June 11-15 and will be available to a global audience June 16-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/) and spotlights incredible emerging creatives in the filmmaking space.

New this year to ABFF is BOB Talks (short for Black Owned Brands) — a dynamic event celebrating Black entrepreneurship and spotlighting the visionary founders behind standout consumer products and brands.

“We’re excited to return to Miami Beach with an inspiring lineup of cultural icons and changemakers for this year’s Talk Series, Spotlight Screenings, and the debut of BOB Talks,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “Short for Black Owned Brands, BOB Talks celebrates Black entrepreneurship and the visionary founders behind standout consumer products. From film and TV to music, sports, and now business innovation, these conversations remain one of the most impactful parts of the ABFF experience.”

Screening highlights include an exclusive screening of Starz’s Magic City: An American Fantasy and talkback with executive producers Jermaine Dupri and Cole Brown, Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO’s Seen and Heard – a journey through television history exploring Black representation and a screening of Tyler Perry Studios’ Old Gray Mare.

Panels and conversations include “The Longevity Playbook: A Conversation with Blair Underwood” presented by AARP, “Sisterhood & Savings: A Conversation with Gabrielle Union” presented by Ally Financial, as well as several discussions from Comcast NBCUniversal including panelists Ashanti, Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete, Tyson Beckford and the cast of Bel-Air. Netflix will offer an exclusive glimpse into the creative synergy behind The Old Guard 2, releasing on July 2, with a special conversation featuring Director Victoria Mahoney and Actress KiKi Layne. Additionally, Netflix is hosting an insightful discussion with Forever Showrunner, Mara Brock Akil.

In addition, Because They’re Funny (BTF) @ ABFF Comedy Show will be returning this year on Thursday evening, June 12 with host D.C. Young Fly. Emerging stand-up comedians Lamar Jones, Khrissy Y.S.F., Flo Hernandez (2024 Winner), Alex Babbit, Sammy Anzer and Mel Mitchell will take the 2025 ABFF Comedy Show stage to bring an evening full of laughter. Because They’re Funny (BTF) is a groundbreaking comedy festival spotlighting rising comedic talent held in Washington, DC.

The ABFF’s Talks Series complements previously announced programming which includes narrative and documentary official film selections, exclusive screenings and world premieres, sneak peaks and red-carpet premieres.

Highly anticipated yearly events that were previously announced include:

  • The 28th HBO Short Film Award Showcase featuring five shorts from emerging filmmakers who compete for the prestigious award.
  • Hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated actor and author Dondré Whitfield on Saturday, June 14, winners of the films in competition will be announced during the Best of the ABFF Awards which will include the festival’s hallmark award, the John Singleton Award for Best Debut Feature presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
  • An intimate conversation with Nia Long and Larenz Tate titled “Remembering Love Jones”

All ABFF live events are held in and around Miami Beach including the New World Center, the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Following is the schedule of 2025 ABFF Spotlight Screenings and Talk Series to date. For times, locations and more details, visit www.ABFF.com.

SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS

Thursday, June 12

Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s Showcase
Presented by Walmart
Synopsis: ABFF and Walmart have partnered for the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s Showcase, a competition celebrating Black fatherhood through independent filmmaking. Three directors are chosen to receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to screen their films during the 2025 festival.
Directors: Okema T. Moore (Laundry), Aji Bass (Freshman. Again.), Ian Phillips (Reconciliation)
Moderated by: Dr. Brandon Frame (The Black Man Can)

STARZ: Come Play in Our World
Presented by Starz
Synopsis: STARZ invites you to a screening and panel conversation for two of culture’s most anticipated series launches this summer.
Date & Time: Friday, June 13, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Location: Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1

Magic City: An American Fantasy: The Legacy of a Cultural Powerhouse (Talkback to Follow)
Join executive producers Cole Brown and Jermaine Dupri for an exclusive screening of the premiere episode of STARZ’s all-new docuseries, “Magic City: An American Fantasy.” Following the screening, Cole and Jermaine dive deep into the global phenomenon and cultural institution of Magic City, the famed Atlanta strip club, during a moderated Q&A.
Panelists: Cole Brown (Creator and Executive Producer), Jermaine Dupri (Executive Producer)
Moderated by: Jemele Hill (Journalist, Jemele Hill is Unbothered)

“Exploring the Impact of BMF on Culture, Music, and Fashion”
Clips and Conversation with Da’Vinchi, Derryck “Big Tank” and Keia Bounds as they explore the influence of BMF on culture, including BMF’s impact on music, and the fashion in the series that brings the story to life. “BMF” Premieres June 6 on STARZ.
Panelists: Da’Vinchi (Terry “Big T” Flenory), Keia Bounds (Costume Designer), Derryck Tank Thornton (Music Supervisor)
Moderated by: Kelley Carter (Journalist)

Friday, June 13

Seen & Heard (Talkback to Follow)
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO
Synopsis: From executive producer Issa Rae, Seen and Heard is a two-part documentary that travels through time, creating a kaleidoscopic portrait of Black talent being “seen,” to Black creatives being “heard,” shaping today’s Golden Age of Black television.
Panelists: Giselle Bailey (Director, Producer), Phil Bertelsen (Director, Producer)
Moderated by: Kimberlin Bolton (Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery)

Old Gray Mare (Talkback to Follow)
Courtesy of Tyler Perry Studios
Synopsis: Dementia is something many families face — an unwelcome shadow that slips in quietly as our loved ones age. We tell ourselves it’s normal when they forget names or misplace keys. Just part of getting older. But when Steven and Robin stop by Eileen’s house after returning from a relaxing cruise, their lives will never be the same. This time, it’s not just forgotten groceries or a misplaced phone. After this, they’ll wish they could forget…
Panelists: Courtney Glaude (Writer/Director), Charnelle Brown (Actress), Devale Ellis (Actor), Larissa Dali (Actress), Tyler Leply (Actor)
Moderated by: TBA

Saturday, June 14

Edge of Daybreak
Courtesy of A&E Networks
Synopsis: We are thrilled to present Edge of Daybreak, a compelling short film directed by the award-winning Dawn Porter. The film chronicles the extraordinary story of a group of inmates who defied the odds to create a timeless piece of art.
Introduced by: Amira Lewally (Supervising Producer, A&E)

Come Together (Talkback to Follow)
Courtesy of The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC), powered by AHF
Synopsis: Come Together: Art’s Power for Change is a powerful new documentary series that examines how art sparks cultural shifts and drives social progress. The pilot episode revisits Dirty Laundry (2006)—the ABFF Audience Award winner for Best U.S. Feature—a groundbreaking comedy that boldly redefined representations of identity, family, and belonging. Featuring an all-star cast including Rockmond Dunbar, Loretta Devine, and Jenifer Lewis, the film used humor and heart to challenge societal norms and open minds. The episode includes compelling commentary from Keith Boykin, Crystal McCrary, Patrik-Ian Polk, Bevy Smith, Emil Wilbekin, and more.
Talkback with: Nathan Hale Williams (Director)

GALA EVENTS

Wednesday, June 11

HBO Short Film Award Showcase
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO
Synopsis: Now in its 28th year, the HBO® Short Film Award is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the world. Five filmmakers are selected as finalists, with one Grand Prize winner receiving the HBO® Short Film Award and a $10,000 cash prize. Each of the four runner-up finalists will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
Hosted by: Bevy Smith (Sirius XM’s “Bevelations”)
Directors: Nick Buchheit (In Good Hands), DeeDee Casimir (Last Hoorah at G-Baby’s), Luke Harris (ManBooBs), Sam Henderson (ADO), Oluseyi Olatujoye and Princess Adenike (A Beauty Supply in Queens)

Saturday, June 14

Remembering Love Jones
Presented by Walmart
Synopsis: Join us for a rare and intimate conversation with Nia Long and Larenz Tate celebrating the legacy of Love Jones (1997), the iconic romantic drama written and directed by Theodore Witcher. This signature ABFF event offers attendees a unique behind-the-scenes look at the cult classic, honoring its poetic dialogue, dynamic performances, and authentic portrayal of Black love—elements that made Love Jones a cultural touchstone.
Adding to the magic of the evening, we’ll feature curated selections from the film’s iconic soundtrack, a musical masterpiece in its own right. From soulful ballads to jazzy rhythms, these timeless tracks will transport attendees back to the essence of Love Jones and its unforgettable vibe.
Featuring: Nia Long, Larenz Tate
Hosted by: Scott Evans (Journalist, Access Hollywood)

PANELS & CONVERSATIONS

Thursday, June 12

Faith, Culture, and Streaming: Why Faith-Inspired Stories Are Winning on Streaming
Presented by Amazon MGM Studios
Synopsis: Once seen as niche, faith-inspired content is now finding mainstream success and audiences are tuning in because the stories are just that good. This conversation unpacks how shows and films like The Chosen, House of David and Divorce in the Black are shifting the narrative around spiritually rooted storytelling and how platforms like Amazon are amplifying these narratives for the masses.
Featuring: Paras Patel (The Chosen), Michael Iskander (House of David), Traci Blackwell, (Head of Targeted Content, Amazon MGM Studios), and Amber Rasberry (Sr. Film Executive, Amazon MGM Studios)
Moderated by: TBA

After the Game: A Conversation with Chris Paul
Synopsis: Join us for an in-depth conversation with Chris Paul, the NBA legend and co-founder of Ohh Dip!!! Productions. As a leader in sports, media, and entertainment, Paul has expanded his influence beyond the court, producing impactful content that highlights diverse voices and compelling storytelling. This session is part of the American Black Film Festival’s “Pro Hollywood” series, which explores the intersection of sports and entertainment while inspiring others to pursue opportunities in the industry. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from Chris Paul and develop a deeper understanding of the storytelling and production expertise that drive his growing legacy.
Featuring: Chris Paul
Moderated by: Jemele Hill (Journalist, Jemele Hill is Unbothered)

One of Them Days and the Undeniable Power of Black Audiences in Theaters
Presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Synopsis: Earlier this year, Black audiences showed up and showed out for the Issa Rae-produced film One Of Them Days, making it one of the early box office hits of 2025. The successful release once again proved the intrinsic value of Black content and the importance of creating meaningful marketing moments that lead to movements. This discussion will help arm and empower creatives to understand some of the core marketing fundamentals necessary to shepherd their content to the right audiences and learn tools that can be used during production to enhance consumer awareness and drive positive outcomes once their stories hit the screen. This session will offer valuable insights and takeaways for aspiring filmmakers and creatives, spotlighting how strategic marketing can drive cultural impact.
Panelists: Bridgette Wright (SVP, Global Creative Advertising, Sony Pictures Entertainment), Ellene V. Miles (SVP, Global Intersectional Marketing, Sony Pictures Entertainment), Janessa Ross (Director, Influencer Marketing, Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Moderated by: Jon Gist (Executive Director, Global Intersectional Marketing, Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Sisterhood & Savings: A Conversation with Gabrielle Union
Presented by Ally Financial
Synopsis: Join Gabrielle Union and Ally Financial for an inspiring conversation on the power of collective financial growth, well-being, and supporting each other in the journey. This engaging panel will explore money-mindfulness and how women can uplift and support each other.
Featuring: Gabrielle Union
Moderated by: Kelley L. Carter (Journalist)

Bravo’s Kings Court: Grown Man Business – Love, Life, and the Spotlight
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
Synopsis: Following the success of Queens Court, now it’s time for the Kings to take the throne! Bravo’s new series Kings Court brings a bold take to dating in the spotlight, following three larger-than-life legends – supermodel-actor Tyson Beckford, NBA All-star Carlos Boozer and WWE Hall of Famer Thaddeus “Titus O’Neil” Bullard – as they search for a connection that is real, grown and lasting in Hollywood’s limelight. In this candid conversation, Beckford and Bullard will share their unique perspectives on modern dating as grown Black men in the public eye while managing the shifting societal expectations of men in long-term relationships. Joining them will be Kings Court hosts Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete and executive producer Richard Brown who will give a behind-the-scenes look of the show from concept to premiere date. Come for the tea, stay for the truth. The court is in session.
Panelists: Holly Robinson Peete (Host), Rodney Peete (Host), Tyson Beckford (Supermodel, Actor), Thaddeus “Titus O’Neil” Bullard (WWE Hall of Famer), Richard Brown (Executive Producer)
Moderated by: Scott Evans (Journalist, Access Hollywood)

Beyond the Payout: The Hidden Value of Protection for Entertainment Professionals
Presented by Northwestern Mutual
Synopsis: Join Northwestern Mutual for cocktails and a thought-provoking conversation featuring insights from our expert financial advisors. You will receive invaluable tips on how to grow and protect your legacy through life and disability insurance, as well as designing a financial plan that allows you to balance today’s priorities with your future goals as an entertainment professional.
Panelists: Michael D. Watson II (CLTC®, Financial Advisor), Chawn A. Payton (ChFC®, CLU®, CLTC®, Financial Advisor)
Moderated by: TBA

Propelling Purpose with Dondré Whitfield
Synopsis: Join us for an unforgettable night of raw energy, deep introspection, and electrifying improvisation with acclaimed actor, author, and speaker Dondré Whitfield. In this one-man show, Whitfield steps onstage not just as a performer, but as a guide—challenging, inspiring, and activating the ABFF community to transform their pain into purpose. Through powerful storytelling, sharp humor, and audience interaction, he delivers an immersive experience designed to awaken creativity and push past personal limitations.
Featuring: Dondré Whitfield (Actor and Author, Male vs. Man)

Friday, June 13

The Future of Storytelling: AI and Immersive Technologies in Filmmaking
Synopsis: Hosted by Alton Glass from GRX Immersive Labs, this panel will explore the transformative role of AI and immersive technologies in storytelling, focusing on empowering Black creators. Participants will discover the creative possibilities of technology in narrative creation, including the application of Afrofuturism to enhance representation and expression.
Panelists: Alton Glass (Storyteller, Founder and Head of Immersive, GRX Immersive Labs), Will Hatcher (Comedian, Writer, AI Storyteller), Sadah Espii Proctor (XR Director, Sound/Media Designer)

The Remix: Ashanti’s New Chapter of Love, Life & Legacy in Peacock’s Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
Synopsis: We’ve all been living for the rekindled romance of one of music’s iconic couples – Grammy-winning artists Ashanti and Nelly. In Peacock’s new docu-series, Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together, they’re giving us front-row seats to the ultimate remix about their journey from spinning the block and locking it down to welcoming their first child together. From backstage moments to baby prep and everything in between, this docuseries is the real-life Hip Hop Soul love story we’ve been waiting for. Join Ashanti, showrunner and executive producer Oji Singletary and NBCUniversal programming executive Brittinee Royes for a lively conversation with Refinery29 Unbothered’s Kathleen Newman-Bremang about chronicling the marriage, family life and careers of one of our favorite couples. Expect big laughs, heartwarming moments, and maybe even a mic drop – because when it comes to love and legacy, Ashanti never misses a beat.
Panelists: Ashanti (Executive Producer), Oji Singletary (Showrunner, Executive Producer), Brittinee Royes (Creative Executive, Peacock)
Moderated by: Kathleen Newman-Bremang (Global Deputy Director, Refinery29)

Creating with Care: A Conversation on Mental Wellness & the Creative Journey
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery/OWN
Synopsis: In an industry that thrives on imagination and emotional depth, how do creators protect their own mental and emotional wellbeing? Join OWN Your Health – a wellness initiative by OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network – for a soul-nourishing conversation that brings together trailblazing voices who are reshaping the narrative around mental health in entertainment and beyond. From daily rituals to deep healing, discover how to prioritize mental wellbeing in today’s evolving cultural and professional landscape. Whether you are a creator, a fan or someone navigating your own wellness journey, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.
Panelists: Tai Beauchamp (Founder, Morning Mindset with Tai), Dr. Maysa Akbar (Chief Diversity Officer, American Psychological Association)
Moderated by: Tina Perry (President, OWN)

The Longevity Playbook: A Conversation with Blair Underwood
Presented by AARP
Synopsis: A fireside chat featuring acclaimed actor Blair Underwood exploring career longevity, financial planning, and long-term success in the entertainment industry. Hear firsthand from Blair how he’s prioritized wellness throughout his career and taken charge of his financial health to feel more confident about the future. The conversation will explore staying relevant, financially secure, and healthy for creators, offering valuable insights across generations.
Featuring: Blair Underwood
Moderated by: Alicia R. Wallace, MPH (Director of Age-Inclusive Marketing, AARP)

Reel & Radiant: A Mixer for Black LGBTQ+ Creatives and Their Allies
Presented by GLAAD’s Communities of Color & Media Team
Join GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, at ABFF for an inspiring and necessary mixer and panel conversation centering Black LGBTQ+ voices in film and television. From the importance of inclusive writers’ rooms to the challenges and triumphs of bringing Black queer narratives to the screen, panelists will share insights from their creative journeys and reflect on how visibility shapes culture. Whether you’re a creative, an ally, or a changemaker in the making, this mixer and panel offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for building a more inclusive media landscape—one reel at a time.

Saturday, June 14

Reel Healing: Using Film to Normalize Mental Wellness in Black Communities
Presented by NAMI
Synopsis: Championing authentic mental health narratives in Black storytelling—while advocating for healing centered portrayals that celebrate both vulnerability and strength in entertainment.
Panelists: Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. (CEO, NAMI), Christine M. Crawford, M.D., MPH (Associate Medical Director, NAMI)
Moderated by: TBA

Black Opulence: The Intersection of Culture, Class & Capital in Peacock’s Bel-Air
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
Synopsis: Join Peacock’s “Bel-Air” stars Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, and Olly Sholotan alongside showrunner and executive producer Carla Banks-Waddles for a dynamic conversation on reimagining Black wealth and identity in modern television. They’ll dive into how Bel-Air transformed a beloved, transformational sitcom classic into a bold, dramatic portrait of Black affluence—one that challenges tired stereotypes and elevates narratives of ambition and unapologetic success. From showcasing the upward mobility to navigating systemic barriers, this panel will explore the power of storytelling to reshape how Black opulence is seen, celebrated, and understood on screen today.
Panelists: Carla Banks-Waddles (Executive Producer/Showrunner), Cassandra Freeman (Actor), Adrian Holmes (Actor), Olly Sholotan (Actor)
Moderated by: Kaitlyn McNab (Culture Editor, Teen Vogue)

BOB Talks: Showcasing Black-Owned Brands
Synopsis: BOB Talks, short for Black Owned Brands, is a dynamic new event debuting at the 2025 American Black Film Festival. Celebrating Black entrepreneurship, it highlights the founders behind standout consumer products and brands. Each session features candid conversations and inspiring stories that explore the realities of building a business, from overcoming challenges to achieving success. BOB Talks offers valuable insights that inform, motivate, and empower the next wave of Black innovators.
Panelists/Founders: Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter), Ingrid Best (iBest Wines), Maya Smith (The Doux), Jennifer Bell Sinigal-Cornelius (Born To Roam)
Moderated by: Nicole Friday (Co-Founder & President, NICE CROWD)

Empowering Diversity Through Storytelling Networking Happy Hour
Presented by ESPN
Synopsis: ESPN continues to entertain the industry with engaging documentaries. Through our commitment to creating unforgettable stories that entertain and resonate globally, we strive to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of the world around us through the power of storytelling.
Panelist: Kati Fernandez (Senior Director, Head of Development, ESPN)
Moderated by: Diadra Wilson (Senior Director, Talent Acquisition, ESPN)

MASTER CLASSES

Wednesday, June 11

Producing Stories for Global Audiences On A Restricted Budget with Luisa Ibañez
Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Synopsis: Join experienced Florida-based film and TV PGA Producer Luisa Ibañez in an engaging workshop at the American Black Film Festival, where she’ll unveil the secrets of crafting compelling stories for global audiences with limited resources. Drawing from her extensive experience in content development for award-winning productions and emergent networks, Luisa will guide participants through the end-to-end process of production, from concept development to distribution. Learn how to embrace multitasking, maximize your creative potential, and leverage strategic partnerships to bring your vision to life without breaking the bank. This workshop offers the big picture for those eager to dive deeper into packaging, budgeting, scheduling, clearance, deliverables, and self-distribution. Don’t miss this chance to master the essentials of producing on a budget while creating stories with global appeal.
Instructor: Luisa Ibañez

Thursday, June 12

ACT IT OUT: Scene Exploration with Patrice DeGraff Arenas
Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Synopsis: This actor’s masterclass affords the participants to learn the art of scene study and moment-to-moment listening that leads to believable action. Students will learn the nuance of gesture, voice, and body language that deliver the best auditions.
This class will teach the language, tools, and winning techniques that help nail a scene. The participants will explore the physicality of acting and characterization which are essential for performance. Students will have a hands-on experience through pre-selected scenes that will give them the immersive experience of acting out roles from television and film scripts. The methods taught in this class are inspired by Adler, Hagen, Meisner and Chekov.
Instructor: Patrice DeGraff Arenas

Friday, June 13

Making Choices as a Director with Miguel Parga
Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Synopsis: An exploration of script analysis and its translation into camera language and actor direction. From extracting the controlling ideas, to helping the actors discover the truth of the scene, to deciding where the camera goes.
Instructor: Miguel Parga

Saturday, June 14

The Art of Emotional Writing: Engaging Audiences Scene by Scene with Randall Dottin
Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Synopsis: 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 Screenwriting 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.
Instructor: Randall Dottin

Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has become a premier showcase for distinctive storytelling and emerging talent. Since its inception, the festival has championed access and opportunity for creatives who have historically been overlooked by the mainstream industry. ABFF has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many of today’s acclaimed filmmakers and actors, establishing itself as a vital platform for artistic excellence and cinematic innovation

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), Comcast NBCUniversal, Ally Financial, Walmart (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Amazon MGM Studios (Major), Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines (Official), Netflix, Starz, New World Symphony, AARP, Uber, ESPN, Northwestern Mutual, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) (Supporting), New York Film Academy (NYFA), Getty Images, A&E, OWN, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), GLAAD (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Download Film Key Art & Images HERE.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

More information about the 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com/miami/.

André Holland, Michael Jai White, Method Man, Mike Epps, Yvonne Orji and Lala Anthony to Premiere Films

The 29th Annual ABFF will Open with the HBO Short Film Award Showcase, which has Previously Featured Early Films from Ryan Coogler, Reinaldo Marcus Green & more

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 13, 2025) – The 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its lineup of narrative and documentary features, along with the opening night HBO Short Film Award Showcase. This year’s festival will take place live in Miami Beach June 11-15, followed by an online segment June 16-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/), and spotlights incredible emerging creatives in the filmmaking space.

In past years, the ABFF’s prestigious HBO Short Film Award has helped launch the careers of some of the most successful filmmakers, such as:

  • Ryan Coogler (2011 HBO Short Film Award Winner – Fig),
  • Reinaldo Marcus Green (2013 HBO Short Film Award Finalist – Stone Cars),
  • Rashaad Ernesto Green (2008 HBO Short Film Award Winner – Premature),
  • Frank E. Flowers (2003 HBO Short Film Award Winner – Swallow),
  • Steven Caple, Jr. (2013 HBO Short Film Award Winner – A Different Tree), and more.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) continues to serve as a vital force in Hollywood, spotlighting bold storytelling and fresh creative voices for a global audience. The 2025 festival will feature a compelling lineup of narrative and documentary films from the United States, Canada, Jamaica, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, United Kingdom, Democratic Republic of Congo and other nations. Audiences can anticipate a powerful selection of narrative features, spanning genres like psychological thriller, romance, and comedy, and delving into culturally resonant issues including grief, friendship, fatherhood, resilience, self-identity vs. collectivism, desperation vs. maintaining artistic integrity, gang violence, and envy & greed.

Hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated actor and author Dondré Whitfield on Saturday, June 14, winners of the films in competition will be announced during the “Best of ABFF Awards” which will include the festival’s hallmark award, the John Singleton Award for Best Debut Feature presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“We are thrilled to bring the American Black Film Festival back to Miami Beach in 2025, continuing our tradition of showcasing bold, original voices and engaging storytelling,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “This year’s festival promises an even more expansive lineup of films that reflect the richness of lived experiences and the creativity shaping today’s cinematic landscape. We look forward to an inspiring week that celebrates emerging talent and connects audiences through compelling stories from around the world.”

“The American Black Film Festival has been a cherished longstanding partnership for Miami Beach — culturally, creatively, and economically,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “ABFF reinforces Miami Beach’s reputation as a global hub for film and art. We welcome the leading voices in Black film and entertainment to our city.”

The full feature and documentary lineup as well as the HBO Short Film Award Showcase for the 2025 American Black Film Festival is listed below and at https://www.abff.com/miami/press-room/press-releases/.

Narrative Features (U.S. & International)

A competitive section for feature-length films directed by, or written and produced by, persons of African descent. Films selected for this section will compete for Jury Awards, including Best Narrative Feature with a cash prize of $2,500 sponsored by Walmart, and Best Director with a cash prize of $2,500 sponsored by Ally Financial. Additionally, if a person of African descent directs a film accepted to this section and it is their first feature film, they will be eligible to compete for the John Singleton Award for Best Debut Feature Film, presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment. The following films represent the 2025 official selections in the Narrative Features category:

Title: Can You Stand The Rain *World Premiere
Logline: A group of lifelong friends reunite after the sudden death of their childhood anchor, only to confront buried dreams, hidden tensions, long-held regrets — and the truth about who they’ve become… and who they still might be.
USA | 90m
Director: Eden Marryshow
Writer: Eden Marryshow
Producer: Eden Marryshow
Cast: John Bermudez, Steve H. Broadnax III, Jaben Early, Devin Haaq, Eden Marryshow, Stephen Conrad Moore, Adesola Osakalumi, Cesa Pledger, Celestine Rae, Jaime Lincoln Smith, Brandhyze Stanley, Analisa Velez, Jasmin Walker

Title: Deadly Visitor *World Premiere
Logline: A woman’s quiet home turns into a deadly standoff when assassins come hunting a stranger and stolen diamonds.
USA | 84m
Director: Aaron L. Williams
Writer: Aaron L. Williams
Producers: Aaron L. Williams, Orlando Eric Street, John Sonny Louis, Allysa Carson
Cast: Danielle Laroach, Maurice P. Kerry, Rodney Perry
Trailer: https://youtu.be/0y4u-xNFPDk

Title: Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green
Logline: Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green operates on the premise that a person’s spirit, or soul, comes to the world because there is something the soul needs to learn. If the soul does not learn it, then it comes back to the world again and again until it’s successful.
USA | 90m
Director: J. Alphonse Nicholson
Writer: Howard L. Craft
Producers: J. Alphonse Nicholson, Tabitha Brown, Nafeesha Nicholson, Stephen “Doc” Love, Juel Taylor, Joseph Megel
Cast: J. Alphonse Nicholson
Trailer: https://youtu.be/WFg_rzMfXRs?si=R2qBE35dwVeeJj_7

Title: HOORAH 99! *World Premiere
Logline: A down-on-his-luck father, in the midst of a foreclosure and other financial woes, convinces his three high-school teenage sons that their only option is to rob a bank.
USA | 122m
Director: Ash Innovator
Writer: Ashley Smith
Producers: Ci Esta
Cast: Travis Johnson, Jeff ‘Ja Rule’ Atkins, Kevin Barbara, Marqi Morgan, Zy’Air Carter, Thashley Ulysses, KiKi the First Lady
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/user197373387/HOORAH99trailer

Title: It Comes In Waves *World Premiere
Logline: A family of four escapes the genocide in Rwanda and lands in Ottawa. They quickly learn that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Canada | 105m
Director: Fitch Jean
Writer: Sammy Mohamed
Producers: Amir Zargara
Cast: Adrian Walters, Nendia Lewars
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1064496934/4aba711359

Title: Love, Brooklyn
Logline: Three longtime Brooklynites navigate careers, love, loss, and friendship against the rapidly changing landscape of their beloved city.
USA | 97m
Director: Rachael Abigail Holder
Writer: Paul Zimmerman
Producers: André Holland, Kate Sharp, Liza Zusman, Maurice Anderson, Patrick Wengler
Cast: André Holland, Nicole Beharie, DeWanda Wise, Roy Wood Jr.

Title: Love Offside
Logline: When an undervalued physical therapist secretly takes on a famous rugby player’s recovery using a bold mix of Jamaican herbal remedies and modern therapy, she risks her career—and her heart—in a fight to prove her worth.
Jamaica | 105m
Director: Dale S. Lewis
Writer: Daneil Campbell, Jeanette Milio
Producers: Kimala Bennett, Melissa Llewellyn, Lorisa Bates, Tashara Lee Johnson, Judi Johnson, Victoria Rowell, Mike Merrill
Cast: Judi Johnson, Mike Merrill, Victoria Rowell, Sundra Oakley, Carli McIntrye, Tosh Alexander

Title: Meta Take One
Logline: An obsessive young director & his crew plunge into a frantic night long odyssey of desperation to finish his film no matter the cost.
USA | 96m
Director: John Dierre, Ryan Dutter
Writer: Ryan Dutter and John Dierre
Producers: Ryan Dutter, John Dierre, Cabral Clements, L.M. Davis
Cast: Ej Ezuruo, Emmanuel Peeples, Aminah Williams, James Choi, John Romanski, Laura Poindexter, Kountry Slimm, Kevin Williams
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1064898743

Title: Outdoor School *World Premiere
Logline: In 1994, drugs and gangs surge north up the Interstate 5 corridor, destabilizing Portland, Oregon. Amidst this urban chaos, 12-year-old Vin, homeless in the heart of the city, embarks on a week-long wilderness journey, experiencing Portland’s transformative rite of passage: Outdoor School.
USA | 84m
Director: Ime N. Etuk
Writer: Ime N. Etuk, Kamafi Adio Byrd
Producers: Ime N. Etuk, Ifanyi Bell, Vin Shambry
Cast: Kendrick Cross, Cycerli Ash, Jahi Diallo Winston, Eric Edelstein
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1055111306/6c36465819

Title: The Fisherman
Logline: In Zoey Martinson’s Venice Film Festival-winning feast of magical realist comedy— aging Ghanaian Atta Oko sets his sights on finally having his own boat and becoming the envy of his village, he’ll just need help from a talking dead fish first.
Ghana | 106m
Director: Zoey Martinson
Writer: Zoey Martinson
Producers: Kofi Owusu Afriyie, Korey Jackson, Yvonne Orji
Cast: Ricky Adelayitar, Endurance Grand, William Lamptey, Kiki Romi, Adwoa Akoto, Dulo Harris
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1001394859

Title: The Late Night Creep *World Premiere
Logline: An unhappily married man sneaks out of the house to go on a date with his college crush and ends up having the night from hell.
USA | 95m
Director: Jamal Dedeaux
Writer: Jamal Dedeaux
Producers: Rebecca T. Haze, Kris Simms
Cast: Jake Choi, Tosin Morohunfola, Karen Obilom, Siddiq Sanderson, Ali Gallo, Lori Laing, Jason Mitchell, Leslie Jones
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLzFbd0PyL4

Title: The Reject
Logline: Against all odds, a young man labeled as “mentally handicapped” fights against systemic barriers, personal demons, and society’s expectations to rise from the projects and become an influential attorney and politician who challenges the very system designed to hold him back.
USA | 93m
Director: Blademil Grullon
Writer: Yonel Aris, Percy Romeo Miller, Logan Burdick, Kionne Mcghee
Producers: Marco Molinet, Percy Romeo Miller, Brandon Dumlao, Kionne Mcghee
Cast: Percy Romeo Miller, Kamal Ani-Bello, Tsachai “Sky” Aris
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Q5DA8M0xguo

Title: The ReWrite. *World Premiere
Logline: A struggling screenwriter revisits the characters in his script in real life to do a rewrite of his latest draft in order to save his dying career.
USA | 94m
Director: Terry Dawson
Writer: Terry Dawson
Producers: Julie Bersani, Bill Benenson, Laurie Benenson, Terry Dawson
Cast: Stephen Barrington, Freddy D. Ramsey Jr., Elijah R. Reed, Anthony Riggins Jr., Taylor Leigh Edwards, Holly Hyman, Don Wallace, Felice Heather Monteith, Jhey Castles, Jordan Murphy

Title: The Secret Between Us *US Premiere
Logline: Some secrets break us; others can bind us.
USA | 114m
Director: Tamera Hill
Writer: Tamera Hill
Producers: Tamera Hill, Michael Jai White, Reggie Currelley, Suzanne Lyons
Cast: Michael Jai White, Lisa Arrindell, Victoria Rowell, Tre Ryan
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1080045987

Title: TREASURE HUNT *World Premiere
Logline: A desperately poor ex-con man returns lost expensive jewellery only to discover that a gang of criminals are bent on using him to get the jewellery for themselves.
South Africa | 97m
Director: Chim Onyebilanma
Writer: Chim Onyebilanma
Producers: Chim Onyebilanma, Happiness Mpase
Cast: Moopi Mothibeli, Melissa Mkhize, Thabiso Mokhethi, Patrick Kenny, Crystal Tryon-Smith
Trailer: https://youtu.be/c2mNIRJvhoo

Narrative Features (Out of Competition)

Title: Fight Like A Girl
Logline: A young Congolese woman forced to work in an illegal mineral mine, escapes her captors and finds a new life for herself after joining a renowned all-women boxing club in the border city of Goma. Based on a True Story.
Democratic Republic of Congo | 118m
Director: Matthew Leutwyler
Writer: Matthew Leutwyler
Producers: Anton Laines, Yvette Gayle, Innocent Munyeshuri, Serge Ibaka
Cast: Ama Qamata, Hakeem Kae Kazim, Clarck Ntambwe, Malaika Uwamahoro, Arthur Nkusi, Bahali Ruth, Kennedy Mazimpaka
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/869303140?share=copy

Title: Trouble Man *World Premiere
Logline: An ex-cop turned fixer is hired to find his superstar and rumored ex-girlfriend. With a blend of brains, bullets and Kung Fu, Jaxen must fight through a maze of street thugs, slicksters and Chinese mobsters before his or the diva’s time runs out.
USA | 92m
Director: Michael Jai White
Writer: Michael Stradford
Producers: Craig Baumgarten, Michael Jai White, Ron Robinson
Cast: Michael Jai White, Method Man, Mike Epps, Gillian White, Orlando Jones, Lala Anthony

Documentary Features

A competitive section for non-fiction feature-length films directed by or about persons of African descent. Films selected for this section compete for the Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature with a cash prize of $2,500. The following films represent the 2025 official selections in the Documentary Features category:

Title: Black Women and Sex *World Premiere
Logline: Black Women and Sex explores the tension between black women and the politics of sex in Africa.
South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia | 90m
Director: Godisamang Khunou
Writer: Godisamang Khunou
Producers: Godisamang Khunou, Calvin Sefala, Adelaide Joshua-Hill, Yolanda Ncokotwana, Refiloe Hlabioa, Iris Kaingu, Nthabeleng Phora, Kgomotso Zebediela
Cast: Iris Kaingu, Glow Makatsi, Olawumi Oloye
Trailer: https://youtu.be/ltdv7BbZiao

Title: Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy *US Premiere
Logline: Caribbean Carnival is not just any event. It is liberation, a voice of freedom, people in action, a cultural movement that was born out of a place of righteous defiance to become a paradise of colorful street parade.
Canada | 75m
Director: Ian Mark Kimanje
Writer: Allen Booth and Ian Mark Kimanje
Producers: Ian Mark Kimanje
Cast: Candace Dixon, Fiona Compton, and Ian Mark Kimanje
Trailer: https://youtu.be/o_RPfSkrxsM

Title: Fatherless No More
Logline: Fatherless No More chronicles the remarkable journey of an Orlando-based pastor and former Super Bowl Champion who was driven by a divine calling to move into an RV at a place often deemed hell on earth, Rikers Island.
USA | 86m
Director: Kayla Johnson, Co-director Ashly Robinson
Producers: Cole Anthony, Cece Winans, Ashly Robinson, Kayla Johnson, Michelle Duffie
Cast: Tim Johnson, Malik Bacchus, Jayden Mayo, and Tristian Williams

Title: Good Shot *World Premiere
Logline: In the heart of Watts, a beloved neighborhood legend named Maxwell seeks redemption as a father after a lifetime of using basketball to mask his pain.
USA | 81m
Director: Joris Debeij
Writer: Walter Thompson-Hernández
Producers: Jean Mougin, Joris Debeij, Aron Phillips, Stephen Curry, Erick Peyton, Steve Wood
Cast: Maxwell Henderson

Title: Love, Joy & Power: Tools For Liberation *World Premiere
Logline: Love, Joy & Power: Tools for Liberation is a feature length documentary about the co-founders of the Black Voters Matter Fund, Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown, the work they do to empower African American communities especially in the rural south, and the crucial role they played in flipping Georgia from red to blue in the 2020 Presidential election and the 2021 Georgia Senate Runoffs and the numerous threats they faced to do the work.
USA | 96m
Director: Daresha Kyi
Producers: Trevite Willis, Daresha Kyi
Cast: LaTosha Brown, Cliff Albright, April England Albright
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/929955295?from=outro-local

Title: Moses
Logline: In San Francisco, a man enduring homelessness for two decades connects with passersby to be seen among the invisible—a skill he learned from a promising music career cut short in the ’70s, and one that will ultimately transform his life.
USA/SPAIN | 127m
Director: Fran Guijarro
Writer: Fran Guijarro
Producers: Fran Guijarro, Diya Guha & Juli López
Cast: Moses
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/freerangepuppies/mosestrailer

Title: SPADURA *World Premiere
Logline: Framed as an off-kilter baby shower, SPADURA unapologetically takes on the emotional and financial cost of IVF, grief, aging, as well as the unique fertility obstacles faced by Black women in America — all through a funny and gripping solo show.
USA | 60m
Director: Allison Caviness
Writer: Dahéli Hall
Producers: Elizabeth Yng-Wong
Cast: Dahéli Hall

Title: Wait Until Tomorrow *World Premiere
Logline: An intimate, urgent portrait of race, wealth, and opportunity in America, told through the eyes of Black families striving for more in cities across the nation.
USA | 70m
Director: Osato Dixon
Writer: Osato Dixon, Kara Murphy
Producers: Kelley Robins Hicks, Jamund Washington
Cast: Shelley Stewart III, Sara Prince, Tiffany Burns, JP Julien, Avis E., Crystal F., Antonio G., Kandice J., Armond J.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1083669581?share=copy

Series

A competitive section for short-form episodic series directed by, or written and produced by, persons of African descent. Series selected for this section compete for the Jury Award for Best Series with a cash prize of $2,500 sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal. The following are the 2025 official selections in the Series category:

Title: Ainsi va Manu – Hogtown Episode 203 *US Premiere
Logline: Forced to leave her hometown temporarily, Manuela finds it difficult to adapt to her new surroundings. She has only one thing on her mind: moving back to Toronto. However, an unexpected encounter turns Manuela’s life upside down, calling into question everything she’s known up to now.
Canada | 21m
Director: Josiane Blanc
Writer: Josiane Blanc
Producers: Josiane Blanc, Ania Jamila
Cast: Cindy Charles, Sandra Dorélas, Jamaal Mansaray, Laurence Barrette, Ted Pluviose, Madani Tall, Maïka Ferron, Nam Nguyen
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/920086803

Title: I Hate My Love Life
Logline: After years of bickering, a well-seasoned married couple decide to go on dates with other people to see if the grass is really greener on the other side; only to find out they are not prepared for the woes of new-age dating.
USA | 15m
Director: Tiffany Jackman
Writer: Tiffany Jackman
Producers: Tiffany Jackman, Orion Phillips II, Nia Watenza, Paula Spencer
Cast: Reggie Hayes, Terri J. Vaughn, Daphnique Springs, Orion Phillips II, Meghan Falcone, Roy Wood Jr.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1046554296

Title: IntelliGent
Logline: Regent, an autistic genius in fourth grade is lured by a bully’s promise of popularity, setting off a race against time to unveil the truth and avoid a year of humiliation and disaster.
USA | 28m
Director: Kinnik Sky
Writer: Kinnik Sky
Producers: Kinnik Sky
Cast: Josiah Howard-Tobia, Ernest Thomas, Kinnik Sky, Nia Johnson, Harper Bree, Rhaja Leigh, Dylan Taylor, Jaeden White
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N1x7MLAfGE

Title: OFFBEAT *World Premiere
Logline: A quirky yet classy late 20s woman struggles to hide her true self as she leads an entertaining double life.
USA | 29m
Director: Jasmine Ogunjimi
Writer: Paige Carroll
Producer: Paige Carroll
Cast: Breayre Tender, Robert Daniels, G’ionna Bowman, Craig Amar Johnson, April Rock, Dominick Johnson, Ahmenah Richardson
Trailer: https://youtu.be/naNioRtshd0

Title: Sideline Story *World Premiere
Logline: Hezi and Parker are two ex-basketball phenoms who find themselves in a similar predicament of financial struggles, soon to realize that ball might be the solution to both of their problems.
USA | 24m
Directors: Deantè Gray, Sam Buckner, III
Writer: Sam Buckner, III
Producers: Sam Buckner, III, Ski-ter Jones
Cast: Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Shan Moreno, David Reivers, Sophina DeJesus, King Martin
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXoDUXq0Vu8

Title: The Hype
Logline: A young Black couple battles the sleazy sea of L.A. materialistic culture at a party in the Hollywood Hills.
USA | 18m
Director: Justin Casselle
Writers: Maya Cryor, Joel Boyd
Producers: Ramone Hulet, Christopher McQueen, Maya Cryor, Joel Boyd
Cast: Maya Cryor, Joel Boyd, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Alexis Brown, Fana Tesfagiorgis, Eliza Skinner, Randall Harr

HBO® Short Film Award Showcase

A competitive section for narrative shorts directed by, or written and produced by, persons of African descent. Now in its 28th year, the HBO® Short Film Award is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the country. Five filmmakers are selected as finalists and receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the festival. The Grand Prize winner receives a $10,000 cash award, while each of the four runner-up finalists receives $5,000. The ABFF is an Academy Award-qualifying festival for the Short Film category. The following films represent the finalists for the 2025 HBO Short Film Award.

Title: ManBooBs *World Premiere
Logline: At a pool party for his crush, an overweight Black teenager wrestles with shame and self-worth, risking heartbreak and humiliation to finally tell her how he feels.
USA | 14m
Director: Luke Harris
Writer: Luke Harris
Producers: Luke Harris, Jeremy Blum
Cast: Bryant Tardy, Bethany Livers, Camden Collier, Dwight Nelson, Milan Fields
Trailer: https://youtu.be/rfyvcXP_hLs

Title: A Beauty Supply in Queens *World Premiere
Logline: In Queens, NY, Nigerian mother Ms. Aji and her daughter Tobi fight to keep their beauty supply store afloat amid ruthless competition and sabotage from rival shops.
USA | 19m
Directors: Oluseyi Olatujoye, Princess Adenike
Writer: Princess Adenike
Producers: Princess Adenike, Caroline Chikezie, Oluseyi Olatujoye, Queensly Ajibola, Shalom C. Obiago
Cast: Caroline Chikezie, Clem Cheung, Princess Adenike, Paul Wang, Angella Katherine, Angela Chew, Queensly Ajibola, Keisha T. Fraser, Andrew Hsu, Natividad Alemany, Ayaan Diop, Alaia Diop, Ase Diop, Celia Au, Khoa Nguyen

Title: ADO
Logline: Ms. Hopkins is rehearsing Much Ado About Nothing with her middle school theatre class when it is interrupted by a school shooter.
USA | 16m
Director: Sam Henderson
Writer: Sam Henderson, Ryan Romine
Producer: Rachel Jobin
Cast: Jenifer Lewis, Zachary Lane, Karis Henderson

Title: In Good Hands
Logline: Minutes before the end of her shift, a Black ER Doctor is forced to take on two of the most challenging patient circumstances of her career in a tense Western, PA hospital.
USA | 14m
Director: Nick Buchheit
Writer: Yasmine Crawley
Producers: Carl Kurlander, Janet Smith
Cast: Channel Jones-Harris, Malcolm Thompson
Trailer: https://youtu.be/xvyBLrIOPRk

Title: Last Hoorah at G-Baby’s
Logline: After blowing through her cash inheritance, an aimless and apathetic art school grad must come up with five months of back rent or she risks eviction from her rent-controlled apartment in a gentrifying Brooklyn.
USA | 15m
Director: DeeDee Casimir
Writer: DeeDee Casimir
Producers: DeeDee Casimir, Kim Coleman, Jordan Shanks
Cast: Armani Greer, Cecelia Friday, BeeBe Smith, Thomas Copeland Jr., Chaine “CJ Fly” Downer
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb9uc1044jk

Voices Of Culture

A non-competitive showcase of short films directed by persons of African descent. This section is by invitation only, with films submitted to but not accepted as finalists for the HBO Short Film Award automatically considered for inclusion. The following films represent the 2025 official selections in this category:

Title: 333
Logline: Mona is grappling with her past choice to have an abortion but upon learning women’s choices are taken away builds a bomb planning an attack on a local Supreme Court Justice motivated by the Roe v. Wade overturning.
USA | 21m45s
Director: Naturi Naughton-Lewis
Writer: Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Korstiaan Vandiver
Producers: Two Lewis, Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Curshion Jones
Cast: Birgundi Baker, Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Vanessa Bell Calloway, John Clarence Stewart, Samuel Smith, Isley Key Brison
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1056658648

Title: all the love i could handle
Logline: all the love i could handle is a re-imagining of the filmmaker’s mother’s young diary, unraveling the raw complexities of Black motherhood, artistic ambition, and the enduring sacrifices women have to make as mothers and artists. Based on the true family story of pioneer filmmaker Kathleen Collins (Losing Ground, 1982).
USA | 14m
Director: Ruby Rose Collins
Writer: Ruby Rose Collins
Producer: Ruby Rose Collins
Cast: Breanna Williams, Yasir LaFond

Title: Always, Most Of The Time *World Premiere
Logline: A remorseful woman discovers a magical stone that allows her to travel back in time, giving her the chance to mend her broken relationship and confront the personal traumas that have plagued her life.
USA | 39m56s
Director: Victor V. Hogan II
Writer: R. Alan Brooks
Producers: Michael Quigley, Kyle Vaughn, Victor V. Hogan II, Benton Aladin, R. Alan Brooks, Patti Kim Gill
Cast: Brittany S. Hall, Patrick Walker
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1070187988?share=copy

Title: BALACLAVA *World Premiere
Logline: In a village overshadowed by an abusive priest father, Maya longs for freedom and expression.
South Africa | 8m
Director: Kagiso Samuel Leburu
Writer: Kagiso Samuel Leburu
Producers: Mapitso Ralephata, Bonolo Bogopane
Cast: Lethabo Mekoa, Collen Modisa, Mannini Mokhuthu
Trailer: https://youtu.be/JByGygecjSs

Title: Blown Chances *World Premiere
Logline: A young woman tries to get a letter of recommendation from her job at the corner store, she is given one chance to prove herself but things get out of hand leading to an explosive intrusion.
USA | 10m45s
Director: India Bey
Writer: India Bey
Producers: Samiyah Wardlaw, Camille Chambers, Briuana Draper, India Bey
Cast: Jean Marie Landham, Deon Rodd

Title: Demons
Logline: A London cop returns to Lagos, risking everything to avenge his lover’s death, battling corruption and confronting his own demons in a heart-wrenching quest for justice.
Nigeria, United Kingdom | 20m37s
Director: Emmanuel Imani
Writer: Emmanuel Imani
Producers: Emmanuel Imani, Byron McNally
Cast: Emmanuel Imani, Fela Lufadeju, Ronke Adekoluejo, Abayomi Aka, Chris Jarman
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/956746445

Title: Don’t Hang Up
Logline: In rural Hayti, Missouri a pint-drinking churchgoer confronts her past when an unexpected call from her former student disrupts her Sunday routine. Together they navigate their harsh, shared history, igniting a journey of reconciliation and redemption to save a life.
USA | 10m
Director: Diamond Batiste
Writer: Ron McCants
Producers: Ron McCants, Ramfis Myrthil, Alain Fleury, Diamond Batiste, L.T. Hines II
Cast: Paula Jai Parker, LT Hines II

Title: Duende *World Premiere
Logline: Having haters is not a new thing, Genius has always been met with envy, just ask Mozart… or Tupac.
USA | 20m
Directors: Kevin Kittle, Petey McGee
Writers: Petey McGee, Robert Patricio
Producers: Petey McGee, Lazarus Simmons, Maxim Jean, Robert Patricio, Walker Clermont
Cast: Petey McGee, Robert Patricio, Maxim Jean, Walker Clermont, Lazarus Simmons
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBww4lNen9g

Title: elle/elle *World Premiere
Logline: After hosting a disastrous dinner party, a long term couple fights for their marriage and identities triggered by Elle’s recent coming out as a trans woman to her gay husband, Fritz.
USA | 20m
Director: Kelley Kali
Writer: Shonnie Jackson
Producers: Kelley Kali, Jenna Cavelle, Brittani Ward, la georgea
Cast: la georgea, Dan Bucatinsky, L’lerrét Jazelle
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1081181778?share=copy#t=0

Title: Fufu and Soup *World Premiere
Logline: Panicked by her lack of sexual experience, a woman schemes to lose her virginity on the night of her 29th birthday party.
USA | 15m
Director: Marjan Mona Koffa
Writer: Marjan Mona Koffa
Producers: Oona Wuolijoki, Marjan Mona Koffa
Cast: Adriyan Rae, Patrick Cage II, Chaize Macklin, Kyra Weeks, Dan Cathcart
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1081661232?share=copy

Title: Graduation Day *World Premiere
Logline: “Graduation Day” is an edgy coming-of-age dramedy following high school senior Cheech as he navigates his identity, a love triangle with his best friend Sparkes, longtime crush Jayla, and the bittersweet chaos of growing up in NYC—all while rocking a red sparkly suit and surviving a party bus ride that takes his big day in some unexpected directions.
USA | 15m
Director: Jordan Aaron Hall
Writer: Jordan Aaron Hall
Producers: Jordan Aaron Hall, Kevaughn Reid
Cast: Jordan Aaron Hall, Nathaniel Logan Mcintyre, Kaci Walfall, Narci Regina, KJ Aikens
Trailer: https://youtu.be/tAZUv0XW_1A?si=wCtBoyzXkIQqIR1P

Title: HARLEM FRAGMENTS
Logline: An Afro-futurist scrapbook storytelling of a Harlem Black family’s beautiful destruction during the 2008 recession. Based on true events.
USA | 17m
Director: Cameron Tyler Carr
Writers: Cameron Tyler Carr, Danielle Therese Dougé, Wes Andre Goodrich
Producers: Harlem Renaissance Productions, Keep or Destroy Productions, Black Man Films LLC, Trujulo Productions, Flor De Oro Tejada, Salma Qarnain, Fanshen Cox
Cast: Kyle Keyes, Stella Coviello, Roderick Lawrence, Clarissa Thibeaux, Christina Clements-Thompson, Jaleeca Yancy
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/818842637

Title: Hatchlings *World Premiere
Logline: A resentful teenager is forced to babysit her turtle-obsessed half-brother; meanwhile, he dives into a vivid fantasy world where he is a sea turtle and she is a tortoise.
USA | 15m
Director: Jahmil Eady
Writer: Jahmil Eady
Producers: Tara Austin
Cast: Demi Singleton, Christian Robinson, Dominic Stephens, and Angela Lewis
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1052473738

Title: Many Thousands Lost *World Premiere
Logline: After believing him to be at work, an inquisitive young girl must come to terms with losing her father once she learns he has been sentenced to death.
USA | 16m
Director: Jehan Patterson
Writer: Jehan Patterson
Producers: Chirsten Vanderbilt-Ellis, Amirah Adem, Marlana Dunn
Cast: Celeste Clark, Sheldon Frett, Tristina Lee, Kris Sidberry
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1081722949?share=copy#t=0

Title: Moving Mountains
Logline: A young, Black man from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tre’lan seeks a new life and travels to a remote island of Hawaii, where he finds peace for the first time, through connection to nature, and finds meaning, through a newfound love of the ocean and big wave surfing.
USA | 21m
Director: Jessa Williams
Producers: EP: Jessa Williams, Peter Goetz, Backroads Pictures | Producer: Tre’lan Michael
Cast: Tre’lan Michael
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/954035631

Title: Nothin’ Good & 12th Street *World Premiere
Logline: Over the course of one night, two teenagers, two crooks, and one hitman all try to get their hands on a bag of stolen cash.
USA | 15m43s
Director: Tone Foster
Writer: Tone Foster
Producers: Yonel Cohen, Tone Foster
Cast: T.K. Richardson, Christian Carter, Thomas Avona, Jerimiyah Dunbar, Tjader France, Oscar Jordan, Jon Doss

Title: Ree’s Destiny *World Premiere
Logline: On the day of her debut, Ree, a 43-year-old aspiring rapper, is sabotaged by her defiant daughter Destiny.
USA | 15m35s
Director: Steven Mosley
Writer: Steven Mosley
Producers: Steven Mosley, Jenna Mahmoud Bosco, Sherry Thompson, Adam Taylor, Jay Thames
Cast: Jessica “Jess Mahogany” Mitchell, Cia Jaye
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1081008098?share=copy

Title: Rehash *World Premiere
Logline: A coder beta tests a groundbreaking program after a breakup.
USA | 17m31s
Director: Kevin Giles
Writer: Kevin Giles
Producer: Samiyah Wardlaw
Cast: Niguel Quinn, Mister Fitzgerald, Nia Nichole, Emily Dale White
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1046035320

Title: Sadness of Men *World Premiere
Logline: When a rancher learns he’s going to be a father, he must confront the trauma of his abusive past to break the cycle and build a future rooted in love and truth.
USA | 11m34s
Director: Eli Moss
Writer: Eli Moss
Producers: Otis Moss III, Kelly Pope, Judson Brown
Cast: Joshua Griffin, Daion Hubbard, Jade Bryant, Farris Langley, Luke Steward
Trailer: https://youtu.be/wUw37P4KE8M?feature=shared

Title: Sugar Dumplin
Logline: A young woman desires to reconnect with her estranged father who is struggling with dementia by creating food from his Caribbean childhood.
Canada | 20m
Director: Tristan Barrocks
Writer: Tristan Barrocks
Producers: Natanya Barrocks, Chantel Riley, Donisha Prendergast
Cast: Oliver Samuels, Chantel Riley, Nancy Kenny, Crystal C. Rose, Jacqueline Greer Graham
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1004731619

Title: The Black Bart of Taco King #17 *World Premiere
Logline: A suave larcenist searches for a new partner at a dive bar and finds the perfect Bonnie to his Clyde. He takes her to dinner to put her to the test, yet she has all the answers… and more.
USA | 12m40s
Director: Rickey Larke
Writer: Rickey Larke
Producers: Lorelle Lynch, Lo Howard, Lyandre Pierre, Julian Park, Charles Taylor Goubeaud
Cast: Jasmine Mathews, Christopher Dietrick & Derrick A. King
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1041792905

Title: The Inconvenience Store *World Premiere
Logline: When five unlikely strangers get stuck in a gas station during an alien invasion, they must put their differences aside and work together to survive.
USA | 13m
Director: Ifeanyi Ezieme
Writer: Nzinga Kadalie Kemp
Producers: Fabiola Rodriguez
Cast: Hidekun Hah, Artrece Johnson, Allison Ohara, Joey Herman, Christian Ramirez Loya

Title: Zeke *World Premiere
Logline: Zeke is a dark satire about a trusted barbershop owner who betrays a loyal client, forcing him to confront the culture of silence that pervades their Brooklyn community.
USA | 20m
Director: Kerry Coddett
Writer: Kerry Coddett
Producer: Krystal Payne
Cast: Hassan Johnson, Stephen Cofield, Sam Jay, Kerry Coddett
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1060195619/65648c1250

Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has become a premier showcase for distinctive storytelling and emerging talent. Since its inception, the festival has championed access and opportunity for creatives who have historically been overlooked by the mainstream industry. ABFF has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many of today’s acclaimed filmmakers and actors, establishing itself as a vital platform for artistic excellence and cinematic innovation

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), Comcast NBCUniversal, Ally Financial, Walmart (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Amazon MGM Studios (Major), Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines (Official), Netflix, Starz, New World Symphony, AARP, Uber, ESPN, Northwestern Mutual, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) (Supporting), New York Film Academy (NYFA), Getty Images, A&E, OWN, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), GLAAD (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Download Film Key Art & Images HERE.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

More information about the 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com/miami/.

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 22, 2025) – The 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today a special presentation of short films titled “South African Stories” that highlights the artistry and perspectives of emerging South African filmmakers as part of its commitment to celebrating the richness and global influence of Black storytelling. This year’s festival will take place live in Miami Beach June 11-15, followed by an online segment June 16-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

“South African Stories” will feature a curated selection of 5 independent short films that showcase the dynamic storytelling, cultural depth, and social themes shaping contemporary South African cinema. Each film offers a unique lens on life in South Africa, from personal narratives and historical reflections to explorations of identity, resilience, and artistic expression. Following the screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the directors, gaining insight into their creative processes, inspirations, and the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking in South Africa. This conversation will foster cross-cultural dialogue, strengthening connections between African and African American storytelling communities.

“Through initiatives like ‘South African Stories,’ ABFF remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating underrepresented filmmakers and broadening our global impact,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday, Founders of NICE CROWD. “This program is more than just a showcase; it’s a vital bridge, amplifying the powerful narratives of South African filmmakers and connecting audiences across continents. We are celebrating the shared experiences and stories that bind the African diaspora, all through the transformative power of cinema.”

2025 “SOUTH AFRICAN STORIES” SELECTIONS

Title: Sent
Director/Writer Name: Ayanda Halimana
Logline: Gullible Thulile (7) embarks on her first trip to the shop alone, she gets distracted by the cunning Swazi until she can’t find her way home.
Runtime: 16:06
Premiere Status: World Premiere

Title: Breaking Free
Director Name: Kopedi Aphane
Writer Name: Nthabiseng E Letsoela
Logline: Isolated from family and friends by her husband, Lerato vows to free herself from an abusive and toxic environment she finds herself in.
Runtime: 21:00
Premiere Status: World Premiere

Title: Love Through The Lens
Director/Writer Name: Donna Sibande
Logline: Two lonely souls accidentally connect during the coronavirus outbreak, they find love in each other, until tragedy strikes and one of them gets infected.
Runtime: 20:27
Premiere Status: US Premiere

Title: Rearview
Director/Writer Name: Chris Djuma
Logline: The fast brutal streets of Johannesburg, not welcoming to strangers, and lives by its own codes.
Runtime: 25:08
Premiere Status: World Premiere

Title: Umhlaba Wokhokho – Land of my ancestors
Director/Writer Name: Nondumiso Buthelezi-Masache
Logline: Guided by a prophetic vision, iNkosi Mabaso reclaims his ancestral land and fulfills the meaning of his name, Zwelihle — Beautiful Land — by leading his community in its preservation.
Runtime: 17:14
Premiere Status: US Premiere

Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host); Comcast NBCUniversal, Ally, Walmart (Presenting); City of Miami Beach, Amazon MGM Studios (Major); American Airlines, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official); Netflix, STARZ (Supporting); NYFA, Getty Images, A&E (Industry); Los Angeles Times, Variety (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Download Film Images, Filmmaker Photos & Bios HERE.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

More information about the 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com/miami/.

For 2025 ABFF Media Credentials please apply HERE.

Acclaimed Director George Tillman, Jr. Returns to ABFF as Mentor

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 2, 2025) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), presented by NICE CROWD, and Walmart are proud to announce the winners of the third annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s competition. This powerful initiative, returning to the 29th annual ABFF in Miami Beach (June 11-15, 2025), is dedicated to elevating the stories of Black men as fathers and leaders within their communities.

Following its successful launch at the 2023 ABFF, this year’s program will once again champion independent filmmaking by providing these emerging directors with a platform to share their unique perspectives. Esteemed director George Tillman, Jr. returns to ABFF as a mentor to the three filmmakers, providing invaluable feedback and industry insights through dedicated and purpose-driven sessions.

The competition will culminate with the premiere screenings of the top three winning films listed below, followed by an insightful onstage panel discussion moderated by Dr. Brandon Frame of The Black Man Can. between a celebrated artist and their child, offering a personal glimpse into their father-child dynamic.

2025 Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Winning Films

Laundry *World premiere
After his son’s tragic accident, a husband struggles to save his marriage and himself, until a chance encounter at a laundromat shows him that even in grief, hope and healing can all come out in the wash.
USA | 18m 50s
Director: Okema T. Moore
Writer: Alterik Miller
Producers: Alterik Miller, Okema T. Moore, Wink Woodall
Cast: Danielle Monè Truitt, Tobias Truvillion, Aaron Kingsley Adetola

Reconciliation *World premiere
A young man reconnects with his father after many years of distance.
USA | 16m 07s
Director: Ian Phillips
Writer: Ian Phillips
Producers: Ian Phillips
Cast: Elijah Gbotoe, Nathan Gbotoe, Gershan McKenzie

Freshman. Again.
“Learning has no age limit.”
USA | 20m
Director: Aji Bass
Writer: Geeta Gandbhir
Producers: Mikha Grumet, Geeta Gandbhir
Cast: Lenny Bass, Deva Grumet Bass

From the pool of submissions, these three directors were selected to receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to attend and screen their films at the 2025 American Black Film Festival taking place in Miami, June 11-15. Each film will also be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s online global platform, and Walmart’s YouTube channel from June 16-24.

For additional details, please visit the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project page HERE.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black stories. Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work, and supported the careers, of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.


Download Film Images, Filmmaker Photos & Bios HERE.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2025 ABFF Media Credentials please apply HERE.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 30, 2025) – The 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today that Nia Long and Larenz Tate, stars of the 1997 iconic romantic drama Love Jones will serve as Ambassadors to the festival. As Ambassadors, Long and Tate will help bring awareness to ABFF’s mission of showcasing Black content and fostering opportunities for creators of color to succeed in the film and TV industry, while inspiring and empowering the next generation of storytellers. This year’s festival will take place live in Miami Beach June 11-15, followed by an online segment June 16-23 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

In addition to their roles as Ambassadors, Long and Tate will participate in the ABFF Remembers: Love Jones – an intimate conversation and musical tribute celebrating the legacy of the film. The beloved co-leads will reunite to reflect on the making of the film, their experiences on set, and the enduring friendship that has flourished over the years. Adding to the magic, the event will feature curated selections from the film’s iconic soundtrack, a musical masterpiece in its own right. Jeff Friday first saw Love Jones at another film festival, an experience that inspired him to create the American Black Film Festival. Since the early days, Long and Tate have been ardent supporters of the festival.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nia and Larenz as Ambassadors to the American Black Film Festival,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday, Founders of NICE CROWD. “Their work in Love Jones remains iconic, and they have long been trailblazers in the industry. Their contributions to ABFF’s mission have been immeasurable, dating back to the festival’s early days in Acapulco in the late ’90s. We are honored to count them as dear friends.”

Nia Long is an Award-winning actor, Grammy-nominated performer and author, who is known for her iconic work and legendary roles across both film and television which has garnered her four NAACP Awards. Long next stars in Lionsgate’s Michael, the highly anticipated biopic of Michael Jackson, coming out October 3, 2025. Her upcoming memoir will be published by Gallery Books.

Larenz Tate is a Chicago-born actor who became a cultural icon with his roles in both television and film. He currently stars as Congressman Tate in Power Book II: Ghost on Starz, after first appearing in the Power universe in Season 4 as the ambitious Councilman Rashad Tate. Tate’s career includes groundbreaking roles in films like Menace II Society and Dead Presidents, which vividly depicted the struggles of Black men in South Central Los Angeles, and his celebrated performance in Love Jones (1997), a cult classic. He’s also starred in Crash, Girls Trip, and TV series such as House of Lies and Rescue Me. Tate is also an entrepreneur, co-founding TateMen Entertainment with his brothers to develop and produce content that champions Black storytelling. The company launched the hit podcast Bronzeville, which has garnered over 20 million downloads. Tate remains a strong advocate for supporting emerging filmmakers and creators in the industry.

Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), City of Miami Beach (Major), Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines (Official), Getty Images, NYFA, (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Download a photo of Nia Long and Larenz Tate HERE

Media Contact:
[email protected]

Miami Beach, FL, (June 15, 2024) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced winners of the 2024 Best of the ABFF Awards, the premiere award ceremony honoring storytelling from the next generation of Black filmmakers.

Hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated actor and author Dondré Whitfield, the festival presented winners in the official film selection categories – narrative and documentary features, series and the 27th HBO Short Film Award Showcase, This year’s festival, which takes place live in Miami Beach June 12-16, followed by an online segment June 17-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/), spotlights incredible emerging creatives in the filmmaking space.

“This year’s Best of ABFF Awards represent a wildly impressive array of emerging Black talent and we are thrilled to share their work with our attendees,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “We are delighted to welcome Huriyyah Muhammad, one of the five Black female directors from this year’s HBO Short Film Award Showcase, to the esteemed group of artists like Ryan Coogler, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Rashaad Ernesto Green, Frank E. Flowers, and Steven Caple, Jr., who have won this honor over the 27 years we have been doing this program.”

The 2024 Jury Award winners are:

Best Narrative Feature – Peripheral, Directed by Sulayman Tahir, Written by Sulayman Tahir & Jordan Tortorello
Presented by Walmart, $2500 cash prize

Best Actor – Vince Washington (Young King)
Presented by Ally Financial, $2500 cash prize

Best Director – Coke Daniels (The Waterboyz)
Presented by Cadillac, $5000 cash prize

Best Documentary – Train: The Dick Night Tran Lane Story, Directed by Eric “Ptah” Herbert
($2500 cash prize)

Best Series – Unsolicited, Written by: Barshea Lowery, Produced by: Barshea Lowery, Aysia Moore, Chazitear Martin
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal | Black Experience on Xfinity, $2500 cash prize

HBO Short Film Award Showcase Winner – Chocolate With Sprinkles,
Written and Directed by Huriyyah Muhammad

Presented by HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, $10,000 cash prize

For festival information, including media credentials and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Since its inception, the highly anticipated American Black Film Festival has premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers, actors, writers and stand-up comedians and is recognized as a standard-bearer of excellence for Black creativity. Continuing its legacy to empower Black artists and showcase a wide range of entertainment content will feature studio premieres, independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, networking and hospitality events.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro, Meta, Onyx Collective, Pronghorn (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ, Fulton Films, Procter & Gamble, Northwestern Mutual (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, WME, Digital Media Systems, Netflix, Planned Parenthood (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Media Contact:
[email protected]

LOS ANGELES, (June 10, 2024) – The 28th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced that acclaimed artists Ava DuVernay and Kenya Barris will join festival creative director Issa Rae for “Creator Conversations.” The live event will be held on Friday, June 14th at the New World Center. The 2024 Creator Conversations program is the first of its kind, celebrating the careers of extraordinary artists. This year’s festival takes place live in Miami Beach June 12-16, followed by an online segment June 17-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

“We are truly delighted to get a rare glimpse into the minds of three trailblazers who are reshaping the landscape of film and television. Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris and Issa Rae are incredibly talented creators whose work and careers we admire tremendously,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “This on-stage conversation will provide the audiences with in-person access to these iconic creatives, allowing them to engage and hear directly from these celebrated artists.”

The 2024 ABFF Creator Conversations with Issa Rae featuring Ava DuVernay and Kenya Barris will take attendees on a journey through their processes and careers, including recent work such as Ava DuVernay’s ORIGIN and Kenya Barris’ black-ish franchise, his feature directorial debut, You People, and producorial projects, Diarra From Detroit and The Vince Staples Show.

Ava DuVernay’s ORIGIN, now streaming on Hulu, is the acclaimed film from Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, that explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance, and a fight for our future. While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable personal loss and uncovers the beauty of human resilience.

Kenya Barris is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer, producer, director and actor, whose innovative approach to comedy has firmly cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s great modern storytellers. Best known as the creator behind the groundbreaking black-ish franchise and the Netflix original series #blackAF, Barris has built a career telling powerful stories that reflect our culture and fearlessly tackle an array of social issues.

Barris’ recent television credits are two new series that have quickly become critical darlings: Diarra From Detroit (BET+), a dark comedy from creator Diarra Kilpatrick that follows a divorcing schoolteacher who refuses to believe she’s been ghosted by her rebound Tinder date, and The Vince Staples Show (Netflix), a scripted series loosely inspired by the life of multi-hyphenate musician Vince Staples. This year Barris also served as a producer on The Underdoggs, an Amazon original sports comedy starring Snoop Dogg as a youth football team coach, as well as brought the -ish franchise to a close after a decade with the series finale of grown-ish. Last year, Barris and his production company, Khalabo Ink Society, also celebrated Emmy nominations for two projects — Entergalactic, a first-of-its-kind adult animated music project that featured new music from the Grammy Award-winning musician Kid Cudi, and CIVIL, a documentary that offered an intimate portrait of groundbreaking civil rights attorney, Ben Crump.

Additionally, Barris’ resume is packed with an impressive and varied list of projects, including: Netflix’s hit comedy, You People; the Emmy Award-winning animated series, We The People, executive produced alongside Barack and Michelle Obama; the box-office record-breaking comedy Girls Trip; and Amazon Prime Video’s smash hit Coming 2 America, among many others.

For festival information, including media credentials and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Since its inception, the highly anticipated American Black Film Festival has premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers, actors, writers and stand-up comedians and is recognized as a standard-bearer of excellence for Black creativity. Continuing its legacy to empower Black artists and showcase a wide range of entertainment content will feature studio premieres, independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, networking and hospitality events.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro, Meta, Onyx Collective, Pronghorn (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ, Fulton Films, Procter & Gamble, Northwestern Mutual (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, WME, Digital Media Systems, Netflix, Planned Parenthood (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Download photos of Issa Rae, Ava DuVernay and Kenya Barris HERE.


Media Contact:
[email protected]

The ABFF Community Day Program Features Coke Daniels’ The Waterboyz and Amazon MGM Studios’ Power of The Dream

LOS ANGELES, (May 30, 2024) – The 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will conclude its five-day event with their annual Community Day in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau in Historic Overtown at the Black Archives Lyric Theater (819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136) from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The event is free and open to the South Florida community. To reserve your spot, please click (HERE).

Local Overtown residents and businesses along with special guests from the entertainment and sports industries will gather for an empowering day of exclusive film screenings and vendor expo. This year’s program will feature an encore presentation of the 2024 ABFF official selection The Waterboyz and Amazon MGM Studios’ new WNBA documentary Power of the Dream.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the GMCVB team for our 19th year together,” said NICE CROWD Founder & CEO Jeff Friday. “The Miami community is an important aspect of our festival and every year, we look forward to joining the influential creative leaders with the community.”

President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau David Whitaker stated: “Our 19-year partnership with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has been instrumental in showcasing our vibrant arts scene and supporting the next generation of filmmakers, solidifying our destination as a premier hub for international entertainment and culture. ABFF’s Community Day exemplifies our commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and creative expression in Greater Miami and Miami Beach.”

Senior Vice President of Multicultural Tourism & Development at GMCVB Connie Kinnard added: “Collaborating with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) underscores our dedication to enriching Miami-Dade’s cultural landscape. This annual event not only celebrates Black voices in film but also invigorates our local communities by creating valuable opportunities for artistic engagement and economic growth.”

Following is the schedule of live 2024 ABFF Community Day events. For times, locations and more details, visit www.abff.com.

Sunday, June 16, 2024:

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ABFF Community Day- Free Event
Sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)
The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater
This year’s Community Day will be a celebration of fellowship and film. In the heart of South Florida’s Overtown – local residents and businesses along with special guests from the entertainment and sports industries gather for an empowering day of exclusive film screenings and vendor expo.

1:00 pm
The Waterboyz (Encore ABFF Film Screening)
An encore presentation of the 2024 ABFF official selection The Waterboyz which follows Drew (Akili McDowell) as he tries to navigate the rough and tumble streets of ATL. Drew earns a living selling water on bustling street corners. His mother Rose (La La Anthony) is constantly worrying about the often volatile occupation he has chosen. He finds a mentor in local entrepreneur Charles Williams (Omar Dorsey) who attempts to steer him away from the street corners as well. Drew continues selling water and eventually finds himself in the crosshairs of local gangster Lil Zoo (Quavo) and situations eventually turn deadly.
Panelist: Coke Daniels (Director)

3:00 pm
Power of the Dream (ABFF Film Screening)
Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
A new documentary film about the empowering and unlikely true story of how a group of professional women’s basketball players took on a WNBA team owner and rallied behind now-Senator Raphael Warnock, forever changing the landscape of their sport and the course of U.S. politics.
Moderator: Jemele Hill (Sports Journalist)
Panelist: Dawn Porter (Director & Producer)

The 2024 festival will take place June 12 – 16 in Miami Beach, followed by an online segment June 17 – 24 on ABFF PLAY, https://abffplay.com/.

For festival information please visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Since its inception, the highly anticipated American Black Film Festival has premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers, actors, writers and stand-up comedians and is recognized as a standard-bearer of excellence for Black creativity. Continuing its legacy to empower Black artists and showcase a wide range of entertainment content will feature studio premieres, independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, networking and hospitality events.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black stories. Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work, and supported the careers, of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro, Meta, Onyx Collective, Simply (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ, Fulton Films, Procter & Gamble, Northwestern Mutual (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, WME, Digital Media Systems, Netflix, Planned Parenthood, UTA, Viarae (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


About the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited, independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and Miami Beach for leisure, business, meetings and conventions. For the latest happenings in Greater Miami and Miami Beach, follow us at @VisitMiami. For additional information, visit www.MiamiandMiamiBeach.com/About-GMCVB or call 305-539-3000.

Stay connected with the GMCVB by following us on our corporate communications and external affairs social media channels:

Twitter.com/GreaterMiamiCVB
LinkedIn.com/GreaterMiamiConvention&VisitorsBureau


Download American Black Film Festival key art HERE.

Download The Waterboyz photos HERE.

Download Power of the Dream photos HERE.


Media Contact:
[email protected]
[email protected]

The ABFF Comedy Show Returns, Hosted by Abbott Elementary’s Janelle James

LOS ANGELES, (May 22, 2024) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its 2024 Talks Series lineup, featuring conversations and panels with industry leading directors, producers, and talent, including Nia Long, Meagan Good, and more. The 28th annual ABFF will take place in Miami Beach June 12-16 and will be available to a global audience June 17 – 24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

In addition, the ABFF Comedy Show will be returning this year on Friday evening, June 14 with host Janelle James from ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.” Emerging stand-up comedians Alfred Kainga, Anthony Oakes, Apple Brown Betty, Mason King, and Rashaun Reese will take the 2024 ABFF Comedy Show stage to bring an evening full of laughter.

“We are thrilled to announce a robust lineup of conversations from industry leading professionals across film, television, music, and more,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “The Talk Series is a unique first hand experience for all festival goers to hear from industry leaders and truly our favorite part about this festival experience.”

Highlights include an exclusive first look of “Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black” with film stars Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict presented by Amazon MGM Studios, “UnPrisoned” panel following the world premiere with Kerry Washington and Tracy McMillan presented by Onyx Collective; Money & Mindfulness: an intimate conversation with Nia Long presented by Ally, “Friday Night Vibes Goes Off the Field with All American and All American: Homecoming” a conversation with Bre-Z, Daniel Ezra, Michael Evans Behling, Geffri Maya, and Cory Hardrict presented by Warner Bros. Discovery, an exclusive sneak peek at the second season of Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt” with Raamla Mohamed, Emayatzy Corinealdi and McKinley Freeman presented by Onyx Collective, and the “Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project” conversation on the joys and challenges of being a Black father in the entertainment world with Lance Gross, Carl Jones and David E. Talbert presented by Walmart.

The ABFF’s Talks Series complements previously announced programming which includes narrative and documentary official film selections, exclusive spotlight screenings and world premieres, sneak peaks and red-carpet premieres.

Highly anticipated yearly events that were previously announced include:

  • The 27th HBO Short Film Award Showcase featuring five shorts from emerging filmmakers who compete for the prestigious award
  • Best of the ABFF Awards, hosted by three-time Emmy award nominee Dondré Whitfield, where the 2024 independent film awards and talent contest winners will be presented
  • A new program celebrating the careers of extraordinary Black artists, kicking off this year with Retrospective: Celebrating the Legacy of Denzel Washington program

The live festival concludes on Sunday, June 16 with its annual ABFF Community Day in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau as part of its commitment to inform, educate and provide opportunities in the entertainment industry to the local community. The event is free and open to all South Florida residents.

All ABFF live events are held in and around Miami Beach including the New World Center, the Miami Beach Convention Center, The Fillmore, and The Betsy Hotel, including experiences presented by Cadillac and Hoorae Media, a independent media production company formed by Issa Rae.

Following is the schedule of live and virtual 2024 ABFF Talks Series events to date. For times, locations and more details, visit www.ABFF.com.

ABFF Live Talks Series Events June 12-16, 2023

Thursday, June 13, 2024:

It’s All Location, Location, Location
Presented by Fulton Films (GA) Office
Film, TV and Digital producers, actors and directors are all descending on Atlanta/Fulton County to create projects thanks to the peach state’s affordable housing market, the government’s enticing film tax credits, and the year-round ideal climate. So how is it working out for some of the stars who now call the ATL home? Join the stars of the popular BET series “The OVAL”, and the social sensation leading lady of Kountry Wayne’s skits on YouTube to hear why they chose to Live, Work, Play and Stay in Fulton County, GA, and why they encourage other creatives to do the same.
Moderator: Shaunya Chavis-Rucker
Panelists: Javon Johnson, Kaye Singleton, Rolonda “Rogirl” Rochelle

Navigating the Pathways to Representation
Presented by WME
This panel brings together the agent and manager perspectives from WME and Color Creative to provide insights and expertise to creatives and industry professionals. Our panelists will discuss the ecosystem of representation from their respective roles, the intersection of their services, and the importance of collaboration and advocating for their clients.
Panelists: Eric Darnell (Agent, Motion Picture Literary, WME), Chelsea Dern (Agent, Scripted TV Literary, WME) and Ashley Calloway (Manager and Producer, ColorCreative)
Moderator: Antonio Hairston (VP, Recruiting and Diversity Outreach, WME)

UnPrisoned (Season 2 World Premiere) with Kerry Washington
Presented by Onyx Collective, ABC Signature, Hulu
Join the world premiere screening of the second season of Hulu’s heartfelt dramedy “UnPrisoned,” starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, followed by a fireside chat with executive producers Kerry Washington and Tracy McMillan. In season two, the Alexander family is still a mess. Paige’s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn’s anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional – OTHER than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a “family radical healing coach,” who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.
Panelists: Kerry Washington (EP/Star) and Tracy McMillan (Creator/EP)

NBCU LAUNCH Talks: The Art of Content Acquisitions at NBCUniversal
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
NBCU executives will demystify the acquisition process from pitch to final delivery, discuss the type of content they seek, and share best practices on pitching your projects. They will also provide insight into the company’s acquisitions strategy across its television and film portfolio, including Peacock and Universal Pictures. During the panel, the executives will also share how they secured projects such as “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” and “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.”
Panelists: Robert Baltazar, Britney Williams, Tony Ducret

Money and Mindfulness: A Conversation with Nia Long
Presented by Ally
Ally will host an intimate one on one conversation on money & mindfulness with Award-winning actress Nia Long. Learn more about her journey and the financial lessons of life, and the business, she has learned picked up along the way.
Moderator: Jack Howard

Sonic Force: Storytelling Through Voice Acting
Presented by Meta
The voice of your project or brand, whether expressed through film, podcasts, TV, or social media reels, communicates your story. Bringing this voice to life ultimately falls to the content creator’s choice of the voice actor(s). With carefully guided direction, the voice actor becomes a powerful means for establishing your story concept from pitch to fundraising, to production and advertising. Daughters of Eve Media in conjunction with the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences will explore the ways filmmakers and content creators can enrich their storytelling—and leverage their marketing power—by fully envisioning the endgame before reaching the post-production phase and highlighting the critical value of diverse voices.
Moderators: Dr. Michele Prettyman and Terri Prettyman Bowles, Daughters of Eve Media
Panelists: Joan Baker, author of “Secrets of Voice-over Success,” and Emmy Award-winning producer Rudy Gaskins, founders of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, the Voice Arts Awards, and the That’s Voiceover Career Expo Dave Fennoy (Voice Arts Award winner known as the voice of Hulu, the NAACP Awards, and countless movie trailers and commercials).

Lights, Camera, Access: A Director’s Journey
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery
Step into the world of cinematic mastery with our Director’s Craft Workshop, where imagination meets technique and creativity knows no bounds! Whether you’re a budding filmmaker looking to hone your skills or a seasoned director seeking fresh inspiration, our Director’s Craft Workshop is designed to ignite your passion for storytelling and elevate your craft to new heights. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will leave you empowered, inspired, and ready to take on the world of cinema like never before!
Moderator: Bevy Smith
Panelist: Rashaad Ernesto Green

Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black: An Exclusive First Look with film stars Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict
Presented by Amazon MGM Studios
“Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black” follows Ava (Meagan Good), a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas (Cory Hardrict) abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate. During this conversation, film stars Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict will sit down together to discuss the film, and to give an exclusive first look at the trailer for the first time, anywhere. The film will be released on Prime Video on July 11.
Moderator: Latasha Gillespie

Uncensored Live w/ Trina
Presented by TV One
Description: TV One’s hit show “Uncensored” explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. Experience the same raw and unfiltered storytelling in an exclusive “Uncensored” LIVE edition featuring rapper, producer, TV/radio personality, entrepreneur and now author Trina. As one of the most successful female Hip Hop artists in history, Trina continues to break barriers more than two decades into her legendary career. From her early days on the Miami music scene to achieving global stardom, Trina will share stories about the music industry, the role of women in Hip Hop, her cultural impact, personal loss and more. Moderated in conversation by comedian, writer, and director Chris Spencer, listen as both trailblazers share their unique journeys from adversity to achievement.
Moderator: Chris Spencer

Friday, June 14, 2024:

Meet the Streaming Innovation Alliance
Presented by Motion Picture Association (MPA)
Meet the united voice of the streaming community – driving a new era of creativity, opportunity, diversity, value, and choice in home and mobile entertainment. SIA fights for smart policies that will continue to meet audiences where they are and propel streaming innovation forward. Alliance members include groundbreaking platforms providing opportunities and access to Black and historically marginalized content creators. Join John Gibson, Vice President for External and Multicultural Affairs at the Motion Picture Association for an engaging conversation with the creative forces behind alliance founding streamers AfroLandTV, AmericaNU, ForUsByUs Network, and VAULT Access. Delve into a world of diverse storytelling and learn how these platforms are reshaping the streaming landscape for independent content creators.
Moderator: John Gibson
Panelists: Omarr Salgado, AmericaNu; Michael Maponga, AfroLandTV; J. Alexander Martin, ForUsByUs Network; and Kenneth Giffords, VAULT Access

Court is Back in Session: Season Two of Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt”
Presented by Onyx Collective, ABC Signature, Hulu
Join “Reasonable Doubt” creator Raamla Mohamed and stars Emayatzy Corinealdi and McKinley Freeman as they unpack the shocking twists of Season One and reveal an exclusive sneak peek from the highly anticipated second season, premiering August 22 on Hulu. After trying to heal from her wounds from last season’s arduous trial and deadly affair, Jax Stewart is attempting to get her life back on track. That is until one of her closest friends reveals that she has killed her husband. Her friend is claiming self-defense, but an uncompromising prosecutor thinks otherwise. Needing all the help she can get, Jax brings in an ambitious defense attorney to lead the case, but things get tense very quickly. Can Jax defend her friend, save her marriage and protect her energy while being catapulted into the biggest case of her career? Or will she lose it all?
Panelists: Series stars Emayatzy Corinealdi (“Jax”) and McKinley Freeman (“Lewis”), alongside Raamla Mohamed (Creator/EP/Showrunner)

Pitch Perfect: Promoting Yourself & Connecting With Others
Presented by TV One
Join us for an insightful and fun discussion on the art of pitching yourself and making meaningful connections. In today’s competitive landscape, the ability to effectively promote your uniqueness and establish valuable, long-term relationships is essential for continued success. We will share practical tips, real-world experiences, and proven strategies to help you master the art of pitching and networking. From crafting an impactful elevator pitch to navigating networking events with confidence to pitching virtually, this discussion will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to stand out and forge meaningful connections in any setting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to enhance your networking skills or a newcomer eager to make a memorable impression, this panel promises valuable insights and actionable advice to propel your pitching and networking game to the next level!
Panelist: Austyn Biggers

Insuring Your Future
Presented by Northwestern Mutual
Join us for cocktails and conversations. Hear thought-provoking insights about tools that can help protect your income—and leave a legacy for your family. This panel discussion with Northwestern Mutual financial advisors Julian Pouncy, MBA and Mshon K. Pulliam, Sr. CLTC® will be followed by a complimentary happy hour and one-on-one advising. Let us help you build a legacy plan!
Moderator: Monique Idlett
Panelists: Julian Pouncy, MBA and Mshon K. Pulliam, Sr. CLTC®

Friday Night Vibes Goes Off the Field with All American and All American: Homecoming
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Television Group presents an ALL-AMERICAN franchise takeover with cast members from ALL-AMERICAN and ALL-AMERICAN: HOMECOMING for an intimate conversation about celebrating and shaping Black culture through family, sports and education.
Hosts: Nina Parker, KevOnStage
Panelists: Daniel Ezra, Michael Evans Behling, Bre-Z, Geffri Maya, Cory Hardrict

Saturday, June 15, 2024:

Uplifting Talent and Stories from Untapped Spaces
Presented by Comcast NBCU
Description: This panel will spotlight the partnership between Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) and Monkeypaw Productions and their shared commitment to creating access and discovering new talent. This discussion will explore the various strategies championed by UFEG and Monkeypaw Productions, both above and below-the-line, including: the Universal Filmmakers Project ‘NO DRAMA’, Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship and Universal Composers Initiative. Through this engaging discussion, we hope to inspire those in the audience as to how these programs are reshaping the industry’s talent, workforce and creative innovation.
Moderator: Candace Afia
Panelists: Keisha Senter, Emerlynn Lampitoc, K. Nicole Mills

Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project – Celebrity Conversation
Presented by Walmart
A blend of perspectives in both fatherhood and the tv and film industry; meaningful discussions on the joys and challenges of being a Black father in the entertainment world.
Moderator: David E.Talbert
Panelists: Lance Gross, Carl Jones

Music For Media: Secrets of a Successful Collaboration
Presented by New World Symphony
Michael Abels is the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of scores for the Jordan Peele films GET OUT, US and NOPE, and is the first black composer to score a scripted series for LucasFilm (“Star Wars: The Acolyte” – Disney+). In this session, Abels discusses his process, his journey through Hollywood, the relationship between composer and director/showrunner, and provides insights to achieving an evocative score for any size project.
Host: Michael Abels

ABFF Retrospective: Celebrating the Legacy of Denzel Washington
Journey with Denzel Washington through the highlights of his illustrious career, as he talks Hollywood, his evolution as an actor, director, producer and his love for the work of August Wilson.
Moderator: Chaz Ebert

For festival information, including media credentials and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Since its inception, the highly anticipated American Black Film Festival has premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers, actors, writers and stand-up comedians and is recognized as a standard-bearer of excellence for Black creativity. Continuing its legacy to empower Black artists and showcase a wide range of entertainment content will feature studio premieres, independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, networking and hospitality events.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro, Meta, Onyx Collective, Simply (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ, Fulton Films, Procter & Gamble, Northwestern Mutual (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, WME, Digital Media Systems, Netflix, Planned Parenthood, UTA, Viarae (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Download talent headshots HERE.

Download American Black Film Festival key art HERE.


Media Contact:
[email protected]

28th ABFF, June 12-16 in Miami, Will Open with HBO Short Film Award Showcase, which has Previously Featured Early Films from Ryan Coogler, Reinaldo Marcus Green & More

Ben Crump, Morris Chestnut, Nicco Annan, Affion Crockett, Loretta Devine, Frankie Faison & More Will Make Appearances for Spotlight Screenings, Series and Voices of Culture Lineup

LOS ANGELES, (May 15, 2024) – The 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today that this year’s Spotlight Screenings lineup will feature the world premieres of UnPrisoned (Season 2) with Kerry Washington; Wu-Tang Clan documentary Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys; Down In the Valley starring Nicco Annan of P-Valley, and many more, along with the opening night HBO Short Film Award Showcase.

In past years, the ABFF’s prestigious HBO Short Film Award has helped launch the careers of some of the most successful filmmakers, such as:

  • Ryan Coogler (2011 HBO Short Film Award Winner – Fig),
  • Reinaldo Marcus Green (2013 HBO Short Film Award Finalist – Stone Cars),
  • Rashaad Ernesto Green (2008 HBO Short Film Award Winner – Premature),
  • Frank E. Flowers (2003 HBO Short Film Award Winner – Swallow),
  • Steven Caple, Jr. (2013 HBO Short Film Award Winner – A Different Tree), and more.

“We are thrilled to partner with our founding sponsor, HBO, and kick off this year’s festival with the legendary HBO Short Film Award Showcase,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “This year’s HBO Short Film Award Showcase, Spotlight Screenings, Series and Voices of Culture lineups present even more talented Black creatives, and we are delighted to share such diversity in our programs for all audiences to enjoy.”

Sirius XM’s Bevy Smith, host of Bevelations, will emcee the this year’s HBO Short Film Award Showcase which will display works of incredible Black women directors including: Chocolate with Sprinkles, a sweet family fantasy/drama, starring Reno Wilson, directed and written by Huriyyah Muhammad; Muna, United Kingdom story of British-Somali teenager explorations of grief and culture directed and written by Warda Mohamed; Once Upon a Dime, profound perspective of the unhoused community, directed and written by Lauren Julia; The Brown Dog, an animated short narrated by the late Michael K. Williams and directed by Nadia Hallgren and Jamie-James Medina; and The Rebel Girls, 1960s civil rights story directed and written by Felicia D Henderson and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil.

“It’s an honor to return to ABFF and open the festival with the HBO Short Film Award Showcase,” said Dennis Williams, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Now in its 27th year, the HBO Short Film Award Showcase is a defining example of our commitment to ABFF and to launching the careers of emerging Black filmmakers.”

In addition, the 2024 Spotlight Screenings is comprised of various projects from networks and streamers including previously announced Devil in a Blue Dress as part of the Denzel Washington Retrospective, courtesy of Sony Picture Entertainment; the premiere of Down In the Valley, a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of “P-Valley” courtesy of STARZ; the world premiere of Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys, a documentary on Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol’ Dirty Bastard courtesy of A&E; the world premiere of the second season of UnPrisoned starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo courtesy of Hulu and more.

The Series finalists include the world premieres of Groupies, written, produced, and co-led by Daphnique Springs, an ABFF Alumni and previous winner of the festival’s comedy competition; On Second Thought, a thrilling suspense series with cast including Andrea Lewis of Hulu’s Three Ways, a previous festival official selection; Mo Brown’s Bodega, NYC bonafide sitcom written, directed, and starring Mo Brown; and Unsolicited, a spontaneous witty comedy starring and penned by Barshae Lowery.

By invitation only, the Voices of Culture, a non-competitive category, does not disappoint with a robust lineup of international works from across the USA, Ghana, United Kingdom, and France. The lineup includes The Origin starring Morris Chestnut and directed and written by Jorge Sanchez; Lucille starring Loretta Devine & Frankie Faison and directed and written by Warren S. L. Burke; the world premiere of 32 starring rising talent Shakira Ja’nai Paye; and the world premieres of Vigilante and X: The Interview short films that amplify Black men representation in the superhero realm; and more.

Winners of the 2024 independent film awards and talent contest will be announced during the “Best of the ABFF Awards” hosted by three-time Emmy award nominee Dondré Whitfield, Saturday, June 15, in the New World Center.

The impact of the ABFF brand extends far beyond the annual gathering in Miami Beach. ABFF proudly serves as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards® Short Film Awards. Through its various initiatives, partnerships, and platforms, the festival is a vital hub for showcasing the extraordinary talent of Black creatives around the world and throughout the year. For the third year in a row, the American Black Film Festival and American Airlines have partnered to bring more diverse content to their inflight entertainment system on a dedicated ABFF channel. A curated collection of short films from the annual festival are available to watch year-round on the ABFF channel on all American Airlines flights, reaching over 200 million travelers annually. Learn more about ABFF on American Airlines HERE.

The 2024 festival will take place June 12 – 16 in Miami Beach, followed by an online segment June 17 – 24 on ABFF PLAY, https://abffplay.com/.

The HBO Short Film Award finalists, Spotlight Screenings, Series, and Voices of Culture full lineup is listed below.

HBO Short Film Award Showcase
Now in its 27th year, the HBO Short Film Award, sponsored by HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the world. Five filmmakers are selected as finalists, one grand prize winner will be presented with the HBO Short Film Award and a cash prize of $10,000. The following films represent the finalists for the 2024 HBO Short Film Award.

Chocolate with Sprinkles *World Premiere
On their 25th wedding anniversary, a bickering married couple is given one day to do something they haven’t done in 25 years – work on their marriage.
USA | 19 min
Director: Huriyyah Muhammad
Writer: Huriyyah Muhammad
Producer: Okema T. Moore, Yha Mourhia Wright, Cole Sanchez
Cast: Reno Wilson, Keisha Thompson, Camron Jones, Lillian Gilbert

Muna
A film about teenage dreams, dislocated grief and unexpected connection, following a British-Somali teen navigating a confusing mourning period for a family member she never met.
United Kingdom | 19 min
Director: Warda Mohamed
Writer: Warda Mohamed
Producer: Angela Moneke, Simon Hatton
Cast: Kosar Ali, Raha Isse Farah, Elmi Rashid Elmi, Ahmed Nur

Once Upon A Dime *World Premiere
Nkosi plans and executes the perfect first date, but as the sun sets, we realize that things with Nkosi aren’t quite what they seem.
USA | 12 min
Director: Lauren Julia
Writer: Lauren Julia
Producer: Lauren Julia
Cast: Quincy Chad, Anjali Khetan

The Brown Dog *World Premiere
Night after night, a watchman clocks into his lonely booth and spends hours composing endless security logs to stay awake, as he slowly descends into darkness.
USA | 14 min
Director: Nadia Hallgren, Jamie-James Medina
Writer: Willis Earl Beal
Producer: Nadia Hallgren, Jamie-James Medina, Michael Stirton
Cast: Michael K. Williams, Steve Buscemi

The Rebel Girls
“The Rebel Girls” is the true story of the 1960s fight for Civil Rights through the eyes of the girls who reinvigorated the struggling movement through the power of magical thinking, friendship, faith, and fortitude.
USA | 22 min
Director: Felicia D Henderson
Writer: Felicia D Henderson
Producer: Felicia D Henderson, Katrina Kudlick
Cast: Nika King, Kyanna Simone, Nia Sondaya, Honey Robinson, Asia Holiday, Josephine Lawrence, Avynn Crowder-Jones, Maxcianna Saintilus

Spotlight Screenings
The Full Spotlight-Screenings Lineup:

Affion Crockett Presents Microphone Masters: Comedy, Community, and Collaboration
“Affion Crockett Presents Microphone Masters: Comedy, Community, and Collaboration” moderated by Talitha Watkins, President & Head of ColorCreative, with panelists Affion Crockett, Actor, Comedian, and Producer; Delmar Washington, Director and Producer; and Keesha Boyd, VP, Entertainment Products, Comcast and Executive Producer for the Black Experience on Xfinity. Enjoy a full episode screening and discussion centering on the creative process and collaborative work in bringing this 3-part stand-up comedy docuseries to life. Gain exclusive insights into the team’s process and goals to uplift emerging comedic talent and the partnership with Black Experience on Xfinity to further the mission of growing opportunities for Black storytellers and filmmakers.
Run time: 56 minutes
Creator & Producer: Affion Crockett
Courtesy of: Comcast NBCUniversal Black Experience on Xfinity

Devil in a Blue Dress
It’s 1948 and Los Angeles is booming, but Easy Rawlins (Denzel Washington) has seen better days. He’s just been fired and he’s got house payments to make, so when Easy is offered a job locating the mysterious Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals), he doesn’t waste much time saying yes. Now he finds himself drawn into a web of murder, blackmail, brutal cops, and corrupt city politics. Devil In A Blue Dress also stars Tom Sizemore as DeWitt Albright, who hustles Easy into this dangerous game, and Don Cheadle as Mouse, Easy’s extremely volatile friend. Reminiscent of film noir, this stylish production is based on the book by Walter Mosley. Directed by Carl Franklin with a screenplay by Franklin.
Run time: 101 min
Courtesy of: Sony Pictures Entertainment

Down In the Valley *Premiere
Down in the Valley,” a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of “P-Valley,” set to air in 2024. The six-half-hour episode series hosted, and executive produced by Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”) will take viewers on a tantalizing tour of the Deep South, unveiling a complex South that is equal parts poignant, joyful, and magical.
Run time: 25 min
Host: Nicco Annan
Courtesy of: STARZ

Found
Be the first to see the heart-pounding season two premiere of NBC’s hit crime drama series “Found.” Following will be an intimate conversation with co-showrunner/executive producer Sonay Hoffman and stars Arlen Escarpeta (“Zeke”) and Gabrielle Walsh (“Lacey”). PR specialist Gabi Mosley (Shanola Hampton) and her team are dedicated to finding missing people. But Gabi has a chilling secret – she’s locked up her childhood kidnapper Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) in the basement to help her crack every case. Now Sir has escaped and is on the loose. And her biggest secret is now her biggest threat.
Run time: 43 minutes
Cast: Shanola Hampton, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta and Karan Oberoi
Creator: Nkechi Okoro Carroll
Showrunners: Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Sonay Hoffman
Courtesy of: Comcast NBCUniversal and NBC

Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys *World Premiere
The definitive documentary on Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol’ Dirty Bastard. The film explores how Russell Tyrone Jones created Ol’ Dirty Bastard, a Hip Hop alter ego superhero that would ultimately consume him. Featuring interviews with Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and Ghost Requested
Run time: 86 minutes
Courtesy of: A&E

UnPrisoned *World Premiere
Join the world premiere screening of the second season of Hulu’s heartfelt dramedy “UnPrisoned,” starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, followed by a fireside chat with executive producers Kerry Washington and Tracy McMillan. In season two, the Alexander family is still a mess. Paige’s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn’s anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional – OTHER than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a “family radical healing coach,” who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.
Run time: 26:42
Cast: Kerry Washington (EP/Star) and Tracy McMillan (Creator/EP)
Courtesy of: Onyx Collective, ABC Signature and Hulu

Series
A competitive section for short-form episodic television directed by and/or both written and produced by persons of African descent. Each series in this section will compete for the Jury Award for Best Series (presented by Comcast NBCUniversal | Black Experience on Xfinity, $2500 cash prize). The following are the 2024 official selections in the Series category:

Groupies *World Premiere
Four determined, marginally educated groupies on a mission to change their destiny by bagging a baller… or at least his Bentley ?!
USA | 32 min
Director: Corey Grant
Writer: Daphnique Springs
Producer: Daphnique Springs, Phaedra Harris
Cast: Daphnique Springs, Ciera Angelia. Natasha Chandel, Christian Torres Villalobos

Mo Brown’s Bodega *World Premiere
Explore the bizarre world of a local NYC bodega owner as she attempts to rid herself of the family business against her father’s wishes, all in hopes to achieve her wildest dreams.
USA | 8 min
Director: Mo Brown
Writer: Mo Brown, Xavier Francis, Tiffany Jordan
Producer: Mo Brown, Xavier Francis, Patrice Waite
Cast: Mo Brown, Vesta Walker

On Second Thought *World Premiere
Autumn, a married woman, finds herself entangled in a secret affair that results in her lover mysteriously turning up dead.
USA | 20 min
Director: Eric J. Dickens
Writer: Eric J. Dickens
Producer: Eric J. Dickens, Dawn Halfkenny
Cast: Dawn Halfkenny, Lawrence Robinson, Andrea Lewis, Robert Gordon

Unsolicited *World Premiere
An opinionated misfit exposes the personal lives of his sister and new neighbors in a weekly column.
USA | 29 min
Director: Chazitear Martin
Writer: Barshea Lowery
Producer: Barshea Lowery, Aysia Moorer, Chazitear Martin
Cast: Barshea Lowery, Seth Dousman, Aysia Moore, Shayla Love, Terrill Patterson, Todd Anthony Manaigo, Schwanda Winston, Caroline Avery Granger, Mac Wells, Brandon Dunn

Voices Of Culture
This section celebrates diverse voices and perspectives within the filmmaking community. The following films represent the 2024 official selection in this category:

1 Up *USA Premiere
Andrew searches for guidance and connection through his late father’s record collection.
United Kingdom |16 min
Director: Greg Francis
Writer: Greg Francis
Producer: Tobi Kyeremateng
Cast: Lamar Waves, Mina Andala, Sean Earl McPherson

32 *World Premiere
A woman realizes she’s the same age with the same ailment that her father had when he passed away and she finds herself trying to balance the ebb and flow of this bittersweet feeling and phase of her life.
USA | 15 min
Director: Stewart Yost
Writer: Shakira Ja’nai Paye
Producer: Shakira Ja’nai Paye & Stewart Yost
Cast: Shakira Ja’nai Paye, Gail Bean

Alliés *USA Premiere
Back from a trip to Africa, Amaury wants to tell his friends that he wants to change his identity.
France | 15 min
Director: Salif Cissé
Writer: Salif Cissé
Producer: Walid Bekhti
Cast: Guillaume Morel, Agathe Mazouin, Alexandre Auvergne, Clémence Coullon, Myriam Fitcher, Mikaël-Don Giancarli

Baby Something *World Premiere
A Ghanaian-American woman and a Ghanaian-Indian man embark on their journey of parenthood, but the universal politics of race quickly becomes a piercing obstacle for her to overcome.
Ghana | 18 min
Director: Nicole F. Amarteifio
Writer: Nicole F. Amarteifio
Producer: Nicole F. Amarteifio, Ramesh Jai Gulabrai
Cast: Nicole F. Amarteifio, Ramesh Jai Gulabrai, Niyara Afua Gulabrai

Behold A Lady *World Premiere
When a studious tomboy’s boyfriend dumps her on the eve of her Latin Quiz Bowl tryouts, she struggles to balance her heartbreak and studies as she transforms her appearance to win him back.
Ghana | 16 min
Director: Britt Williams
Writer: Britt Williams
Producer: Austin Chen, Chris Crema
Cast: Alana Kay Bright, AMARR, Naquia Brown, Jon Gentry, Taharka Welcome, Olivia Celine

Definitely Not A Monster
After a beloved icon dies after being accused of rape, his devoted widow invites a journalist into their home to clear his name.
USA | 19 min
Director: Brea Cola Angelo
Writer: Brea Cola Angelo
Producer: Jaqueline Fabricius, Koury Angelo, Audra Todd, Stephen Enloe
Cast: April Grace, Brea Cola Angelo

Haven *World Premiere
A man questions his notion of a safe place, then confronts disturbing beings that appear in his home.
USA | 10 min
Director: Corey Emanuel Jr.
Writer: Corey Emanuel Jr.
Producer: Lili Dessalegn Tegegn, Corey Emanuel Jr., Shellita Boxie
Cast: Andre De’Sean Shanks, Kingston Zelaya, Dominique McCllelan, Shelitta Boxie

How To Sue The Klan
The Legacy of the Chattanooga Five.
USA | 35 min
Director: John Beder
Producer: John Beder, Benjamin Crump, Cameron S. Mitchell, Raji Ramanathan
Cast: Ben Crump, Randolph McLaughlin, Juanita Toney, Nate Crumsey, Sonya Rollins, Connie Rollins, Betty Lawrence Lewis, Roberta Kaplan

Lucille
A man’s overly talkative wife disrupts her elderly husband’s day of peace.
USA | 13 min
Director: Warren S. L. Burke
Writer: Warren S. L. Burke
Producer: Warren S. L. Burke, Rebecca Herrick
Cast: Loretta Devine & Frankie Faison

My Brother & Me *World Premiere
A coming-of-age story about two brothers who attempt to rob their distant father of their overdue child support.
USA | 17 min
Director: Ryan DeForeest
Writer: Ryan DeForeest
Producer: Ryan DeForeest, Lexx Truss, Shandrea Evans
Cast: Alexander Bello, Zechariah Eubanks, Rodney Hobbs, Katie Kelley, Micah Kobayashi, Riley Nelson, Thaddeus Newman

Ninth Life *World Premiere
A predominantly non-verbal drama series exploring the interconnections of a group of young BIPOC creatives in London.
United Kingdom | 14 min
Director: JOMO (Tajana Tokyo & Sannchia Gaston)
Writer: JOMO (Tajana Tokyo & Sannchia Gaston)
Producer: Alli Maxwell, Scarlett Anderson, Somesuch, Miriam
Cast: Michelle Zan, Gabriel Goux, Yos Clark, Kikz Katika, Lisa Sainvil, Fatou Bah, Benjamin Williams, Robia Milliner, Tajorn Brown, Belen Leroux, Aahkilah Cornelius, Sweetny Ojule, Webster Opiyo, Keith Alexander, Tyrik Patterson, Genesis Lynea & Remi Black

Promise *World Premiere
Promise, a single mother facing deportation and John, an ex-con with a business idea, find their marriage of convenience becoming something more.
USA | 21 min
Director: D. Wilmos Paul
Writer: D. Wilmos Paul
Producer: Anuradha Srikanth, Ned Johnson and D. Wilmos Paul
Cast: Artrece Johnson and Donnevan Tolbert

The Origin
Tep, one of the only legitimate heirs of an ancient extraterrestrial power, finds himself forced to join forces with a wise sage and his tribal brother to fight off alien mercenaries sent to eliminate them.
USA | 26 min
Director: Jorge Sanchez
Writer: Jorge Sanchez
Producer: Jtasha St. Cyr, Morris Chestnut, Jorge Sanchez
Cast: Morris Chestnut, Alimi Ballard, J.Chris Rouse, Lanre Idewu, Kearia Schroeder, Page Kennedy, Jayce Kennedy

Vigilante *World Premiere
In a world where superheroes overlook the vulnerable, four friends with powers step up to protect their neglected neighborhood.
USA | 24 min
Director: Wesley Armstrong
Writer: Phil Dover II
Producer: Jamee Ranta, Diamond Batiste, Alain Fleury
Cast: Khleo Thomas, Maestro Harrell, Jaden Martin, Timothy Kennedy, Benjamin Abiola

X: The Interview *World Premiere
A canceled superhero facing eviction turns to his side hustle for survival. As he embarks on his journey, he discovers dark powers are conspiring against him…
USA | 19 min
Director: RJ Barnes, Anthony Rose
Writer: RJ Barnes
Producer: RJ Barnes, Anthony Rose, Anthony Baldino
Cast: Brandon Broady, Stephanie Elyse, Jerah Milligan, Jacqueline Legrande, Christopher Hancock, Patrice Lakey, Kate McIntyre, Arayawna Moore, Leah “L” Knauer, Jeremy “Gumbo” Christian

For festival information, including media credentials and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Since its inception, the highly anticipated American Black Film Festival has premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers, actors, writers and stand-up comedians and is recognized as a standard-bearer of excellence for Black creativity. Continuing its legacy to empower Black artists and showcase a wide range of entertainment content will feature studio premieres, independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, networking and hospitality events.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro, Meta, Onyx Collective (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ, Fulton Films, Procter & Gamble, Northwestern Mutual (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, WME, Digital Media Systems, Netflix, Planned Parenthood (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).


About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.


Download images of the 28th annual American Black Film Festival HBO Short Film Award Showcase HERE.

Download American Black Film Festival key art HERE.


Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2024 ABFF Media Credentials please apply HERE.