Debbie Allen, Courtney Kemp, Mario Van Peebles, Michelle Buteau Among New Additions to ABFF’s 30th Anniversary
ABFF Also Unveils Immersive Lifestyle Activations from Ally, Walmart, The Smithsonian, and Lexus
LOS ANGELES, CA (May 12, 2026) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has unveiled a new slate of panels and conversation as part of its 2026 “Homecoming” celebration. The latest programming brings together influential voices across entertainment, sports, culture, and storytelling.
Joining the roster is a compelling look at historical preservation with The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), commemorating 10 years of documenting Black history through moving images. Rounding out the announcement is GLAAD’s “From Story to Impact,” an important conversation exploring the power of queer storytelling to humanize the HIV experience and inspire meaningful dialogue and change.
The festival also welcomes Ben Watkins (Cross) to “Storyteller Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouse Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals.” The conversation will explore Watkins’ creative journey bringing acclaimed series including Cross and the upcoming The Greatest to the screen, offering audiences an inside look at the collaboration, creative instincts, and real-world challenges behind today’s most compelling television storytelling.
Newly confirmed for the CBS daytime series Beyond the Gates first-look session: legendary actor Clifton Davis, Daphnée Duplaix, and executive producer Sheila Ducksworth. They join a comprehensive look at the groundbreaking series from CBS Studios.
The television celebration continues with an exclusive preview of the final chapter of a fan-favorite saga. STARZ will host “Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Look at Season Five of Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” featuring Mekai Curtis, London Brown, and additional panelists forthcoming. Ahead of the June 12 premiere, series stars will lead a moderated discussion offering the audience an inside look at the evolution of the Southside and the high-stakes family tensions that define the series’ climactic final season.
In a true “Homecoming” moment, the festival has unveiled the powerhouse lineup for the previously announced Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television panel, moderated by Nina Parker. Spanning generations of storytelling excellence, the star-studded conversation will feature icons like Debbie Allen and showrunner Felicia Pride discussing legacy and the highly anticipated sequel of A Different World alongside the series’ new lead, Maleah Joi Moon. The panel will also spotlight the creative forces behind Nemesis, including showrunner, creator and executive producer Courtney Kemp, co-creator and executive producer Tani Marole, and director Mario Van Peebles; alongside Michelle Buteau, creator, executive producer and lead star of Survival of the Thickest and the series showrunner and EP Amy Aniobi; as well as stars from Beauty in Black, Crystle Stewart and Taylor Polidore Williams.
“Thirty years in, what excites us most is that ABFF continues to evolve while staying true to why we started,” said Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD. “This year’s lineup brings together storytellers, creators, athletes, executives, and cultural voices who are shaping conversations across entertainment and beyond. From honoring legacy to spotlighting what’s next, the programming reflects the energy, influence, and creative community that has always been at the heart of ABFF.”
The programming lineup complements previously announced selections, including narrative and documentary feature films, exclusive screenings and world premieres, sneak peeks and red-carpet premieres.
This year’s milestone anniversary of ABFF with the celebratory theme “Homecoming,” returns to Miami Beach from May 27-31, 2026. All live events will take place across key venues in Miami Beach, including the New World Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, and O Cinema.
For additional details, visit www.ABFF.com.
NEW PANELS, PANELISTS & FILM ADDITIONS:
From Story to Impact: Black Queer Stories and Allyship Driving Culture and Change
Sponsored by GLAAD
Thursday, May 28, 10:30 am – 11:45 am
Black queer storytelling has always been a force for visibility, truth, and cultural change, especially in the ongoing fight to end HIV stigma. This dynamic conversation brings together talent, creators, and industry leaders to explore how film, television, and digital media can challenge harmful narratives, humanize HIV experiences, and expand what audiences understand about identity, care, community, and allyship.
Built First: How Legacy Is Created A Conversation with Dawn Staley
Sponsored by Ally Financial
Thursday, May 28, 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
New World Center – Performance Hall
Legacy is built when you go first – before permission, before proof, before anyone else sees what you see. This fireside chat brings together three powerful examples of going first: Dawn Staley’s championship legacy as an Olympian, Hall of Famer, and head coach who’s built her career on her own terms. ABFF’s 30-year commitment to Black cinema when the industry wouldn’t make space. And Ally’s early leadership in women’s sports and financial wellness before it became a trend. We’ll explore the courage to move first, the clarity to stay aligned, and the conviction to create lasting impact – because legacy isn’t built when it’s easy; it’s built when you’re the only one who believes it’s possible.
Panelists: Dawn Staley
Moderated by: Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness, Ally Financial
HIGH TEA, BEYOND THE GATES — An Immersive Panel Experience
Sponsored by CBS
Thursday, May 28, 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm
New World Center – Truist Pavilion
Join the creative team and cast of Beyond the Gates for an intimate conversation over high tea, celebrating the stories, characters, and cultural impact of the groundbreaking series. In this immersive panel, attendees will hear firsthand from the talent behind the show as they discuss the inspiration behind the drama, the collaboration that brings it to life, and the importance of powerful, multi-generational storytelling in daytime television. Set in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, this special event invites guests to get dressed up and connect with the voices shaping one of television’s most talked-about new series—complete with thoughtfully curated light bites and refreshments to enjoy throughout the evening.
*NEW* Panelists: Clifton Davis (Vernon Dupree in Beyond the Gates), Daphnée Duplaix (Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson in Beyond the Gates), Sheila Ducksworth (President of CBS STUDIOS/NAACP Venture; Executive Producer of Beyond the Gates)
Moderated by: Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Executive Vice President, Content Engagement, Partnerships & Strategy, Paramount, TV Media
“From Stage to Screen: Aleshea Harris on Directing Is God Is“
Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios
Friday, May 29, 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1
Join award-winning playwright and first-time feature director Aleshea Harris as she sits down for an intimate conversation about bringing her acclaimed play Is God Is to the screen. Harris will share the creative challenges and revelations of her directorial debut, exploring how she translated the raw, mythic energy of her Obie Award-winning stage work into a cinematic experience. From preserving theatrical boldness to discovering new visual storytelling possibilities, Harris will offer candid insight into the art of theater-to-screen adaptation—and what it means to carry a singular artistic voice into an entirely new medium.
Panelists: Aleshea Harris
Moderator: TBD
Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television Panel
Sponsored by Netflix
Friday, May 29, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
New World Center – Performance Hall
Netflix will host a special Celebration of Black Television panel spotlighting the creative excellence of storytellers on and off the screen. Featuring powerhouse voices from Netflix’s upcoming 2026 slate, the conversation will explore the craft, culture, and community shaping a new era of Black television from writers’ rooms and directors’ chairs to unforgettable on‑screen performances.
*NEW* Panelists: Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest, Creator, EP and Lead Actress), Amy Aniobi (Survival of the Thickest, EP and Showrunner), Courtney Kemp (Nemesis, Showrunner/Creator/ EP), Mario Van Peebles (Nemesis, Director), Tani Marole (Nemesis, Co-Creator/EP), Crystle Stewart (Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Actress), Taylor Polidore Williams (Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Actress), Debbie Allen (A Different World, EP, Director, Actress), Felicia Pride (A Different World, Showrunner, EP, Writer), Maleah Joi Moon (A Different World, Actress)
Moderated by: Nina Parker
10 Years of Collecting and Preserving Black Film at NMAAHC
Sponsored by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Friday, May 29; 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm
New World Center – Truist Hall
This panel discusses the continued importance of seeing Black people in moving images and the role museums play in safekeeping stories of Black history and culture. As the museum approaches its 10-year anniversary, the panelists highlight the efforts of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) over the years to collect, digitize, and preserve the beauty of Black life as captured on film, video, and sound.
Panelists: LaCharles Ward, Ph.D., Supervisory Curator of Photography and Film and Director of the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts, National Museum of African American History and Culture; Ina Archer, Media Conservation and Digitization Specialist, National Museum of African American History and Culture; Dr. Terri Francis, Associate Professor of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami
Storyteller Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouse Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals
Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios
Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
New World Center – Truist Pavilion
Join us for an engaging conversation with accomplished showrunner and producer Ben Watkins, who brings Amazon MGM Studios Original titles like CROSS and upcoming biopic series THE GREATEST to life. This candid discussion will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making, problem-solving, and creative collaboration that defines successful television and film production. Ben will share specific examples from his work on Amazon MGM Studios Originals, discussing triumphs, lessons learned, and what’s to come for Prime Video customers.
*NEW* Panelist: Ben Watkins
Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Look at Season Five of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan”
Sponsored by STARZ
Saturday, May 30, 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm
Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1
Join stars from the fifth and final season of STARZ’s original series “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” for an exclusive preview event. Through curated clips and a moderated discussion, guests will experience the Southside through a new lens—exploring Kanan’s evolution, rising family tensions, and the high-stakes drama ahead. Be among the first to discover what’s in store for Season Five, premiering June 12 on STARZ.
*NEW* Panelists: Mekai Curtis & London Brown; additional panelists forthcoming.
Thought She Was The One *World Premiere
Saturday, May 30 | 6:45 pm
Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1
Logline: The movie follows a group of friends on their annual getaway, where unexpected revelations challenge their friendships and views on life.
USA | 1h 36m
Director: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr.
Writers: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr., Malcolm “Champ” Heaggans
Producers: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr., Yaneley Arty, Vanzil Burke, Victor Burke, Thuy-An Julien, Terrence J., Matt Jones, Ta’Nisha Cameron
Cast: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr., Terrence J., Tyler Chronicles, DomiNque Perry, Christopher Meyer, Kelly Davis, Brittany S. Hall, KaMillion
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1190821799?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
BRANDED ACTIVATIONS:
Ally Cinematic Lounge
Presented By Ally Financial
Wednesday, May 27: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday, May 28 – Saturday, May 30: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Miami Beach Convention Center – Floor 2
The Ally Cinematic Lounge is an editorial escape designed for guests to pause, play, and tap into their personal legacy. Inside the Miami-inspired cinematic lounge, attendees can craft a “golden ticket” personal legacy statement, capture the moment with branded photos, and enjoy a brief moment of respite in a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Guests can also jump into financial legacy trivia, then visit the Legacy Bar for fun, premium giveaways, adding an interactive, lighthearted layer to the experience. The lounge brings together reflection, play, and Miami-inspired ease, inviting guests to create, connect, and celebrate their legacy through every touchpoint of the experience.
Beauty Scene, featuring The Doux Block Party
Presented By Walmart
Miami Beach Convention Center – Floor 2
Beauty Scene powered by Walmart is your destination for all things haircare. Stop by the expo booth for expert tips, styling tricks, and product education with The Doux, the beloved textured haircare brand known for bold formulas and salon-quality results. Guests can experience hands-on product demos, discover new ways to care for and style their hair, and take home samples to try for themselves. Whether you’re looking to refresh your routine, learn from the pros, or find your next haircare must-have, Beauty Scene brings inspiration, expertise, and Walmart beauty favorites together in one interactive experience.
Welcome Home
Presented By the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
Wednesday, May 27 12:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Thursday, May 28 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday, May 29 10:00 am – 6:30 pm and 8:00-9:00 pm
Saturday, May 30 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Miami Beach Convention Center – Floor 2
We’re bringing our home, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to Miami. As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we mark this historic moment by opening our doors and inviting you in.
For the weekend, our space is more than a booth. It’s a living room; a place rooted in the warmth, culture, and storytelling that have always defined the Black home experience. A space where you can sit, stay a while, and feel exactly where you belong.
Step inside and experience:
- A curated gathering place designed to spark real conversation and authentic connection
- Explore museum content and significant cultural moments
- Be a part of living history with a unique portrait experience.
Your Lexus Culinary Experience Awaits
Presented By Lexus
Friday, May 29, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
New World Center – Lawn
Step into a curated Lexus experience where luxury, innovation, and culinary come together.
Friday afternoon, guests are invited to Taste the Moment presented by Lexus, featuring the custom Monogram GX – an interactive experience where custom pizzas are baked and served directly from the SUV’s cargo space, blending creativity with elevated hospitality.
Frame Your Moment with Lexus
Presented By Lexus
Saturday, May 30, 10:30 pm – 3:00 am
M2 Nightclub
On Saturday evening at M2 Miami, guests are invited to step into The Lexus Snap Studio, a premium photo experience designed to capture share-worthy moments. Featuring a professionally styled setup where guests can capture and share images that reflect their personal style.
ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), Ally Financial, Amazon MGM Studios, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, American Airlines (Major), Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Eli Lilly and Company, Lexus (Official), CBS, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, AARP, L’Oréal Groupe, STARZ, ESPN, GLAAD (Supporting), Motion Picture Association, Uber, Bounce (Contributing), Nielsen, Fulton Films GA, The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF, William Morris Endeavor (Associate), Variety, LA Times, Getty Images (Media).
Additional details and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.nicecrowd.com and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.
To receive ABFF notifications by email, sign up HERE!
About ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier annual event dedicated to empowering emerging talent and showcasing film and television content by and about people of African descent. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF has evolved into a leading talent discovery platform, attracting a global community of creators, executives, and fans. Each June, the festival draws more than 7,000 attendees to Miami Beach for five days of screenings, panels, networking, and cultural experiences. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, ABFF continues to serve as both a launchpad for talent and a cultural hub amplifying the diverse intersections of culture and achievement.
About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company’s mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com
More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com/miami/
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