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The 2017 American Black Film Festival Announces Films in Competition and Documentary Lineup

Annual Festival Returns to Miami June 14-18

New York, New York (May 10, 2017) – Today, The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced their 2017 lineup of narrative features and short films in competition and documentaries that will showcase at the Olympia Theater, Colony Theatre, MB Cinematheque and Regal Cinemas in Miami Beach, Florida, June 14-18.

With an overwhelming number of submissions this year, the ABFF is excited to provide a platform for more than 50 films to screen their artistic works to 10,000 festivalgoers.

This year’s ABFF selection of narratives, shorts and documentaries showcase diverse content creators, exploring a broad range of topics including love, sex, education, race, self-identity, struggle, politics, relationships, crime and reflection.

“There’s never been a more exciting landscape for content creators. The opportunities for filmmakers of color have grown considerably and this year’s festival lineup reflects the breadth and scope of diverse storytellers that exist. We’re looking forward to showcasing the dynamic work of these talented artists,” says Jeff Friday, CEO of ABFF Ventures.

The complete list of films selected for the Narrative Features and Documentary sections, as well as the HBO® Short Film Competition is as follows:

OPENING NIGHT FILM

GIRLS TRIP
Sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America, Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Director/Producer: Malcolm D. Lee
Writer: Kenya Barris, Tracy Oliver, Erica Rivinoia
Producers: Will Packer, James Lopez, Preston Holmes
Cast: Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Larenz Tate, Kate Walsh, Mike Colter and Kofi Siriboe

When four lifelong friends—Regina Hall (Think Like a Man, The Best Man Holiday), Tiffany Haddish (Keanu, A Christmas Wedding), with Jada Pinkett Smith (Gotham, Bad Moms) and Queen Latifah (Star, Bessie)—travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.

CLOSING NIGHT FILM

ALL EYEZ ON ME
Presented by Lionsgate, Codeblack Films and Morgan Creek Productions
Director: Benny Boom
Writer: Jeremy Haft, Eddie Gonzalez, Steven Bagatourian
Producers: LT Hutton, David Robinson and James G. Robinson
Cast: Kat Graham, Lauren Cohan, Hill Harper, Jamal Woolard, Danai Gurira, Jamie Hector, Cory Hardrict, Demetrius Shipp, Jr.

All Eyez On Me tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world’s most recognized and influential voices, before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur’s raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.

NARRATIVE FEATURES (IN COMPETITION)

AMBITION’S DEBT
Director: Devin E. Haqq
Writer: William Shakespeare (adapted by Devin E. Haqq)
Producer: Josh Wick, Devin E. Haqq, Brandt Adams, George Lyon, Tony Grocki
Cast: Nathan Darrow, Peter McRobbie, Kathleen Chalfant, Billy Eugene Jones, Carra Patterson, Pernell Walker

Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows the downfall of Rome’s most honored citizen, Marcus Brutus, as he conspires to assassinate Julius Caesar.

BRUCE!!!
Director: Eden Marryshow
Writer: Eden Marryshow, Jesse Marryshow
Exec Producer: Gene Pope, Sasha Lewis, and Eden Marryshow
Producer: Sasha Lewis, Cesa Pledger, and Eden Marryshow
Cast: Eden Marryshow, Jason Tottenham, Mlè Chester, Cesa Pledger

Bruce is an asshole. He’s shitty to everyone, until he falls hopelessly in love and is forced to grow the fuck up…in his thirties.

A HUNDRED BLOCKS
Director: Diaunte Thompson
Writer: Arthur Walls
Exec Producer: Marshawn Lynch
Producer: Arthur Walls, Michael Revolvalcke, Diaunte Thompson, Arthur Walls,Lathan Hodge
Cast: David A. Green, Robert D. Jordan, JaMaurae Birden, Tina Gilton

Jaleel finally has enough cash saved up to leave Oakland and avoid the violent fate of his father, along with so many of his peers. When a friend promises to triple those savings, Jaleel goes against his better judgment and says yes. The added money will let Jaleel realize his goal of opening a gym in the new town—a dream inspired by his father.

TRAFFIK
Writer and Director: Deon Taylor
Producer: Roxanne Avent, Paula Patton, Dean Taylor
Cast: Paula Patton, Omar Epps, Luke Gross, Laz Alonso

Journalist Brea and her boyfriend John are off for a romantic weekend in the mountains. On their way up the coast they stop in a small town and are accosted a group of men on motorcycles. Barely avoiding a fight, Brea and John continue on their trip, unaware that they have inadvertently come into possession of a cell phone…a cell phone that the bikers are desperate to retrieve. Now, alone in the mountains in an isolated rental home, Brea and John must defend themselves against the bikers who will stop at nothing to get the phone, destroy the evidence it holds and kill anyone who would tell their story.

The American Black Film Festival continues to provide a platform for aspiring creatives in film. The competitors in this category will compete for the Grand Jury Awards for Best Director, sponsored by Cadillac (Prize: $25,000) and Best Narrative Feature, sponsored by Prudential Financial (Prize: $5,000).

NARRATIVE FEATURES (WORLD SHOWCASE)

CREATED EQUAL
Director: Bill Duke
Writer: Ned Bowman, Michael Ricigliano Jr., Joyce Renee Lewis
Producer: Thada Catalon
Cast: Aaron Tveit, Edy Ganem, Lou Diamond Phillips, Gregory Alan Williams, Yohance Myles

Desperate to become a priest, a woman files suit against the Archdiocese of New Orleans for sex discrimination without justifiable cause.

GOOK
Writer and Director: Justin Chon
Producer: James Yi, Alex Chi
Cast: Simone Baker, Justin Chon, David So, Curtiss Cook Jr.,Omono Okojie, Sang Chon,Ben Munoz, Cesar Garcia, Isaiah Jarel, Kirlew Vilbon

Eli (Chon) and Daniel (So) are two Korean American brothers that run their late father’s shoe store in a predominantly African American community of Los Angeles. These two brothers strike up a unique and unlikely friendship with an 11-year-old African American girl, Kamilla (Baker). As Daniel dreams of becoming a recording artist and Eli struggles to keep the store afloat, racial tensions build to a breaking point in L.A. as the “infamous” L.A. Riots break out.

NOEM MY SKOLLIE: CALL ME THIEF
Director: Daryne Joshua
Writer: John W. Fredericks
Exec Producer: David Max Brown, Moshidi Motshegwa, Jan du Plessis
Producer: David Max Brown, Moshidi Motshegwa
Cast: Dann-Jaques Mouton, Gantane Kusch, Christian Bennett, Gershwin Mias,Austin Rose

The true story of a young “so-called coloured” man in 1960’s Cape Town who barters his status with the prison gangs by becoming a storyteller but soon after his release is arraigned for a murder he did not commit and faces the hangman’s noose. The film is based on the life story of the scriptwriter, John W. Fredericks and is set in Cape Town in the 1960’s.

LOVE BY CHANCE
Director: Samad Davis
Writer: Dani Renee, Samad Davis
Producer: Samad Davis, Ty Johnston, Dumi Gumbi, Cati Weinek
Cast: Altovise Lawrence, Atandwa Kani, Terri J. Vaughn, Clifton Powell, E. Roger Mitchell, Lil Zane, Carl Anthony Payne II, Desi Banks

Two aspiring actors from South Africa who are independently in America trying to crack into an extremely difficult and over saturated Hollywood industry, meet by chance. Between the everyday struggle of auditioning, dealing with daily rejection, self-doubt, financial hardship, crazy friends and a crazy dating scene, who has time for Love.

EXECUTOR
Director: Moziko Wind
Writer: Michael Marcelin screenplay adapted by Moziko Wind
Producer: Markiss McFadden
Cast: Markiss McFadden, Paul Sorvino, Mischa Barton, Robert Miano

Ruthless assassin Kyle (Markiss McFadden) was raised by corrupt priest, (Paul Sorvino) who trained him to murder under the guise of executing God’s justice.

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Celebrating 20 years as an ABFF founder sponsor, HBO will continue its mission to support independent filmmakers. A panel of HBO executives will judge the final entries during the festival. A grand prize of $10,000 will be awarded by HBO to one filmmaker at the ABFF Filmmaker Awards Presentation on June 17, 2017, with runners-up each receiving $5,000. All finalists will have the opportunity to have their entries licensed by HBO for exhibition on the HBO service, HBO Go, and HBO Now.

AMELIA’S CLOSET
Writer and Director: Halima Lucas

Amelia steals items from her classmates in retaliation for being bullied. After she’s caught, her father gives her the tools to gain true empowerment.

GEMA
Writer and Director: Kenrick Prince

After an emotional day with her family, Gema Walker comes home to face meeting her fiancé’s parents for the first time. Upon discovering that her future in-laws plan to drop by their Brooklyn apartment before dinner, Gema is forced into an emotional confrontation when Sam admits that he’s still harboring a sensitive and potentially damaging truth from his parents.

PLAQUEMINES
Writer and Director: Nailah Jefferson

Trapped in the dwindling fishing town of Plaquemines, Ethan, an inquisitive boy, collects whatever he can find to feed his imagination and desire to break out into a world different from his own. His father, Reve, an out of work fishermen, holds stubbornly to his belief that fishing will soon return and that Ethan will follow in the family tradition. Reve’s tight grasp on the past cause a rift in the family and leave Ethan to seek escape however possible. As fishing conditions worsen and family bonds become strained, Ethan and Reve are forced to face the reality of their actions- taking both in different directions, just over the horizon.

SEE YOU YESTERDAY
Writers: Frederica Bailey and Stefon Bristol
Director: Stefon Bristol

Presented by Spike Lee, two Brooklyn teenage science prodigies build a time machine to stop one’s brother from being wrongfully killed by the police.

WE LOVE MOSES
Writer and Director: Dionne Edwards

Ella reflects on how her teenage obsession with her brother’s best friend Moses left her with a secret she still carries.

ABFF DOCUMENTARIES

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: ECLIPSED
Writer and Director: Collin Harris
Executive Producer: Ava L. Hall, Michael D. Armstrong
Producer: Collins Harris IV, Michaela Angela Davis, Stephen Byrd , Alia Jones-Harvey, Tamara Scurlock Briggs
Cast: Danai Gurira, Saycon Sengbloh, Liesl Tommy, Akosua Busia, Zainab Jah, Lupita Nyong’o, Stephen C. Byrd, Alia Jones-Harvey, Clint Ramos, Cookie Jordan

A multi-part documentary series chronicling the ascent and realization of Eclipsed; a Broadway play written, directed and acted by all women of African descent. Inspirational and sobering, the series documents the fearless women using art to combat social injustice and give voice to the voiceless. This series captures history in the making and the courageous women standing center stage.

MILWAUKEE 53206
Director: Keith McQuirter
Exec Producer: CarolAnne Dolan, Nick Stuart
Producer: Adam Miller, , Katie Taber
Cast: Beverly Walker, Chad Wilson, Dennis Walton, Muhibb Dyer

MILWAUKEE 53206 chronicles the lives of those affected by incarceration in America’s most incarcerated ZIP code. Through the intimate stories of three 53206 residents, we witness the high toll mass incarceration takes on individuals and families that make-up the community. The film not only examines Milwaukee’s ZIP code 53206, but also illuminates the story of people from across the United States who live with the daily effects of mass incarceration.

TELL THEM WE ARE RISING: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities
Director: Stanley Nelson
Writer: Marcia Smith
Producers: Cyndee Readdean, Stacey L. Holman, Marco Williams

A haven for Black intellectuals, artists and revolutionaries-and path of promise toward the American dream – Black colleges and universities have educated the architects of freedom movements and cultivated leaders in every field. They have been unapologetically Black for 150 years. For the first time ever, their story is told.

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

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

Sponsors for the American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac (Presenting Sponsors); Comcast NBCUniversal, Prudential Financial, Turner, BET (Premier Sponsors); American Airlines, ASPiRE, Codeblack Films, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Sundial Brands, Verizon (Official Sponsors); and A+E Networks, McDonald’s, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Planned Parenthood of America, and Time Warner (Supporting Sponsors); Motion Picture Editors Guild, SAGIndie, Streampix, UMC – Urban Movie Channel, and Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners).

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

PRESS CONTACT:

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

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The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Announce the Finalists in the 5th Annual Comedy Wings Competition

EMERGING COMEDIANS WILL COMPETE FOR THE TOP SPOT AT THE 2017 ABFF IN MIAMI ON FRIDAY, JUNE 16

New York, New York (April 21, 2017) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today their selection of finalists who will compete at the 5th annual Comedy Wings Competition, presented by HBO, during the American Black Film Festival in Miami June 16th at The New World Center. Each finalist will also receive an all-expense paid trip to Miami and attend a meeting with HBO talent executives.

Last night, the semi-finalists fought for the five finalist spots at the Uptown Comedy Club in Atlanta, hosted by comedian and radio host Rodney Perry. They were judged by accomplished artists and industry executives, including “Def Comedy Jam” producer Bob Sumner; Owner & Chief Managing Partner of Winsome Sinclair & Associates, Winsome Sinclair; television executive and producer Rikki Hughes; Executive Producer at Bobbcat Film, Angi Bones; and television executive Tracey Tooks.

“The Comedy Wings Competition has been a dynamic partnership with HBO and has created a pathway to opportunities within the industry for emerging comedians. Over the past five years, we have discovered talented comedians whose careers have catapulted because of the competition,” says ABFF Ventures CEO, Jeff Friday.

“HBO has been proudly supporting the Comedy Wings Competition for the past 5 years,” said Dennis Williams, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, HBO. “We are thrilled to be able to open doors and provide opportunities to unique and groundbreaking comedic talent. We know that the comedians showcased here are well on their way to future success. “

Our aspiring finalists come from across the United States and backgrounds vary. See our complete list below:

Brandall Cole
Blowing in from the windy city, comedian, actor, director and producer B. Cole has spent the past decade molding himself as one of these generations’ greatest entertainers. Starting his career at a young age B. Cole has performed at clubs and colleges all over the United States. He made his television debut at the age of twenty on BET’s Comic View, hosted by D. L. Hughley. B. Cole reached a pinnacle when he was awarded his own one-hour Grandstand Special on BET’s Comic View. He was a founding member of The Second City’s first urban sketch comedian ensemble Forgotten City.

Cyrus Steele II
Cyrus Steele has been performing onstage for years as a Theater major, but fell in love with stand-up comedy soon after graduating from college. Growing up in the small town of Savannah, GA, there weren’t a lot of outlets for an aspiring comic. So in 2005, Cyrus moved to Atlanta in the hopes of finding a career in comedy. Since then, he has established himself as a hilarious force of nature and master impressionist, imitating everyone from Kevin Hart, to Barack Obama and even Donald Trump! Dedicated to giving his audience more than a show, Cyrus most recently won the title of “The South’s Funniest Accountant” at Marietta’s “Rev’d Up Comedy Showcase.”

Jason Weems
A native of Baltimore, Jason Weems is striving to become a comedic great. His very engaging and conversational style on stage, leaves audiences feeling like they’ve just finished talking to a close friend, and it simultaneously acts as free therapy for him. Jason has been seen at the most prestigious “By Invitation Only” comedy festival, The “Just For Laughs” festival in Montreal and recently added a featured semi-finalist credit to his name on the hit NBC series “Last Comic Standing.” In December 2010, he filmed his first hour comedy special entitled Jason Weems, Vol. 1: Intellectual Property in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, which has been released independently.

Shereen Kassam
She calls herself the, “Funny Brown Girl”, and that is exactly what she is. Much of Shereen’s comedy is focused on her relationship with her Muslim parents. She also draws on her dating experiences as an intelligent, beautiful woman, and has no problem spilling all. She is a regular host on iHeart Media’s “Monsters in the Morning” talk radio show.

TuRae Gordon
TuRae’s comedy career began in the 1990’s while attending Temple University. Encouraged by friends, he entered and won his first open mic competition at the famous Philadelphia Laff House. The club immediately named him house MC, providing the opportunity to develop his thoughtful and unique point of view. Drawing on his urban upbringing and experiences, he demonstrates an engaging and earnest style of comedy with broad appeal. In 2007, he traveled to London, England where he won the World Cup Comedy Clash at London’s Hackney Empire Theater. TuRae headlines clubs and colleges and has competed in and won a number of competitions including the Def Jam Comedy Competition and The WB’s, Comedy After Midnight.

The Comedy Wings Competition is one of several platforms innovated by the ABFF designed to uncover talent and introduce them to a broader audience. ABFF has always participated in the cultivation of Black talent and has provided a stage over the years for dynamic performers such as Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Craig Robinson, Tommy Davidson and Bill Bellamy. To purchase passes, tickets for events, panels and screenings at the American Black Film Festival, log on to https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-passes/.

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

Sponsors for the American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac (Presenting Sponsors); Comcast NBCUniversal, Prudential Financial, Turner, BET (Premier Sponsors); American Airlines, ASPiRE, Codeblack Films, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Sundial Brands, Verizon (Official Sponsors); and Planned Parenthood of America, Time Warner and OWN (Supporting Sponsors); Motion Picture Editors Guild, SAGIndie, Streampix, Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners).

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

PRESS CONTACT:

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

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ABFF to Close Festival with Tupac Biopic ALL EYEZ ON ME, Starring Kat Graham, Hill Harper, Danai Gurira, Cory Hardrict and Demetrius Shipp Jr. as Tupac Shakur

PRESENTED BY LIONSGATE FILMS, CODEBLACK FILMS AND MORGAN CREEK PRODUCTIONS

New York, New York (March 29, 2017) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today that the biographical drama film, All Eyez On Me, from director Benny Boom, will close the festival on Saturday, June 17th. The closing night film is presented by Lionsgate, Codeblack Films and Morgan Creek Productions.

All Eyez On Me tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world’s most recognized and influential voices, before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur’s raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.

The film stars Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries, Addicted), Lauren Cohan (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice), Hill Harper (CSI: NY, Covert Affairs), Jamal Woolard (Notorious), Danai Gurira (Black Panther, The Walking Dead), Jamie Hector (The Wire, Paid in Full), Cory Hardrict (American Sniper, Destined) and Demetrius Shipp Jr. (#unlock’d) as Tupac Shakur. The producers are LT Hutton, David Robinson, and James G. Robinson.

“Lionsgate’s Codeblack Films has committed a lot of resources to bringing Black stories to the screen and Jeff Clanagan, President of Codeblack Films, has been a long-time supporter of the festival. It’s an honor to screen the highly-anticipated story of iconic rapper and poet Tupac Shakur as this year’s closing film, and to support its director ABFF Alum, Benny Boom,” says Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures CEO.

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

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

Sponsors for the American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac (Presenting Sponsor); Comcast NBCUniversal, Prudential, McDonald’s, Turner (Premier Sponsors); and American Airlines, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Verizon (Official Sponsors); Planned Parenthood of America and OWN (Supporting Sponsors); Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partner).

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

PRESS CONTACT:

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

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ABFF to Open with the World Premiere of Universal Pictures’ GIRLS TRIP, Starring Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, with Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah

PRESENTED BY THE MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA INC. (MPAA), COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

New York, New York (March 23, 2017) – The 2017 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to open with the upcoming comedy Girls Trip on Wednesday, June 14, at the historic Olympia Theater in Miami. The world premiere of this opening night film, in advance of its nationwide release, is presented by the Motion Picture Association of America Inc. (MPAA), courtesy of Universal Pictures. Girls Trip arrives in theaters on July 21.

Producer Will Packer (Ride Along and Think Like a Man franchises, Almost Christmas) presents the new comedy from director/producer Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man franchise, Barbershop: The Next Cut).

When four lifelong friends—Regina Hall (Think Like a Man, The Best Man Holiday), Tiffany Haddish (Keanu, A Christmas Wedding), with Jada Pinkett Smith (Gotham, Bad Moms) and Queen Latifah (Star, Bessie)—travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.

Larenz Tate (House of Lies), Kate Walsh (Private Practice), Mike Colter (Luke Cage) and Kofi Siriboe (Queen Sugar) co-star in the comedy directed from a screenplay by Black-ish creator Kenya Barris & screenwriter Tracy Oliver (Barbershop: The Next Cut), from a story by Erica Rivinoja (Trolls) and Barris & Oliver. James Lopez, head of motion pictures for Will Packer Productions, and Preston Holmes, executive produce.

Hashtag: #GirlsTrip
Website: www.GirlsTripMovie.com

“The MPAA is thrilled to once again sponsor the Opening Night film for the American Black Film Festival,” said Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America. “For five years, the MPAA has partnered with the ABFF to diversify the creative pipeline, and I want to commend my good friend Jeff Friday and his team on their extraordinary work in presenting a wide array of diverse stories to the Festival audience. I would like to thank our member studio Universal Pictures for partnering with us to showcase their new film Girls Trip.”

“We deeply appreciate Senator Dodd and the MPAA team’s continued support of ABFF. Both the MPAA and Universal Pictures are genuinely committed to supporting diversity in the motion-picture industry, and we are excited to premiere Girls Trip to the ABFF audience on opening night. The film is produced by ABFF alum Will Packer and starring, among others, this year’s ABFF ambassador, Regina Hall—as well as directed by longtime friend of the festival Malcolm D. Lee. We’ll also be following up the screening with a dynamic ‘ABFF First Look’ panel discussion the very next day: the perfect combination to start this year’s festival,” said ABFF Ventures CEO Founder Jeff Friday.

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

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

Sponsors for the American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac (Presenting Sponsor); Comcast NBCUniversal, Prudential, Turner (Premier Sponsors); and American Airlines, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Verizon (Official Sponsors); Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partner).

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

ABOUT MPAA:
The Motion Picture Association of America Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; Universal Pictures; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

PRESS CONTACT:

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

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ABFF Launches Greenlighters Academy to Educate and Prepare Students for Executive Positions in Film and Television. Terrence Jenkins Named Ambassador for Program.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND TV PERSONALITY TERRENCE JENKINS NAMED AMBASSADOR FOR PROGRAM

New York, New York (March 17, 2017) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has announced the first annual ABFF Greenlighters Academy, a new educational and career development initiative targeted to African American college students with an interest in pursuing executive careers in film and television.

This is a pipeline program that inspires its participants to become heads of various divisions within the Hollywood studio system and nurtures future film and television executives who will be leaders of this industry. The inaugural Greenlighters Academy will launch in Los Angeles this April.

As the first official program under the new ABFF INSPIRES umbrella, the ABFF Greenlighters Academy will educate students on the inner workings of the film and television business while granting them access to leading industry experts who will share valuable career building tips, along with guidance based on their own career trajectories.

Actor and producer Terrence Jenkins will serve as the ambassador to the Greenlighters Academy. Terrence recognizes the importance of giving back and helping African American students understand the corporate side of the film and television industry. Through his company, Jenkins Entertainment Group, Terrence has been optioned to develop and executive produce original content for both MTV and VH1. Terrence also took his talents to the silver screen and starred in such films as Stomp the Yard: Homecoming, Think Like A Man, Baggage Claim, The Perfect Match, and more. Past television hosting jobs have included BET’s popular music countdown show, 106 & Park and E! News’ daily entertainment news show.

“The ABFF Greenlighters Academy is an expansion of our 20-year legacy of identifying young African American talent. We firmly believe that we have to lift as we climb. This unprecedented incubator program will give African American college students the opportunity to jump-start their corporate entertainment careers through the information and access they will receive. The ABFF Greenlighters Academy is a pipeline to corporate positions that will inspire these diverse young people to become executives who are an integral part of greenlighting film and television projects in Hollywood,” states Jeff Friday, CEO of ABFF Ventures, LLC.

Terrence will host the two-day intensive boot camp in Los Angeles where students will attend sessions with top corporate entertainment executives, agents, department heads, and production company owners. The speakers will describe their career trajectory, conduct “Day in the Life” seminars, and engage the students in “Ask Me Anything” roundtable discussions. The boot camp will also include outings to various Hollywood offices, studio lots and/or set locations, which will give the students a look into the day-to-day of working within a corporate entertainment company. The program will also assist students throughout the year to secure internship opportunities at production companies, television networks and movie studios.

“I am happy to partner with the ABFF on the Greenlighters Academy. While in college, I always searched for information on how to break into Hollywood. This program is the answer and I look forward to being a part of the next generation of entertainment business executives,” says Terrence Jenkins.

Participants will leave the ABFF Greenlighters Academy with a clear understanding of what it takes to “green light” a project and the knowledge and understanding of the steps they need to pursue a career in the corporate entertainment executive path.

The application submission rules for the ABFF Greenlighters Academy are available online now at https://www.abff.com/miami/abff-greenlighters-academy/ and the submission deadline is March 31, 2017. The academy is open to African American students pursuing all majors, who are sophomores or above matriculated in a four-year bachelor degree program at an accredited college or university, with a current GPA of 3.0 or above.

FOLLOW ABFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

PRESS CONTACT:

Strategic Heights Media
Michelle Huff Elliott / Simone Smalls
michelle@strategicheights.com
212-634-7176

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Turner Partners with American Black Film Festival to Launch New Writing Contest

Turner Also Plans Executive Skills Session for June 14-18 Festival, Kicking Off Three-Year Agreement to Support ABFF as Premier Sponsor

February 6, 2017 – Global media company Turner is partnering with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) on a new writing contest designed to discover fresh writing talent from racially diverse backgrounds. Through the ABFF & Turner Writing Contest, writers with no professional television experience are invited to submit pilot scripts for comedy or drama series. One winner chosen from each genre will win a trip to Miami for the 2017 American Black Film Festival, which takes place June 14-18, along with a cash prize and the opportunity to meet with the original programming development teams for Turner’s TBS & TNT.

“TNT and TBS are fully committed to expanding opportunities for storytellers from all backgrounds,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT. “The ABFF & Turner Writing Contest is an excellent way to find and nurture exciting new talent just waiting to be discovered.”

The ABFF & Turner Writing Contest is the first element in a new three-year agreement through which Turner will support ABFF as a Premier Sponsor. In addition to collaborating on the contest, Turner will host an executive skills-building session during this year’s festival. Slated to take place in the ABFF’s Careers in Entertainment Center, the session will be followed by a recruitment fair to share information about current and future employment opportunities at Turner.

“We believe that attracting emerging business leaders who can bring a wide range of experience, ideas and perspectives to our networks is crucial to our continued success,” said Angela Santone, executive vice president and global chief human resources officer for Turner. “We look forward to collaborating with the ABFF as we promote the importance of being inclusive in today’s rapidly changing industry.”

“We are thankful to Turner for investing in the future of our storytellers, who in turn help shape and reshape the images projected of Black America,” stated Melanie Sharee, head of programming, ABFF. “They are committed to providing opportunities for creative talent, as well as for those seeking an executive path within the industry. We
are grateful for their partnership and commitment to the ABFF mission.”

Although Turner’s specific plans for the ABFF will vary from year to year, the company’s activities will remain focused on telling inclusive stories that challenge racial divisions and providing a wide range of opportunities for new voices to be heard. Other Turner-related activities for this year’s festival will be announced later.

The ABFF & Turner Writing Contest is open to U.S. residents who are over the age of 18 and members of a diverse or underrepresented community. Scripts must be submitted by April 5, 2017, in order to be considered. Additional details and contest rules are available at www.abff.com/turner-tv-pilot-contest/.

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

Sponsors of the 2017 American Black Film Festival to date are HBO (Founding & Presenting); the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host& Presenting); TV One, Cadillac (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal and Turner (Premier); and American Airlines, Verizon (Official); Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partner).

About Turner
Turner, a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, sports, animation and young adult multi-platform content for consumers around the world. Turner brands and businesses include CNN/ U.S., HLN, CNN International and CNN.com, TBS, TNT, TCM, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report, FilmStruck, Super Deluxe, iStreamPlanet and ELEAGUE.

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The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Announces Actress Regina Hall as 2017 Celebrity Ambassador

THE ABFF RETURNS TO MIAMI JUNE 14-18, 2017

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (December 15, 2016) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today that actress Regina Hall has been selected as its 2017 celebrity ambassador. The ABFF will celebrate its 21st year with an exciting lineup of film screenings and expanded schedule of networking opportunities and events June 14-18, 2017, in Miami, FL. The highly anticipated festival is the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and television enthusiasts.

Regina Hall has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most sought after comedic actresses. Her career started in the late 1990s while she was earning a master’s degree from New York University. Recently, Hall was seen on the big screen in Sony Screen Gems’ When the Bough Breaks with Morris Chestnut. She also appeared in Warner Bros’ Barber Shop 3 with Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Common, Eve and Nicki Minaj, Universal Pictures’ comedy The Best Man Holiday, the sequel to the hilarious The Best Man opposite Terrence Howard, Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan, and is well known for her roles in Think Like A Man, Think Like A Man Too and Scary Movie. Hall will next be seen in Girl Trip, co-starring alongside Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Tiffany Haddish. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee and produced by Will Packer, the film is scheduled for release by Universal Pictures in the summer of 2017.

“I am so excited to be an ambassador at this year’s ABFF. This festival represents art, entertainment, commerce and people of color, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” says Regina Hall.

“We are delighted to welcome Regina Hall to the ABFF family. She is a true artist and one of the most talented and versatile actors in the business. We feel very fortunate to have her as our 2017 ambassador and thank her for supporting the festival and its mission,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF founder.

Sponsors of the 2017 American Black Film Festival to date are: HBO (Founding/Presenting); the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host/Presenting); TV One, Cadillac (Presenting); and American Airlines, Verizon (Official).

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms:

For festival registration, passes, partner hotel and film submission information, visit www.ABFF.com.

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Founded by Jeff Friday, who is committed to the belief that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, supports emerging artists to foster a wider range of images, stories and storytellers represented in the entertainment industry. Recognized as the preeminent pipeline to new Black talent both in front of and behind
the camera, the ABFF is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. Annually held during the month of June, the festival is comprised of five action-packed days of films, engaging panels, networking events and more…from the star-studded opening night screening to the inspirational closing filmmaker ceremony. The ABFF is produced by ABFF Ventures, a partnership between Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise.

CONTACT:
Strategic Heights Media
Michelle Huff Elliott
michelle@strategicheights.com
Simone Smalls
simone@strategicheights.com
212-886-9581

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21st Annual American Black Film Festival Announces 2017 Dates

HBO Celebrates 20th Anniversary as Founding and Presenting Sponsor

NEW YORK, (October 20, 2016) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced that the 21st annual event will be held in Miami, June 14-18, 2017. In addition to the best of Black film and TV, the five-day festival will offer an innovative program with new experiences, including The Byron Lewis Careers in Entertainment Center, a multiday educational forum with lectures led by industry experts to provide insight into job opportunities in front of and behind the camera at studios and networks; and ABFF Immersive, where festivalgoers are introduced to virtual reality, 360° video and immersive storytelling through panel discussions, hands-on demos and immersive experiences that demonstrate how technology can impact storytelling. HBO, the ABFF’s founding and presenting sponsor, will be marking the 20th anniversary of the widely acclaimed HBO Short Film Competition at the festival.

Festival passes go on sale November 1 at www.abff.com, providing three different levels of access to festival screenings, official and premium events. Questions regarding registration may be directed to info@abffventures.com.

Submission rules and complete eligibility criteria for feature-length films, documentaries, shorts and web originals will be available at www.abff.com November 1.

ABFF SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

CONTACT:
ABFF Ventures
Melanie Sharee
info@abffventures.com
212-886-9581

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Star-Studded Lineup of Entertainers Celebrate 20th Anniversary of the American Black Film Festival

FESTIVAL CLOSES WITH TOP HONORS TO “DESTINED” FOR BEST ACTOR & BEST DIRECTOR

Miami, Florida (June 27, 2016) – The 20th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced the winners of its competition categories at an awards ceremony on Saturday, June 18, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Top awards went to Destined, Daddy Don’t Go and Service to Man.

This year’s ABFF was filled with informative and innovative programming that included film premieres, panels, workshops and master classes led by Hollywood notables.

The star-studded lineup included Common, Omari Hardwick, Robert Townsend, Cedric the Entertainer, Gabrielle Union, Nate Parker, Will Packer, Tichina Arnold, Teyonah Parris, Nicole Bahari, Soledad O’Brien and T.D. Jakes, who joined in the festival’s activities in support of new filmmakers and artists of color.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) presented the festival’s opening film, Central Intelligence. The charismatic buddy action film, starring Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, was screened at the historic Olympia Theater in downtown Miami. The film’s leading lady, Danielle Nicolet, greeted attendees and introduced the film, along with a video welcome from her two leading co-stars.

Following the screening, the opening night party, always well attended, proceeded at one of South Beach’s hottest night spots: Story. The wildly popular DJ D-Nice provided sounds well into the night, later joined by this year’s ABFF Celebrity Ambassador, Common, for an impressive spontaneous performance.

The ABFF master classes continue to be a high point for those with interests centered on film and television. This year’s classes included “Writing for Television,” with Comcast NBCUniversal’s SVP of Programming Talent Development & Inclusion for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios.

Karen Horne; “TV Production – The HBO Way” presented by Bruce Richmond, EVP of Production; and the Actor’s Boot Camp, led by Bill Duke.

“A Conversation With,” presented by American Airlines, is part of the ABFF’s top-rated Talk Series. The intimate and powerful exchange between TV One host and journalist Roland Martin and ABFF Celebrity Ambassador Common was particularly revealing and compelling, as they discussed the industry, what it means to be a person of color within it and how levels of success are achieved.

Spotlight Screenings, Master Classes, Industry Coaching Seminars, and informative panel discussions, among other exciting events, comprise the five-day festival.

ABFF First Look: The Birth of a Nation, presented by the MPAA, courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Journalist and author Star Jones moderated a discussion with filmmaker and actor Nate Parker (Beyond the Lights, Red Tails) and actor Gabrielle Union (“Being Mary Jane,” Bad Boys II) about this provocative film and the journey from conception to distribution. The Making of Almost Christmas, presented by Comcast NBC Universal, provided an inside look at Universal’s new comedy with writer/director/executive producer David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim), producer Will Packer (Roots, Think Like A Man) and actor Gabrielle Union (“Being Mary Jane,” Bad Boys II). Another highlight of the festival was an Industry Coaching Seminar with Akil Productions, where husband and wife team Salim Akil and Mara Brock-Akil presented how to navigate a career in screenwriting and introduced a new ABFF initiative: ABFF Women’s Writers Lab.

The Spotlight Screening schedule was filled with informative and stimulating topics and conversations, including a screening of TBS’s Angie Tribeca and Q&A with star Deon Cole; Stepping Up: Stories of Jazz & Caregiving, sponsored by AARP; United Shades of America screening and conversation with W. Kamau Bell, courtesy of CNN Original Series; the world premiere of TV One’s Bad Dad Rehab followed by a Q&A with the cast, Malik Yoba, Wesley Jonathan, Robert Riley, Rick Gonzalez and Robert Ri’chard; and Next On HBO, presented by HBO, a conversation with Jacob Anderson, Andre Holland, Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones), Jazmyn Simon and John David Washington (Ballers).

ABFF is filled with great connecting and networking opportunities for attendees. This year’s “Power Lounge,” sponsored by Cadillac, was a three-day lounge for Deco passholders and included meet and greets with actors Omari Hardwick and Tichina Arnold. McDonald’s sponsored ABFF Game Night, hosted by actress and blogger Skye Townsend. Guests enjoyed complimentary McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches and pies, specialty cocktails, courtesy of Zacapa Rum, and of course games, including air hockey, pool, poker, karaoke and traditional card games. Time Warner hosted a Mojito Mixer for Writers with the goal of connecting with emerging content creators. Kwese’ Media was the host of a private reception to discuss international distribution options with festival filmmakers.

ABFF consistently partners with companies to establish and maintain meaningful relationships and, most importantly, to offer opportunities for creative individuals aspiring to succeed in film and television. To that end, ABFF has created the following competitions and workshops:

For the past three years, HBO and ABFF have partnered to find the next comedy star with the Comedy Wings Competition. This year’s host was Cedric the Entertainer. Out of five finalists, Daphnique Springs deservingly took home the coveted award.

The McDonald’s “My Community” Video Competition encourages filmmakers to produce a 90-second video illustrating what being deeply rooted in your community means. Director Tyshun Wardlaw won the film equipment prize package valued at $2,500 for her film, Be the Seed.

Comcast NBCUniversal partnered with ABFF for two talent initiatives at the festival this year: The Star Project, searches to find the next fresh face for film and television, and the NBC Television Hosting Workshop, designed to help emerging TV hosts sharpen their skills and identify dynamic personalities ready for on-air opportunities.

TV One’s 2nd annual Screenplay Competition highlighted three new writers who received an all-expense-paid trip to the ABFF, where each finalist got an opportunity to direct a scene from their script. Professional actors in front of a live audience at TV One’s “Celebrity Scene Stealers” performed each script during the festival.

VH1 partnered with the ABFF for the first annual Unscripted Workshop, where they selected and hosted five individuals with interesting show concepts. Programming executives spent two days working with them to discuss the business of show creation and provide tips to further develop their projects.

In celebration of 20 years, ABFF ALL ACCESS captured interviews with participating talent, Gabrielle Union, Robert Townsend, Common and more, to discuss their ABFF experiences and stories. All interviews will be available on the ABFF website. Cadillac commissioned artist Brandon Odums to create a mural celebrating ABFF’s 20th year. The installation honored the past by looking toward the future and asked attendees to jot down their ideas for African American characters and storylines missing in today’s movies, and then placed them on the art at the end of each festival day. The finished piece will be displayed in Detroit, Michigan.

ABFF prides itself on supporting its own, and this year it presented special screenings of ABFF alumni work, including writer-director Steve Caple Jr.’s skateboard film The Land, director Randy Wilkin’s documentary on Roy Jones Jr., titled 86-32, and Ringside, the TV One film from radio personality and director Russ Parr. In addition to screenings, ABFF hosted the ABFF Alumni Filmmaker Reunion, sponsored by BET, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Hosted by actor and comedian Chris Spencer, the 20th anniversary celebration concluded with “Best of the Festival” awards, a star-studded ceremony celebrating the achievements and successes of filmmakers, writers and actors. ABFF’s closing night party, sponsored by Hennessy, capped the night off.

“We are more than honored to have had the opportunity to serve the community of diverse artists and creators over the past twenty years,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder. “We are encouraged that the industry has awakened to the power of inclusion. We salute all of our partners who have sustained us over our journey, with special thanks to founding sponsor HBO and this year’s presenting sponsors Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, TV One, Cadillac and McDonald’s. Through their support we have been able to realize goals that 20 years ago we could only dream.”

The top winners at the “Best of the Festival” awards were The Fix, taking the coveted “Audience Award,” presented by BET; “Best Screenplay,” presented by Time Warner, went to How To Tell You’re a Douchebag, written by Tahir Jetter; and Destined, directed by Qasim Basir received the award for “Best Director,” presented by Cadillac, with the festival’s highest cash prize of $25,000. Cory Hardrict took top honor as “Best Actor” for Destined and gave a powerful acceptance speech in honor of his mother.

Giving back to the community provided the perfect theme for the conclusion of the 20th anniversary celebration of the American Black Film Festival. As part of Miami Film Month, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau partnered with the ABFF to host a Community Day film-screening event on Father’s Day at the Lyric Theater, located at 819 NW 2nd Avenue in Historic Overtown. The host for these festivities was singer and actress Brave Williams. Attendees had an opportunity to view three films from the 2016 ABFFs screening schedule, including Bad Dad Rehab, which will air on TV One on July 3, the documentary Through My Lens, which will air on Aspire TV in October during National Anti- Bullying Month, and Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, directed by Christine Swanson and starring Teyonah Parris. Throughout the day there were scheduled speakers, including Malik Yoba and Lamman Rucker.

Following the 2016 ABFF, BET Networks and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) unveiled a programming partnership, ABFF Encore at BET Experience, at the BET Experience @ L.A. LIVE, June 24-26. ABFF Encore at BET Experience featured select films from the 2016 ABFF (How to Tell You Are a Douchebag, Destined and Everything But A Man), along with master classes in a variety of disciplines including acting, directing and producing. This year’s classes were led by filmmaker/producer Robert Townsend, creator/producer Kenya Barris and actor/producer Tasha Smith.

Links to Images:

ABFF Encore @ BET Experience Master Class
http://assignments.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr442564115

ABFF Encore @ BET Experience Screening Destined
http://assignments.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr442565448

ABFF Encore @ BET Experience Screening How To Tell You’re A Douchebag
http://assignments.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr442564448

ABFF Encore @ BET Experience Screening The Life of a Showrunner / Master Class
http://assignments.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr442564456

2016 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS

THE “BEST OF FESTIVAL” AUDIENCE AWARD
(Presented by BET)

THE FIX
Director: Paris Bauldwin
Writer: Paris Bauldwin
Producers: Paris Bauldwin, Kenny Lofton, Brenton Earley
Cast: Meta Golding, Eric Roberts, Asia Queen, Nicole Steinwedell, Blaine Gray, Jeremy Suarez, Sean O’Bryan, Timon Kyle Durrett, Jeremy Luke

GRAND JURY PRIZE FOR BEST SCREENPLAY
(Presented by Time Warner)

HOW TO TELL YOU’RE A DOUCHEBAG
Director: Tahir Jetter
Writer: Tahir Jetter
Producers: Julius Pryor, Marttise Hill, Tahir Jetter
Cast: Charles Brice, DeWanda Wise, Jenna Williams, William Jackson Harper, Tonye Patano, Alexander Mulzac

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR
(Presented by Cadillac)

DESTINED
Writer/Director: Qasim Basir
Producers: Tommy Oliver, Rick Rosenthal, Matt Ratner
Cast: Cory Hardrict, Jesse Metcalfe, Margot Bingham, Robert Christopher Riley, Zulay Henao, Jason Dohring, Mo McRae, La La Anthony, Hill Harper, James McCaffrey, Curtiss Cook

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
(Presented by Prudential)

SERVICE TO MAN *World Premiere
Directors: Aaron Greer, Seth Panitch
Writer: Seth Panitch
Producers: Aaron Greer, Seth Panitch
Cast: Morgan Auld, Christopher Livingston, Lamman Rucker, Keith David

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR

Cory Hardrict
Destined
Writer/Director: Qasim Basir
Producers: Tommy Oliver, Rick Rosenthal, Matt Ratner

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION
(Presented by HBO)

FLOWERS *World Premiere
Directors: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley
Writers: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley
Producers: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley
Cast: Amee Apedo, Belle LeGrand, Grant Tambellini

BEST WEB ORIGINAL
(Presented by Comcast Xfinity)

2 SELF HELP BOOKS AWAY FROM BEING PERFECT
Director: Lopez Williams
Writer/Creator: Kimberly Young
Producers: Lopez Williams, Kimberly Young, Morris Young, Richard Monroe, Lori Stewart Tannis, Sam Baumel
Cast: Kimberly Young, DJ Cipha Sounds, Nate Gill, Carmen Lynch, Sharron Paul, Jourdan Guyton, Jared Prudoff-Smith, Lauren Besser, Gibran Saleem, Godfrey Taylor, Jr., Sue Berch

BEST DOCUMENTARY
(Presented by Hennessy)

DADDY DON’T GO
Director: Emily Abt, Andrew Osborne
Writer: Emily Abt
Producers: Emily Abt, Keryn Thompson, Suzette Burton, Omar Epps, Malik Yoba

ABFF TALENT DISCOVERY PROGRAMS

COMEDY WINGS COMPETITION WINNER
(Presented by HBO)
Daphnique Springs

MCDONALD’S “MY COMMUNITY” VIDEO COMPETITION WINNER
Be the Seed
Directed by: Tyshun Wardlaw

STAR PROJECT
(Presented by NBC)
Kelcy Griffin

TV ONE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION WINNER
Tale of a Script
Written by: N’Zuri Za Austin

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

Sponsors for the 2016 American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor), TV One, Cadillac and McDonald’s (Presenting Sponsors); BET, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hennessy and Prudential (Platinum Sponsors); AARP, American Airlines, Coors Light, Kwesé Media, Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Time Warner and VH1 (Official Sponsors); Planned Parenthood of America, Tanqueray and TBS (Supporting Sponsor); 21st Century Fox, ABC, ASPiRE, Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, CAA, CNN Original Series, Facebook, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council (TDC), Motion Picture Editors Guild, RLJ Entertainment, SAGIndie, The Root, and Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners); Black Enterprise, Ebony Magazine, MIA Magazine, Upscale and TheYBF.com (Media Partners); and Blacknoir.com and The JDot Agency (Promotional Partners).

ABOUT ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. Today, the ABFF is recognized as the preeminent pipeline to new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures, LLC., which is a partnership between Film Life, Inc., and Black Enterprise.

CONTACT:
Strategic Heights Media
info@strategicheights.com
212-634-7176