26th ANNUAL FESTIVAL TO OPEN ON JUNE 15 WITH “CIVIL” A PROFILE OF CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY BEN CRUMP DIRECTED BY NADIA HALLGREN

LOS ANGELES, CA, (April 27, 2022) – The 2022 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its lineup of narrative and documentary features, and web series. This year’s festival format returns as a hybrid with live events June 15-19 in Miami, Fl., followed by virtual panels and screenings June 20-30 on the festival’s custom-built online platform ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

The Features program includes Narrative competitions (U.S. and international), World Premieres and first-time directors representing a diverse group of independent filmmakers from around the globe. The lineup offers a mixture of thought-provoking, entertaining and authentic stories that uplift and highlight Black culture.

The festival opens with the documentary “CIVIL,” an intimate vérité look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Considered a trailblazer of his field, “CIVIL” gives viewers an inside look at Crump’s mission to raise the value of Black life. As the civil lawyer for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Black farmers and banking while Black victims, Crump challenges America to come to terms with what it owes his clients. The film is directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren (Becoming, After Maria, The Show). Produced by Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams and Lauren Cioffi. The Netflix release of “CIVIL” will premiere on Juneteenth (June 19) this year.

“We are thrilled to open the festival with “CIVIL,” a timely documentary bringing light to issues of social justice and equity in America,” said Nicole Friday, festival producer and president of ABFF Ventures LLC. “We’ve curated an entertaining and thought-provoking lineup of features, documentaries and web series and I am so excited to share our content with a live audience again.”

Universally considered the premiere festival for Black storytellers and storytelling, ABFF presents a wide range of independent films, studio and network previews, a series of talk events, master classes, live entertainment and more. The festival continues to spotlight talent both in front of and behind the camera and provide a platform for emerging artists to tell their stories.

The full feature, documentary and web series lineup is listed below and here https://www.abff.com/2022-screenings/narrative-features/. Finalists for the HBO Short Film Award presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO will be announced at a later date. For more updates on the complete list of programming of the 2022 American Black Film Festival, in the coming week, follow us. #ABFF2022 @ABFF on Twitter, @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram, Facebook and at https://www.abff.com/

NARRATIVE FEATURES (U.S. & International)
A competitive section for U.S. and international feature-length films directed by or written and produced by persons of African descent. Films in this category are eligible to be nominated to compete for the following Jury Awards – Best Director (presented by Cadillac, $5,000 cash prize), Best Narrative Feature (presented by Sony, $2,500 cash prize), and Best Screenplay (presented by TV One, $2,500 cash prize). In addition, if a person of African descent has directed a film in this section and it is their first feature, they will be eligible to compete for the John Singleton Award for Best First Feature (presented by Netflix, $5,000 cash prize). The following films represent the 2022 official selections in the Narrative Features category:

Between Sins *World Premiere
Faced with the responsibilities of an ill mother and estranged daughter, Coy searches for redemption for past sins while trying to avoid the pitfalls that could lead to repeating them.
USA | 83 min
Director: Carlos Miller
Writer: Carlos Miller
Producers: Tyler Cheatham, Carlos Gonzalez, Carlos Miller
Cast: George Taylor, Rigoberto Duval, Carolyn Johnson, Skyla Rain Rowe, Angela Kohn

Bite of a Mango *World Premiere
2020 comes with enough challenges of its own, but as four best friends each attempt to overcome their own trying situations, they are left unsure if the group can survive.
CANADA | 98 min
Director: Ron Dias
Writers: Joanne Jansen, Ron Dias
Producers: Joanne Jansen, Ron Dias
Cast: Jayne Kamara, Ryan Rosery, Orville Cummings, Nathan Taylor

Escaping Paradise *World Premiere
A young couples’ anniversary trip turns deadly in a foreign land.
PHILIPPINES | 91 min
Director: Paul Tanter
Writer: Deji LaRay
Producers: Thomas Q. Jones, Deji LaRay, DeNorvious Pickett
Cast: Deji LaRay, Simon Phillips, Shayla Hale

Feel Like Ghosts *World Premiere
Two recent exes with an undeniable connection confront what could have been if their cultural differences hadn’t pushed them to new lives on opposite coasts.
USA | 100 min
Director: Kali Baker-Johnson
Writer: Kali Baker-Johnson
Producer: Lola Ridgell
Cast: Nican Robinson, Misha Molani

God of Dreams *U.S. Festival Premiere
Welcome to the future, where dreaming is Illegal.
USA | 104 min
Director: Jurian Isabelle
Writer: Jurian Isabelle
Producers: Jurian Isabelle, Joe Langford
Cast: Ann Nesby, Julia Reilly, Jessie Reeder, Keshawn Pettigrew, Omar Cook

Our Father, the Devil
An African immigrant’s quiet life in a small French town is upended by the arrival of a charismatic Catholic priest, whom she recognizes as the warlord who slaughtered her family.
USA | FRANCE | 108 min
Director: Ellie Foumbi
Writer: Ellie Foumbi
Producers: Ellie Foumbi, Joseph Mastantuono
Cast: Babetida Sadjo, Souleymane Sy Savané, Jennifer Tchiakpe

Scheme Queens *World Premiere
Four friends who are down on their luck decide to rob a ruthless Rastafarian jewel thief by conning his second in command.
USA | 94 min
Director: Cas Sigers Beedles
Writer: Cas Sigers Beedles
Producers: Cas Sigers Beedles, Ernestine Johnson
Cast: B. Simone, Ernestine Johnson, Brii Reneé, Jacky Oh

Survival
A car-jacked mother and entrepreneur is forced to bond with her violent assailant in order to escape.
USA | 90 min
Director: Damon Jamal
Writers: Damon Jamal, Dave Eisenstark
Producers: Leah Daniels Butler, Henry Black Butler, Damone Smith, Damon Jamal
Cast: Elise Neal, Demetrius Grosse, Dylan McNamara, Miguel A. Nuñez Jr.

The Threesome *World Premiere
A sex comedy told in three ways.
USA | 92 min
Director: Jamal Dedeaux
Writer: Jamal Dedeaux
Producers: Jaleel Ghafur, Rebecca Haze, Jamal Dedeaux
Cast: Andrea Lewis, Brittany S. Hall, Jerrel O’Neal

You Married Dat
Two happy brides, one dead guy!
USA | 114 min
Director: Dame Pierre
Writers: Byron Manuel, Curtis L. Ellison Jr., Tarek Abdelkhalig
Producers: Timothy Christian, Sherah Rider, Elijah Kelley
Cast: Juhahn Jones, Apryl Jones, LisaRaye, Audra Kinkead, Michael Colyar

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
A competitive section for nonfiction feature films directed by persons of African descent or centered on the culture and experiences of persons of African descent. Films in this category are eligible to be nominated to compete for the Jury Award for Best Documentary (presented by Amazon, $2,500 cash prize). The following films represent the 2022 official selections in the Documentary Features category:

A Woman on the Outside
Kristal is a young, ambitious Philadelphian driven to keep families connected to their incarcerated loved ones. But when her father and brother return from prison, she confronts the ultimate question: can she reunite her own family?
USA | 85 min
Directors: Zara Katz, Lisa Riordan Seville
Writer: Kiara C. Jones
Producers: Kiara C. Jones, Zara Katz, Lisa Riordan Seville
Cast: Kristal Bush, Nyvae Scott, Kristal Speaks

American Immigrants *World Premiere
Being homeless is an experience not a person.
USA | 60 min
Director: Ken Miles
Writer: Ken Miles
Producer: Ken Miles
Cast: Jorge Colina, Nathan White

Black As U R: a micheal rice film
Micheal Rice’s kaleidoscopic journey through the fault lines of race, gender and sexuality in America.
USA | 87 min
Director: Micheal Rice
Writer: Micheal Rice
Producer: Edward Radford
Executive Producers: Micheal Rice, Gerald Oxford
Cast: Micheal Rice, Dr. Charlene Sinclair, Michael Roberson

Blind Eye Artist *World Premiere
The origin story of painter Justin Wadlington, blind in his left eye.
USA | 76 min
Director: Ashwin Chaudhary
Producers: Ashwin Chaudhary, Jonathan Korn, Justin Wadlington
Cast: Justin Wadlington, Glenn Fuhrman

Drowning in Silence
A mother goes on a healing journey to investigate the silent epidemic of childhood drowning after losing her son.
USA | 81 min
Director: Chezik Tsunoda
Writers: Chezik Tsunoda, Claire Ave’Lallemant
Producers: Hill Harper, Joe Beshenkovsky, Chezik Tsunod

Let The Church Say *World Premiere
In a time of racial upheaval and a multitude of woes affecting marginalized communities, a young African American filmmaker journeys to the heart of the Black experience to find the answer to a daunting question: Is the Black church dead?
USA | 70 min
Director: Rafiq J Nabali
Writer: Rafiq J Nabali
Producers: Joe Howell, Nancy Howard, Danielle Nebeliuk
Cast: Jekalyn Carr, Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Dr. Walter Fluker, Darlene McCoy

Lovely Jackson *World Premiere
America’s longest wrongfully held exonerated prisoner, Rickey Jackson, returns to the prison where his 39-year journey of survival began and guides his younger self from death row to freedom.
USA | 104 min
Director: Matt Waldeck
Writers: Rickey Jackson, Matt Waldeck
Producers: Rickey Jackson, Matt Waldeck, Jillian Wolstein, Ben Hecht, Travis Killian
Cast: Rickey Jackson, Edward Vernon, Pr. Anthony Singleton, Mario Beverly, Devito Parker Jr.

The Young Vote *World Premiere
Filmmaker Diane Robinson follows a diverse group of students and activists during the 2020 election to understand young peoples’ perceptions of voting and civic engagement.
USA | 67 min
Director: Diane Robinson
Writer: Diane Robinson
Producer: Diane Robinson
Cast: Ariana Tulay, Dariel Cruz Rodriguez, Elena Ashburn, Liz Magallanes, Sophia DeLoretto-Chudy, John King, Bradley Tusk, Jeremy Gruber

WEB SERIES
A competitive section for short-form episodic television directed by or produced and written by persons of African descent. Each series in this section will compete for the Jury Award for Best Web Series (presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, $2,500 cash prize). The following are the 2022 official selections in the Web Series category:

Bourn Kind: The Tiny Kindness Project
A Black/Jewish artist creates a project of kindness to celebrate connection in his community.
USA | 12 min
Director: Rachel Myers
Writer: Rachel Myers
Producer: Tamika Lamison, Connie Jo Sechrist, Rachel Myers
Cast: Bourn Rich

Dreamers
The zany misadventures of two sisters navigating the ups and downs of life, as artists, in the wild and unpredictable streets of La La Land.
USA | 7:30 min
Director: Kimberly Dooley
Writer: Kimberly Dooley
Producer: Kimberly Dooley
Cast: Kimberly Dooley, Dayna Dooley

I am Mara *World Premiere
Striving to break free from a life of espionage, murder and destructive family ties, Mara sets out to fabricate a new life for herself, but soon realizes the truth will always reveal itself and all sins must be atoned for.
USA | 14:33 min
Directors: Cody Duncum, Demetrius Feaster
Writers: Candace West, Clarinda D’Cruze
Producer: Candace West, Demetrius Feaster, Clarinda D’Cruze
Cast: Candace Kirstin West, Keith Elgin Douglas, Alek President, Jose Navarro, Virginia Elliot, David Chin

Jonathan’s World *U.S. Festival Premiere
Boy genius sips magical potion causing him to obtain enhanced capabilities.
USA | 14 min
Director: Tyler D. Lambert
Writer: Tyler D. Lambert
Producer: Tyler D. Lambert
Cast: Tyler D. Lambert

Last Name Unknown *World Premiere
Beyond Hope Youth Shelter’s homeless youth beat the odds, and find their place in society.
USA | 15 min
Director: Dui Jarrod
Writer: Dui Jarrod
Producers: Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Pierre “Pee” Thomas, Dui Jarrod, Chris Hicks, David Blackman
Cast: Chakeefe Gordon, Erika Norrell, Braxton Jordan, Lindsey G. Smith

Layered, “Stalker” *World Premiere
A series following three black women from Philadelphia, two of them Muslim, trying to break into the media industry while being met with challenges in mental health, faith, and loss due to gun violence.
USA | 12:57 min
Director: Zareefa Abdul-Adl
Writers: Arraiyan DuBose, Aiko Brown, Zareefa Abdul-Adl
Producers: Aiko Brown, Arraiyan DuBose, Zareefa Abdul-Adl
Cast: Merceedes White, LaPorscha Rodgers, Aisha Saran

Little Lawyer *U.S. Festival Premiere
A six-year-old girl with aspirations of being an attorney puts her little brother on trial after she discovers her toy is inoperative.
USA | 12 min
Director: Sam Buckner III
Writer: Sam Buckner III
Producers: Sam Buckner, Samantha O. Buckner
Cast: Sophia Dejesus, London Sinead, Wyatt Hinz, Ayani Tamar, Brandon. L Ward, Alex Jackson

Mine
When the sudden disappearance of water — their main life source — threatens to upend a vibrant utopia, an intrepid teen named Blaze must save their community before it’s too late.
USA | 12:30 min
Directors: Randall Dottin, Luisa Dantas
Writers: Randall Dottin, Angela Tucker, Paige Wood, Luisa Dantas, Rise-Home Stories Project
Producers: Randall Dottin, Angela Tucker, Paige Wood, Luisa Dantas, Rise-Home Stories Project, Anna Lee, Russell Hornsby
Cast: Russell Hornsby, Denny Dillon, Imani Russell, Kaya Fraites, Sunni Patterson

The Green Couch (Ep. 2) *World Premiere
Psychologist Dr. Rhemington Lee engages patients in an unwitting experiment of truth as each convene on The Green Couch.
USA | 14:08 min
Director: Mirlande Amazan
Writer: Mirlande Amazan
Producer: Mirlande Amazan
Cast: Mirlande Amazan, Antuone Torbert; narrated by Gordon Greene

The Whippersnappers *World Premiere
OG, Big Mama and Foegy, aka “The Oldheads,” growing tired of the same routine, decide to use technology to become younger.
USA | 4:56 min
Director: Ryan Cole
Writer: Ryan Cole
Producer: Ryan Cole
Cast: Ryan Cole

ABFF 2022 sponsors and partners to date include Warner Bros. Discovery & HBO^® (Founding); Cadillac, City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Prime Video (Presenting); American Airlines, Comcast NBCUniversal, Meta, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, Prudential Financial, Variety, TV One, Netflix, Starz, Disney+ (Official); Accenture, Motion Pictures Association (MPA), A&E Indie Films, Springhill Company, The Boston Globe, Color of Change, Confluential Films (Supporting).

For festival information and to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff.com. Pre-registration closes May 13. Press interested in media credentials to cover ABFF go to https://www.abff.com/press-room/media-credentials/.

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ABOUT ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Dedicated to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. Now in its 26th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists – many of whom have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events that promote Black culture and achievement.

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Media Contact:

Chelsye J. Burrows
Jeff Friday Media (JFM) and ABFF Ventures LLC
[email protected]

Image provided Courtesy of ABFF

Inaugural Conversation Will Feature Emmy-nominated Actor and Author Dondré Whitfield on Monday, March 7, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CA, (February 17, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), in partnership with the City of Miami Beach, will present the first installment in its biannual Business of Entertainment Conversation Series featuring three-time Emmy-nominated actor and author Dondré Whitfield. The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2022 at O Cinema South Beach located at 1130 Washington Avenue. Former news anchor, journalist and Florida Memorial University professor Russell Motley will moderate the conversation.

The biannual series will bring top production experts and artists to the area to discuss the inner workings of the film and television industry. The series is an extension of the festival’s partnership with the City of Miami Beach and is free to the community. Advanced registration is requested as seating is limited. To register for the event go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abff-business-of-entertainment-conversation-series-dondre-whitfield-tickets-272123888877

“Miami Beach is a global arts and culture destination thanks in large part to our long relationship with the American Black Film Festival,” said Mayor Dan Gelber. “So we welcome this new series as a natural step in our and the ABFF’s efforts to democratize the arts and make them something all can enjoy and appreciate.”

“We are excited to bring the Business of Entertainment Conversation Series to Miami Beach as an extension of our 17-year partnership with the city, and hope that it will inspire members of the community to pursue careers in film and television,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO, ABFF Ventures LLC.

Dondré Whitfield’s career has spanned over a quarter century. He has worked with such industry heavyweights as John Travolta, Helen Mirren, David Oyelowo, Michael B. Jordan and Kevin Hart, to name a few. Dondré was a regular on the Ava DuVernay series Queen Sugar for OWN, playing Remy Newell, a role which earned a nomination for a 2018 NAACP Award. He also recently starred in the hit BET comedy series Real Husbands of Hollywood opposite Kevin Hart, Boris Kodjoe and Nick Cannon.

Dondré’s versatility as a comedic and dramatic actor has been showcased in several of his feature films, including the Independent Spirit Award-winning and Sundance Award-winning film Middle of Nowhere opposite David Oyelowo that was directed by Ava DuVernay, the comedy 35 and Ticking opposite Kevin Hart, the award-nominated drama Pastor Brown opposite Michael B. Jordan, the comedies Mr. 3000 opposite Bernie Mac and Two Can Play That Game opposite Vivica A. Fox, and the Helen Mirren-directed film Happy Birthday opposite Helen Mirren and John Goodman.

Dondré’s recent and perhaps most impressive role is not on the screen, but in his community. He is the co-creator of The Manhood Tour, a global movement committed to awakening the consciousness of men, giving them the keys to manhood and teaching them how to live it in the highest degree. Dondré travels throughout the country speaking on behalf of the movement.

The American Black Film Festival, now in its 26th year, will return to Miami Beach June 15-19, 2022, followed by virtual events on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s custom-built platform, from June 20 -30. The festival brings together Black culture enthusiasts, artists, executives and filmmakers from around the world. For more information about the American Black Film Festival visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

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ABOUT ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Dedicated to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. Now in its 26th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists – many of whom have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events that promote Black culture and achievement.

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Media Contacts:

Chelsye J. Burrows
Jeff Friday Media (JFM) and ABFF Ventures LLC
[email protected]

Yvette N. Harris
Harris Public Relations for ABFF
[email protected]

The 2021 American Black Film Festival Celebrates Its 25th Year with a Wide-ranging Lineup of Spotlight Screenings, Talk and Networking Events Featuring Some of Hollywood’s Most Accomplished Artists and Content Creators

Top-line Talent Includes Halle Berry, Debra Martin Chase, Morris Chestnut, Meagan Good, Charles D. King, Regina King, MC Lyte, Niecy Nash, Michael Rainey Jr., Amanda Seales, Larenz Tate, Flex Alexander and Shanice Wilson

LOS ANGELES, CA, (November 2, 2021) – The 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today unveiled its 25th anniversary program slate that highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing exceptional Black content and providing a platform for emerging artists and new voices. The 26-day virtual event will feature an array of spotlight screenings, talk and virtual networking events with top-line talent. The festival will be available as a worldwide global event November 3 – 28 on its online platform ABFFPLAY.

“As is customary with ABFF, our 2021 festival event presents a wide selection of inspiring, educational and entertaining content from a diverse group of artists,” said Nicole Friday, president and general manager, ABFF Ventures LLC. “We are grateful for the continued support of our partners and sponsors who have helped to make our 25th anniversary a memorable event.”

The festival opens with a special limited in-person screening in Los Angeles of Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated film King Richard starring two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green. Reinaldo is an ABFF alum and previous finalist in HBO’s Short Film Competition held exclusively at ABFF.

ABFF’s 24th HBO Short Film Competition, hosted by Bevy Smith, features five compelling short films from emerging filmmakers who compete for the prestigious 2021 HBO Short Film Award and a $10,000 cash prize. In addition, the WarnerMedia Access Writers TV Competition spotlights two talented new writers in the genres of drama and comedy.

The Best of the ABFF Awards, hosted by actress Amanda Seales (Insecure), will culminate the festival with the presentation of the 2021 independent film awards and talent contest winners on Saturday, November 27, at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST.

“In celebration of ABFF’s 25th anniversary, the festival is set to bring an engaging and memorable program to its global community,” said Amelia M. Winfree, vice president, sponsorship & media partnerships. “This year’s slate is undeniably a testament to our steadfast corporate partners, who are truly committed to ensure that we continue to uplift diverse stories and storytellers and keep the spotlight powered on.”

Following are highlights of the festival’s 2021 lineup intended to entertain, educate and inspire. All talks and spotlight screenings will be available free on ABFFPLAY beginning, Monday, November 15. For the complete list and details of 2021 ABFF events visit www.ABFF.com.

TALKS

A festival favorite, one of this year’s ABFF Master Classes — The Art of Directing — features directors David E. Talbert (Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Story), Liesl Tommy (Respect) and Deon Taylor (Fatale), who will discuss scenes from their most popular films and provide unique insights into creating moments on screen as well as their individual creative process. Moderated by Jacqueline Coley. Presented by Cadillac.

A window into the complex world of animation will be in full view in the Animation Demystified Master Class moderated by Karen Rupert Toliver, EVP, creative, Sony Pictures Animation with panelists Kemp Powers, director, untitled sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Carl Jones, showrunner, Young Love. In Anne Boleyn Radically Reimagined, the downfall of the wife of Henry VIII portrayed by actress Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim) is examined. A Celebration of John Singleton, in honor of director and long-time ABFF supporter John Singleton, reunites cast from Singleton’s classic films, Boyz n the Hood and Baby Boy. All presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Meet the cast of Prime Video’s new single-camera comedy series Harlem in a Clips & Conversation event. Amazon Studios brings together creator Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip) with the cast, including Meagan Good (Intruder), Grace Byers (Empire), Jerrie Johnson (Good Trouble) and Shoniqua Shandai (Bodied) to give you an inside look at the making of the show. Moderated by Latasha Gillespie, head of global diversity, equity and inclusion, Amazon Studios.

ESSENCE deputy editor Cori Murray in One on One with veteran producer Debra Martin Chase (The Equalizer) will discuss her career and the business of Hollywood. In an insightful talk event, This is Our Story writers Kay Oyegun, Jon Dorsey and Eboni Freeman from the hit drama series This is Us take a look Inside the Writers Room and provide details about what we might see in the upcoming final season of the show. Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal.

From creator Phil Augusta Jackson (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and executive producer Dan Goor (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) comes Grand Crew, a new comedy that proves life is better with your crew. This group of young professionals are all trying to navigate the ups and downs of life and love in Los Angeles — and they always find time to gather at their favorite bar to “wine down” and unpack it all. NBC and Universal Television hosts a spirited conversation with the creator, executive producer and cast.

Oscar-winning actress, director and ABFF’s 2021 Ambassador Halle Berry discusses her extraordinary career and the release of her Netflix directorial debut Bruised, in an intimate one-on-one Conversation moderated by the Kelley L. Carter, senior entertainment editor at The Undefeated. The stellar cast of The Harder They Fall recount their experiences making the all-Black western. All presented by Netflix.

In Icons, Idols + Influencers, ABFF will be in Conversation with the Tate Brothers for an in-depth interview with Larenz Tate (Power Book II: Ghost) and his brothers Larron Tate and Lahmard Tate, both producers and actors. Presented by American Airlines.

AT&T Dream in Black hosts this year’s Hot in Hollywood panel featuring actors making a name for themselves, including Storm Reid (Euphoria), Kendrick Sampson (Insecure), Javicia Leslie (Batwoman). Moderated by Cortney Wills, entertainment director, TheGrio.

Conversation & Financial Facts with Shanice Wilson and Flex Alexander, moderated by financial planner Delvin Joyce, addresses the role finances play in the growth of their careers and the impact of COVID-19. Presented by Prudential Financial.

Starz hosts Power Book II: Ghost Next Up with cast members Lovell Adams-Gray, Alix Lapri, Gianni Paolo, Michael Rainey Jr. and LaToya Tonodeo discussing the series and its upcoming season.

Disney Television Studios and ABC gives us a look inside the new American coming-of-age comedy The Wonder Years, inspired by the beloved award-winning series of the same name, followed by a panel with creator, executive producer and ABFF alum Saladin K. Patterson, executive producer Fred Savage and series stars Elisha “EJ” Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh and Laura Kariuki. Then, meet the creative minds behind Queens, the story of four women in their 40s who reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had in the ‘90s, during a panel with creator and executive producer Zahir McGhee, executive producer Sabrina Wind, costume designer Provi Fulp and soundtrack consultant Grady Spivey.

Facebook shares their approach to giving diverse creators the power to be seen, to be heard, to build their business, and to inspire a more just and inclusive world leveraging the power of social media with a spotlight on the newly launched We The Culture initiative. Join for a special preview of We The Culture’s House of Jubilee short film, followed by a conversation with Facebook and a selection of We the Culture creators. Facebook also presents Wave Makers: Black Women Storytellers in Horror and the Supernatural, features Tananarive Due—pioneering UCLA scholar of Black Horror and Afrofuturism, TV producer and award-winning fiction writer (“Ghost Summer: Stories”, “My Soul to Keep”)—in conversation with Dr. Michele Prettyman (Fordham University) of Daughters of Eve Media, a longtime ABFF partner.

The Motion Picture Association will take us behind the scenes of the film ratings process with the leaders of its Classification and Rating Administration in A Conversation panel Rate My Movie. Moderated by John Gibson, vice president, external and multicultural affairs, Motion Picture Association.

Life as Entrepreneurs features MACRO’s Charles D. King and Stacey Walker King. Moderated by Lauren A. Ziadie, executive director of Morgan Stanley.

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Warner Bros. Television welcome you to meet the cast and creator of OWN’s new must-watch juicy drama series The Kings of Napa in a virtual panel experience featuring acclaimed series showrunner and executive producer Janine Sherman Barrois (Claws).

SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS

In addition to our opening night film, ABFF will host Spotlight Screenings on select nights throughout the festival.

Legacy Lives On is a story about three Black millennial women from Detroit, Tulsa and Atlanta who, despite historic and present-day barriers, are discovering their path to financial independence. Insurance industry veteran Salene Hitchcock-Gear will lead a candid discussion about legacy planning and financial wellness with industry experts Brittni Smallwood and Omari Hall. Courtesy of Prudential Financial.

The Disney+ original series from National Geographic, Welcome to Earth follows two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith on an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime adventure around the world to explore Earth’s greatest wonders. British polar explorer Dwayne Fields discusses the six-part awe-inspiring series, which premieres on Disney+ in December, with Rolling Out CEO Munson Steed. Courtesy of Disney+.

She devoted her life to seeking justice for her son Emmett Till. Mamie Till Mobley is the focus of a six-part series Women of the Movement, which will be followed by a conversation with stars Adrienne Warren and Cedric Joe and executive producers Marissa Jo Cerar and Gina Prince-Bythewood. Courtesy of ABC and Kapital Entertainment.

AspireTV showcases the short film HIStory, a story about a Black father, played by actor/comedian Rodney Perry, having to address the relevance of his son’s middle school history curriculum. The film is followed by an intimate conversation with the cast and crew.

IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and trusted source for movie, TV and celebrity content, is committed to celebrating content that reflects its diverse global audience, including helping entertainment fans discover a new generation of Black stories and storytellers. IMDb ratings help entertainment fans make informed viewing choices and discover new films, shows and talent and ABFF audience members are encouraged to rate and review any or all of the titles screening at the 2021 festival.

ABFF 2021 features some 100 official film selections, including narrative and documentary features, the HBO Short Film Competition, web series, ABFF Pride, World Showcase and New Voices. Film producer and ABFF alumnus Will Packer (Girls Trip, Ride Along) serves as the festival’s 2021 Jury President, overseeing the voting process. For the complete selection of ABFF’s 100 official film selections from 35 countries and web series visit,
https://www.abff.com/miami/2021-screenings/narrative-features/

NETWORKING & EXPERIENCES

Although the festival is virtual, ABFF is true to its mission to provide networking, mentoring and casting opportunities to festival participants.

ALLBLK’s Shoot Your Shot returns to ABFF with an opportunity for aspiring Black talent to audition for a role in the upcoming original series West Philly, Baby. The session features Niecy Nash (Claws) as the celebrity reader, along with MC Lyte, Precious Way (Queens), Colman Domingo (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Brett Dismuke, general manager, ALLBLK and WE tv, Nikki Love, SVP, development & production, ALLBLK and the 2021 finalists. Moderated by LDB Casting.

Meet and connect with festival attendees at AT&T 5G Fast Connections, a digital networking event where festival attendees can expand their network through a virtual speed networking session. Participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for mentorship sessions with leading executives and creatives in film and television through AT&T Office Hours. To learn more and sign up visit, www.ABFF.com.

ABFF sponsors to date include WarnerMedia, HBO^® (Founding); Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amazon Studios (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, Facebook, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, HBOMax, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Prudential Financial, TBS, Yahoo!, Starz, Warner Bros. Pictures, Disney Television Studios, National Geographic, and Variety (Official); Accenture, AspireTV, Motion Picture Association (MPA), Morgan Stanley, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) (Supporting). Media partners include BIN: Black Information Network, TheGrio and Rolling Out

For festival information, visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF. For information about media credentials, visit: https://www.abff.com/pressroom/.

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ABOUT ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Dedicated to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. Now in its 25th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists – many of whom have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a division of Jeff Friday Media (JFM).

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Media Contact:

Chelsye J. Burrows
Jeff Friday Media (JFM) and ABFF Ventures LLC
[email protected]

Starring Will Smith in the title role, with Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn and Jon Bernthal

LOS ANGELES, CA, (October 15, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC announced today that the 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will open its milestone 25th year with Warner Bros. Pictures’ eagerly anticipated film King Richard. The expanded 2021 festival will be available as a worldwide digital experience November 3-28 via its online platform ABFF PLAY. King Richard will be available by special invitation to a limited audience.

King Richard stars two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith, who also is the film’s producer, as Richard Williams, the determined father of Venus and Serena Williams. The story follows the journey of their family, whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately creates two of the world’s greatest sports legends. Also starring are Aunjanue Ellis as the girls’ mom, Oracene Wlliams, Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams and Demi Singleton as Serena Williams, with Tony Goldwyn and Jon Bernthal as coaches Paul Cohen and Rick Macci. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men) from a script written by Zach Baylin, King Richard will be released in U.S. theaters and stream exclusively on HBO Max, November 19.

“It is with pride and excitement that we mark our 25th year opening with Warner Bros.’ King Richard, a film that is a touchstone of ABFF’s legacy of showcasing extraordinary Black talent and inspiring storytelling reflecting the brilliance of diversity in Hollywood,” said Nicole Friday, president and general manager, ABFF Ventures LLC. “We’re especially gratified to have the film’s director, Reinaldo Marcus Green, a previous finalist in HBO’s prestigious Short Film Competition, return to ABFF as feature film director — demonstrating the importance of the HBO pipeline in advancing the careers of Black artists. This event is simply a grand slam on every level.”

“Having King Richard at ABFF this year is truly a full circle moment,” stated Reinaldo Marcus Green. “Back in 2013, my short film Stone Cars, that I made while studying at NYU screened in competition and was distributed on HBO — so opening up the festival for ABFF’s 25th anniversary means a lot to me. It’s an absolute honor to return this year with our film. Thank you to Warner Bros. and the whole filmmaking team, the family we built on set, the Williams family for allowing us to tell their groundbreaking story and, of course, our wonderful crew and cast led by none other than Mr. Will Smith.”

ABFF 2021 worldwide virtual experience will include over 100 independent films from 35 countries, spotlight screenings, talks and networking events featuring creators, artists and industry executives. Access to the festival is free. To register, visit https://www.abff.com/.

ABFF sponsors to date include Warner Media, HBO^® (Founding) Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amazon Studios (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, Facebook, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, HBOMax, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Prudential Financial, TBS, Yahoo!, Starz, Warner Bros, Disney, National Geographic, and Variety (Official) Accenture, AspireTV, Motion Picture Association (MPA), Morgan Stanley, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) (Supporting). Media partners include BIN: Black Information Network, TheGrio and Rolling Out

For festival information visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF. For information about media credentials, visit https://www.abff.com/pressroom/.

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ABOUT KING RICHARD
Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on the abandoned tennis courts of Compton, California, rain or shine, the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them.

The film is produced by Tim White and Trevor White’s Star Thrower Entertainment and Will Smith’s own banner, Westbrook. Isha Price, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd are the executive producers.

King Richard is a Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, A Star Thrower Entertainment Production, A Westbrook Production and A Keepin’ It Reel Production and will be released in U.S. theaters and on HBO Max via the Ad-Free plan on November 19, 2021; it will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release.

ABOUT ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Dedicated to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. Now in its 25th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists – many of whom have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, a division of Jeff Friday Media (JFM).

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Media Contact:

Chelsye J. Burrows
Jeff Friday Media (JFM) and ABFF Ventures LLC
[email protected]