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American Black Film Festival Culminates 25th Anniversary with Best of the ABFF Awards – A Celebration of Festival Winners

Amanda Seales Hosts the Virtual Ceremony

LOS ANGELES, CA, (November 29, 2021) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the winners of the competitive film selections and talent pipeline programs during the Best of the ABFF Awards ceremony. Hosted by comedian, actress and author Amanda Seales (Insecure), the ceremony was presented virtually for the second year on ABFF’s custom-designed streaming platform ABFF PLAY. ABFF winners receive a combined total cash prize of over $55,000 along with two actors cast in an upcoming original series. Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry served as this year’s ABFF ambassador.

Known for showcasing Black talent and discovering new voices, the month-long festival featured an unprecedented number of independent films — 102 — representing the best in Black cinema. The festival’s international film entries hailed from 32 countries, including Angola, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Ghana, Germany, Haiti, Namibia, Portugal, Saint Croix, South Africa and the United Kingdom. This year’s jury president was producer and ABFF alum Will Packer (Girl’s Trip, Ride Along).

Complementing ABFF’s wide range of films, the festival’s lineup of events included spotlight screenings, networking events and talks featuring Debra Martin Chase, Morris Chestnut, Colman Domingo, Meagan Good, Regina King, MC Lyte, Niecy Nash, Michael Rainey Jr., Larenz Tate, Flex Alexander and Shanice Wilson. A festival highlight was a one-on-one conversation with Halle Berry where she discussed her career and directorial debut Bruised. All events were presented free of charge reaching a global audience from 95 countries around the world during the festival which ran November 3-28.

Along with ABFF Ventures Founder and CEO Jeff Friday, featured presenters at the award ceremony were film and television industry executives representing ABFF’s impressive roster of partners and sponsors including: Karen Horne SVP, Equity + Inclusion, WarnerMedia; Sirius XM “Bevelations” host Bevy Smith on behalf of HBO; Juanita Slappy, Head of Multicultural Marketing, Cadillac; Dupe Bosu, Vice President, Strategic Communications (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), NBCUniversal; Keith LeGoy, Chairman, Worldwide Distribution & Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Yahoo National Reporter and Fellow, Garin Flowers.

The 2021 Jury Award winners are:

  • HBO Short Film Award, presented by HBO
    Prize: $10,000 for winner, $5,000 each for four finalists
    When the Sun Sets, written and directed by Phumi Morare
  • Jury Award – Best Director, presented by Cadillac
    Prize: $5,000
    Trees of Peace, directed by Alanna Brown
  • John Singleton Award – Best First Feature, presented by Netflix
    Prize: $5,000
    Trees of Peace, directed by Alanna Brown
  • Jury Award – Best Narrative Feature, presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment
    Prize: $2,500
    Trees of Peace, produced by Ron Ray, Barry Levine, Mike Bundlie, Brian Baniqued, Jeff Spiegel, Vicky Petela and Alanna Brown
  • Jury Award – Best Documentary Feature, presented by Yahoo
    Prize: $2,500
    The Neutral Ground, directed by CJ Hunt, produced by Darcy McKinnon
  • Jury Award – Best Web Series, presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
    Prize: $2,500
    True Story: I Feel, directed and written by Matthew Law

The 2021 Talent Pipeline Program winners are:

  • WarnerMedia Access Writers Competition – Drama
    Prize: $5,000
    Soul City Texas, Tony Clomax
  • WarnerMedia Access Writers Competition – Comedy
    Prize: $5,000
    Crazy in Love, Marcus Stricklin
  • ALLBLK’s Shoot Your Shot Casting Call
    Prize: Role in upcoming original series, West Philly, Baby
    Virginia Watson and Harrison White

The 2021 Fan Favorites as determined by the ABFF’s virtual audience are:

  • Fan Favorite Narrative Feature, B-Boy Blues
  • Fan Favorite Documentary, 100 Years From Mississippi
  • Fan Favorite Web Series, Last Bodega in Brooklyn
  • Fan Favorite ABFF Pride, Everyday Black Matter
  • Fan Favorite World Showcase, Coffee
  • Fan Favorite New Voices, Pickney

“We wrapped our 25th year on an incredibly exhilarating high as we honored some of the most talented and promising filmmakers who are sharing authentic stories about experiences from a Black and Brown perspective,” said Jeff Friday, Founder and CEO, ABFF Ventures LLC. “Showcasing this content and uplifting Black creatives is what ABFF is all about. As we close out this landmark year, fraught with uncertainty, with a highly successful virtual celebration we are honored and encouraged. We extend profound thanks to our corporate partners and supporters, our worldwide audience and celebrity participants and look forward to continuing the ABFF legacy in Miami in 2022.”

ABFF sponsors to date include WarnerMedia and HBO® (Founding); Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amazon Studios (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, Meta and 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), and Sephora (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/.

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, an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events that promote Black culture and achievement.

Media Contact:

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

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American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Announces 2021 Program Slate for 25th Year

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/.

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).

Media Contact:

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

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Oscar-winning Actress Halle Berry Returns to the ABFF as Ambassador for its 25th Anniversary

Berry Talks Directorial Debut BRUISED

LOS ANGELES, CA, (October 25, 2021) – ABFF Ventures, LLC today announced Oscar-winning actress and director Halle Berry as ambassador for the 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Along with her ambassador functions, Berry will headline ABFF’s popular talk series, an intimate one-on-one conversation that will spotlight her distinguished 30-year career. This year’s festival will be a worldwide virtual experience hosted on the festival’s custom-built platform ABFF PLAY November 3–28.

Berry, who is a long-time supporter of the festival, is notably the festival’s first recipient of the ABFF Rising Star Award which was presented at the inaugural ABFF in 1997. Her return to this milestone ABFF with her directorial debut of BRUISED, in which she also stars, is the result of a 25-year relationship with the festival and captures a full circle moment. The feature film is being released on the Netflix streaming platform on November 24, 2021.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Halle as the ABFF Festival Ambassador for our 25th anniversary year said Jeff Friday, founder ABFF and CEO Jeff Friday Media. “When we met her in 1997, she was a talented emerging actor with a bright future. Today, she is an Academy Award-winner, cultural icon and inspiration to women of color across our industry and the world.”

“For 25 years this festival has consistently supported emerging Black filmmakers,” said Berry. “I was honored to be recognized by ABFF early in my career and could not be prouder to return to the festival as its ambassador to help ABFF’s ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for emerging Black creators. I’m also thrilled to present my directorial debut BRUISED to the ABFF audience.”

The first Black actress to win an Oscar in the Best Actress category for her role in MONSTER’S BALL, Berry also earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award for her extraordinary performance in HBO’s telefilm, INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, which she also produced.

Berry’s career has spanned three decades, with performances in DIE ANOTHER DAY, JUNGLE FEVER, LOSING ISAIAH, BULWORTH, SWORDFISH and JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM.

In her current film, the gripping sports drama BRUISED, Berry stars as a fighter who reclaims her power, in and out of the ring, when everyone has counted her out.

Former ABFF ambassadors include Mary J. Blige, Idris Elba, Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina Hall, La La Anthony, Jay Ellis, Morris Chestnut, Omari Hardwick, Common, Taraji P. Henson and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

The 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/.

For festival information visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF.

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 Television Studios, National Geographic, 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

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).

Media Contact:

For additional press materials, please visit: https://www.abff.com/pressroom/.

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

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American Black Film Festival to Open Its 25th Year with Warner Bros. Pictures’ King Richard

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/.

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).

Media Contact:

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

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Finalists Announced for the 2021 American Black Film Festival’s Annual HBO® Short Film Competition

Emerging And Established Filmmakers Bring Innovative Storytelling And Diverse Perspectives To This Year’s Virtual Festival

HBO announced today their selection of finalists who will compete in ABFF’s 24th annual HBO® Short Film Competition. The 25th milestone festival will be hosted on ABFF PLAY, its custom-built online platform from November 3-28. Continuing with the festival’s tradition, the online global event will include a line-up of independent films, network and studio previews and talk events. The HBO® Short Film Competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the country.

This year’s five finalists, Lin Que Ayoung (“Cracked”), Omar S. Kamara (“Mass Ave”), Natalie Jasmine Harris (“Pure”), Michelle Beck (“The Snakes”), and Phumi Morare (“When The Sun Sets”) are emerging directors with diverse styles and sensibilities from across the United States. Prior winners include Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther”), Steven Caple Jr. (“Creed II”), Kiel Adrian Scott (“The Bobby Brown Story”), Saladin K. Patterson (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Ben Watkins (“Burn Notice”).

“As a founding sponsor, HBO continues to share ABFF’s mission of elevating the dynamic world of Black film and providing a space for talented newcomers in the industry,” said Dennis Williams, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, WarnerMedia. “We proudly continue this tradition by uplifting fresh, thought-provoking, and unique voices that move the needle in culture.”

“The HBO Short Film Competition continues to be the industry-leading platform to showcase, reward and empower emerging Black storytellers,” said Jeff Friday, Founder ABFF Ventures LLC and CEO Jeff Friday Media (JFM). We are extremely proud of our 24-year partnership with the HBO/WarnerMedia team and look forward to expanding our work in support of content creators of color.”

HBO has been a founding sponsor of ABFF since 1998 and is dedicated to furthering ABFF’s mission to showcase quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Each film in this category will compete for ABFF’s HBO® Short Film Award and a prize of $10,000 for the winner and $5,000 for each of the finalists. Access to this year’s festival is free. To register and view content, including the HBO® Short Film Competition, hosted by Bevy Smith (Sirius XM’s Bevelations), go to www.abff.com. The winner will be announced during the Best of the ABFF Awards Presentation on Sunday, November 28, 2021. ABFF is proud to be a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards® Short Film Awards.

The list of films in competition are listed below:

SHORT FILM FINALISTS
The following films are the 2021 official selections in the HBO® Short Film Competition, now in its 24th year.

CRACKED
2021 | USA | 15:34 min
Written, Directed & Produced by: Lin Que Ayoung

Logline: It’s the end of the summer of 1985 in Queens, New York City. Toya, a feisty young girl, falls in love for the first time. After a series of disturbing events, Toya’s affection for Poochy compels her to face her traumatic past.

Cast: Tatum Marilyn Hall, Meliki Hurd, Kizzmett Pringle, Dwayne R Grant, Paris Crayton III, Destinee Mikayla Henry, Bonnie Schneider, Kamal Ani-Bellow, Zonia Edward, Simone McCrear, Ange Musoni, Ka’Ress Pringle-Wishner, Avondre E.D. Beverley, Zaydin Gordon, Felix Alexis, Mino Jones

MASS AVE
2021 | USA | 20:51 min
Directed by: Omar S. Kamara
Written by: Omar S. Kamara, Jalmer Caceres
Produced by: Guo Guo

Logline: Over a day of landscaping work, a first-generation African American and his immigrant father have their tense relationship and different outlooks on life transformed irreversibly when they are racially profiled by police.

Cast: Benjamin A. Onyango, Omete Anassi

PURE
2021 | USA | 12:29 min
Written & Directed by: Natalie Jasmine Harris
Produced by: Natalie Jasmine Harris, Natalie Holley, Alexyss Robinson

Logline: On the eve of her cotillion ball, a young Black girl grapples with her queer identity and questions her purity. Website: https://www.purethefilm.org/

Cast: Mikayla Lashae Bartholomew, Jacob Daniel Smith, Josca Moore, Aaron Casey, Yohance Burton, Jonathon Munez, Kyle Price, Jamon Adams, Rennee Harrison, Tianne Johnson

THE SNAKES
2021 | USA | 14:12 min
Directed & Written by: Michelle Beck
Produced by: Michelle Beck, Mara Alcaly, Clea Alsip

Logline: In an alternate future, surrounded by a culture of fear, a young Black woman channels her rage through violent fantasies.

Cast: Carra Patterson, James Wallert, Michael A McGrath, Jacob Ming-Trent, Stacey Sargeant, Nilja Sun

WHEN THE SUN SETS
2019 | South Africa | 14 min
Directed & Written by: Phumi Morare
Produced by: Christine H. Cho

Logline: A young, black nurse living in 1985 apartheid South Africa must face her worst fears when she learns that her activist, younger brother may be in danger when he doesn’t return after school.

Cast: Zikhona Bali, Aphiwe Mkefe, Thembekile Mathe, Awonke Mtonjana, Quinne Brown, Lumkile Mkwalo, Morne Van Jaarsveld, Ryan Angilly

Photos: Here

ABFF SOCIAL MEDIA:

ABFF sponsors to date include Warner Media, HBO® (Founding) Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Presenting) Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T (Premier) ALLBLK, HBOMax, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Prudential Financial, TBS, Yahoo!, Warner Bros, and Variety (Official) Accenture, AspireTV, Motion Picture Association (MPA) (Supporting). Media partners include TheGrio and Rolling Out.

ABOUT HBO
HBO® is one of the most respected and innovative entertainment brands in the world, serving iconic, award-winning programming through the HBO linear channels and the direct-to-consumer streaming platform, HBO Max®. Internationally, HBO-branded services are available in more than 85 countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. A part of WarnerMedia, HBO is the world’s most successful pay TV service with an extensive array of programming that includes some of the most notable television titles, including dramas like “Succession,” “Watchmen,” “Westworld,” “Big Little Lies,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Sopranos,” “Band of Brothers” and “The Wire,” as well as comedy series “Barry,” “Insecure” and “Sex and the City”.

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).

CONTACTS:

Mellony Torres
HBO Max
[email protected]

Courtney Wheeler
HBO Max
[email protected]

Chelsye J. Burrows
ABFF
[email protected]
For additional press materials, please visit: https://www.abff.com/pressroom/

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The 25th American Black Film Festival Shifts to an Online Global Event

Full Schedule of Independent Screenings, Talks and Industry Panels Will Be Available Complimentary

LOS ANGELES, CA, (August 26, 2021) – The 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will shift from a hybrid to a totally virtual event, it was announced today by Jeff Friday Media (JFM) and ABFF Ventures LLC. The festival, which runs November 3 to 14, 2021, will be available digitally via its custom-designed online platform ABFFPlay.com (https://abffplay.com) providing global access for artists, movie enthusiasts and audiences to come together to celebrate ABFF’s 25th year of showcasing the best in Black cinema and television.

Over the course of the twelve-day festival, ABFF’s complete lineup of independent films, network and studio previews, panels, master classes and other virtual experiences will be streamed on its platform with select content available via Facebook and various social media platforms. The festival, along with its local partners, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Miami Beach, will activate film-related happenings throughout the year for the South Florida community.

“As we were enthusiastically planning our 25th anniversary celebration and return to Miami Beach, we couldn’t ignore the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and now the Delta variant. Our national health crisis is at the forefront of our minds and we must responsively adapt. For the health and safety of our attendees, supporters and staff, we’ve made the difficult decision to pivot to a virtual event this year,” said Jeff Friday, CEO Jeff Friday Media and founder, ABFF Ventures LLC. “Despite this change, our programming will not be compromised, We are pleased to present ABFF 2021 as a free, worldwide digital experience and we look forward to watching and enjoying this year’s festival as much as ever!”

“ABFF 25 will not disappoint on our promise to deliver inspiring and dynamic programs,” added Nicole Friday, president, ABFF Ventures LLC. “With our unique global broadcast platform, we celebrate our 25-year journey of uplifting voices, sharing the talent of hundreds of artists and fostering a stronger Black entertainment community. We are grateful to our outstanding corporate sponsors and partners for their unwavering support of ABFF and its important mission over the years.”

The festival previously announced its 2021 official selections — an impressive collection of films and web series by emerging and established artists from countries including Brazil, South Africa, Canada, Namibia, the United Kingdom and the USA. Film producer and ABFF alumnus Will Packer (Girls Trip, Ride Along), as the festival’s 2021 Jury President, will oversee the voting process.

ABFF attracts an increasingly broad audience, which has grown with virtual access and wants to continue the momentum. In 2020, over 54,000 people representing over 90 countries attended the festival via ABFF PLAY. In previous years, the festival has attracted approximately 10,000 celebrity talent, emerging artists, upscale consumers and industry stakeholders to travel to Miami Beach for the annual live event.

ABFF sponsors to date include HBO® (Founding) WarnerMedia, Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Presenting) Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, ALLBLK (Premier) City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Yahoo!, Variety (Official) Accenture, Motion Picture Association (MPA) (Supporting). Media partners include TheGrio and Rolling Out.

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

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.

ABOUT JEFF FRIDAY MEDIA
Jeff Friday Media (JFM) is a Los Angeles-based entertainment company producing events, film and television focused on Black and Brown culture. Its mission is to create live experiences and content that convey aspects of humanity and achievement often dismissed or overlooked, in the portrayal of people of color in popular entertainment. As part of its formation, JFM acquired ABFF Ventures LLC, an organization recognized in the Hollywood community for creating platforms that showcase and promote distinctive Black and Brown talent. Its tent-pole properties are the American Black Film Festival and ABFF Honors, both founded by JFM CEO Jeff Friday. In 2020, JFM secured a motion picture development deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment and launched ABFF PLAY, a live and on-demand streaming service featuring free and pay-per-view content. JFM recently announced a scripted television partnership with Endeavor Content and POV.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

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The ABFF Announces 2021 Official Film Selections In Competition for its Milestone 25th Year

Submissions Represent Six Countries, Over Half Are from First-Time Directors

LOS ANGELES, CA, (August 16, 2021) – Jeff Friday Media (JFM) announced today the lineup of official films in competition for its milestone 25th American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Consistent with the festival’s mission to showcase Black talent and to discover new voices, this year’s impressive range of films are produced by emerging and established artists from six countries including Brazil, South Africa, Canada, Namibia, the United Kingdom and the USA.

This year’s festival will be presented with live events and virtual screenings to be held November 3-14 on the ABFF’s custom-built online platform, abffplay.com (https://abffplay.com/), reaching a global audience.

“It is with a great sense of pride that we mark our 25th year. ABFF started in 1997 with a mission to present the work of Black storytellers and to change the face of Hollywood. We came together as a small and driven group of 90 people. Today, the festival is a global platform with a dedicated audience of movie enthusiasts, artists, and filmmakers from around the world. We look forward to continuing our unwavering commitment to diversify Hollywood and amplify Black culture,” said Jeff Friday, CEO, JFM.

The ABFF competitive categories include narrative features, documentaries and webisodes with a combined total cash prize of $20,000 sponsored by festival partners. The slate of films, include:

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 prize), Best Narrative Feature (presented by Sony, $2,500 cash prize), and Best Screenplay ($2,500 cash prize). In addition, if a person of African descent has directed a film in this section and it is his/her 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 2021 official selections in the Narrative Features category:

A Message from Brianna
When an African American couple move into their new home, their 2-year-old daughter becomes a terrifying messenger from the other side.
USA | 80 min
Director: DeShon Hardy
Writer: DeShon Hardy
Producers: DeShon Hardy, Vernon Davis
Cast: Vernon Davis, Asia’h Epperson, Kevin Benton, Liana Kristina Mayer-Reinach, Adaisha Strong, Stan J. Adams, Brittany Beckett, Amanda Felix, Leigh Bodden, Mohamed Sanu, Brittany Geertgens, Rita Bacot, Ethan Henderson, Robert Epstein, Tracy Oliver

B-Boy Blues *World Premiere
Class and culture clash when a college-educated journalist from Brooklyn and a homeboy bike messenger from Harlem fall in love.
USA | 106 min
Director: Jussie Smollett
Writers: James Earl Hardy, Jussie Smollett
Producers: Jussie Smollett, Madia Hill Scott
Cast: Timothy Richardson, Thomas Mackie, Landon G. Woodson, Brandee Evans, Michael Jackson Jr., Jabari Redd, Heather B., Brian Lucas, Jahleel Kamara, Broderick Hunter, Derrick Downey, Marquise Vilson, Otis Winston, Bry’Nt, Eric R. Williams, Tieisha Thomas, Shawn Sutton, Andre Virgo, Anthony Virgo, Mariama Diallo, Ilara Phoenix Williams, Sampson McCormick, Ledisi

Doctor Gama *U.S. Premiere
The history of Luiz Gama, the most important abolitionist leader in Brazil.
BRAZIL | 92 min
Director: Jeferson De
Writer: Luiz Antonio
Producers: Egisto Betti, Heitor Dhalia, Manoel Rangel, Pedro Betti, Cris Arenas, Cacá Digues
Cast: César Mello, Zezé Motta, Mariana Nunes, Angelo Fernandes

I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking)
When a recently widowed mother becomes houseless, she convinces her 8-year-old daughter that they are only camping for fun while working to get them off the streets.
USA | 90 min
Directors: Kelley Kali, Angelique Molina
Writers: Kelley Kali, Angelique Molina, Roma Kong
Producers: Roma Kong, Angelique Molina, Kelley Kali, Capella Fahoome, Deon Cole
Cast: Kelley Kali, Wesley Moss, Deon Cole

Liam White *Festival Premiere
A novelist who is told he has a few months to live is forced to come to grips with his life thus far and reflect on the people who shaped him, for better and worse.
USA | 87 min
Director: Harold Jackson III
Writer: Harold Jackson III
Producers: Wendy Anderson, Tawanna Terrell, Harold Jackson, Kiyoka Rhodes
Cast: Shaun Woodland, Jasmine Guy, Terrence “TC” Carson, Brave Williams

Margarine *World Premiere
A short-tempered, trigger-happy gun fiend terrorizes his community until he meets a charming girl named Margarine who drives him to question his ways.
SOUTH AFRICA | 115 min
Director: Thabo Khambule
Writer: Thabo Khambule
Producers: Carmel Khambule, Bheki Ncube, Thabo Khambule
Cast: Finito Bullet, Mammy Manique, Linda Sobezo, Motsoaledi Setumo, Themba Mkhoma, Sibonakaliso Nqabadi, Thapelo Mooki, Precious Nxumalo, Banele Sibisi, Thembeni Joni, Kamvaletho Tshabala, Kabelo Molefe, Sibusiso Makqate

No Running
A Black high school student finds himself under suspicion following his classmate’s mysterious disappearance.
USA | 85 min
Director: Delmar Washington
Writer: Tucker Morgan
Producers: Eric B. Fleischman, Maurice Fadida
Cast: Skylan Brooks, Rutina Wesley, Taryn Manning, Diamond White, Shane West, Bill Engvall

The Outlaw Johnny Black *Festival Premiere
From the brothers who brought you Black Dynamite, comes a western adventure that’s sho’ outta sight!
USA | 130 min
Director: Michael Jai White
Writers: Michael Jai White, Byron Minns
Producer: Donovan de Boer
Cast: Michael Ja White, Anika Noni Rose, Byron Minns, Erika Ash, Chris Browning, Kevin Chapman, Tommy Davidson, Kym Whitley, Randy Couture, Barry Bostwick, Glynn Turman

Trees of Peace
When four women from different backgrounds and beliefs are trapped and hiding during the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, their 81-day fight for survival forges an unbreakable sisterhood (inspired by true events).
USA | 137 minutes
Director: Alanna Brown
Writer: Alanna Brown
Producers: Ron Ray, Barry Levine, Mike Bundlie, Brian Baniqued, Jeff Spiegel, Vicky Petela, Alanna Brown
Cast: Eliane Umuhire, Charmaine Bingwa, Bola Koleosho, Ella Cannon, Tongayi Chirisa

Voodoo Macbeth
In 1936 Harlem, the first all-Black cast production of Macbeth struggles to make it to opening night amid the downward spiral of their young and untested director — Orson Welles.
USA | 108 min
Directors: Dagmawi Abebe, Victor Alonso-Berbel, Roy Arwas, Hannah Bang, Christopher Beaton, Agazi Desta, Tiffany Kontoyiannis Guillen, Zoë Salnave, Ernesto Sandoval, Sabina Vajraca
Writers: Agazi Desta, Jennifer Frazin, Morgan Milender, Molly Miller, Amri Rigby, Joel David Satner, Erica Sutherlin, Chris Tarricone
Producers: Jason Phillips, Miles Alva, Xiaoyuan Xiao
Cast: Inger Tudor, Jewell Wilson Bridges, Jeremy Tardy, June Schreiner, Wrekless Watson, Gary McDonald, Ashli Haynes, Daniel Kuhlman, Hunter Bodine

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. The cash prize for this award is $2,500. The following films represent the 2021 official selections in the Documentary Features category:

100 Years From Mississippi *Festival Premiere
100 Years From Mississippi is a documentary on the life of Mamie Lang Kirkland, a 111-year-old African American woman who experienced and survived racial terrorism, segregation, bigotry and bias, and yet continued to have hope, joy and love of life, full of the certainty that we can do better.
USA | 60 min
Director: Tarabu Betserai Kirkland
Writer: Tarabu Betserai Kirkland
Producers: Tarabu Betserai Kirkland, Gina Rugolo Judd

Anatomy of Wings
Black and white, young and old, a group of women risk their personal identities to build a second family while creating a documentary film across the inequities of their Baltimore city neighborhoods.
USA | 85 min
Directors: Nikiea Redmond, Kirsten D’Andrea Hollander
Producers: Kirsten D’Andrea Hollander, Nikiea Redmond
Cast: Brittany Backmon, Teshavionna ‘Tazz’ Mitchell, Sheila Butler, Marquise Weems, Brienna Brown, Danisha Harris, Cami McCrief, Tywana Reid, Quandra Jones, Quanisha Carmichael, Cinnamon Triano, Kata Frederick

Big Chief, Black Hawk *World Premiere
A short and intimate look into the life of the youngest Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief in New Orleans and his “tribe” as they navigate the social and environmental issues facing “the culture.”
USA | 74 min
Director: Jonathan Isaac Jackson
Writer: Jonathan Isaac Jackson
Producer: Paul V. Fishback
Cast: Terrance Williams Jr., Tyrell “Ty” Williams, Simeon “Fatman” Israel Jr., Dow Edwards, Joseph Boudreaux Jr.

Little Satchmo *U.S. Premiere
Louis Armstrong is iconic — a symbol of musical genius and unparalleled success. Yet he was more than a caricature; in private, he held dearly to what he loved. Perhaps dearest was a child whom he hid from the world: a daughter sworn to a life of secrecy until now.
USA | 61 min
Director: John Alexander
Writer: John Alexander
Producers: Lea Umberger, JC Guest
Cast: Sharon Preston – Folta

The Neutral Ground
The Neutral Ground documents New Orleans’ fight over monuments and America’s troubled romance with the Lost Cause.
USA | 82 min
Director: CJ Hunt
Writers: CJ Hunt, Jane Geisler, James Hamilton
Producer: Darcy McKinnon

Subjects of Desire *Festival Premiere
Subjects of Desire is a thought-provoking feature documentary that examines the cultural shift in beauty standards towards embracing Black aesthetics and features.
CANADA | 103 min
Director: Jennifer Holness
Writer: Jennifer Holness
Producers: Jennifer Holness, Sudz Sutherland
Cast: Ryann Richardson, Alexandra Germain, Seraiah Nicole, Brittany Lewis, Jully Black, Rachel Dolezal, Dr. Cheryl Thompson, Dr. Carolyn West, Dr. Heather Widdows, India Arie

Unzipped: An Autopsy of American Inequality *World Premiere
An intimate and heartbreaking film about the affordable housing crisis in America told through the prism of one ZIP Code’s struggle with the growing income divide.
USA | 108 min
Director: Colin K. Gray
Writer: Colin K. Gray
Producers: Megan Raney Aarons, Jamila C. Fairley, Carol Gronner, Colin K. Gray
Cast: Nikol Williams, DeShawn Huff, William Attaway, Rayanne Schmidt, Monica Perez, Eric Garcetti, Mike Bonin, Mark Ridley-Thomas, Naomi Nightingale, Va Lecia Adams Kellum, Elizabeth Benson Forer, Becky Dennison, Miguel Bravo, Rick Massie, Mark Ryavec, Ananya Roy, Coley King, Kristina Von Hoffman, M.B. Boissonnault

Why Is We Americans? *World Premiere
A portrait of the iconoclastic poet Amiri Baraka, his family, and their legacy of social activism, poetry, music, art and politics.
USA | 101 min
Directors: Udi Aloni, Ayana Stafford-Morris
Writer: Udi Aloni
Producers: Udi Aloni, Ayana Stafford-Morris, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Oren Moverman
Cast: Amiri Baraka, Ras Baraka, Amina Baraka, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Amandla Baraka, Cory Booker, Amiri Baraka Jr., Roxanne Shanté, Maya Angelou

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 2021 official selections in the Web Series category:

Sidetracked: “A Trollop?” (Ep. 9) *World Premiere
Our thirties are supposed to be the time to get our act together, find our true purpose and meet our soul mate, but some of us got a little SIDETRACKED.
USA | 15 min
Director: Miles Crawford
Writer: E.D. Brown
Producers: E.D. Brown, Marc Chenil, Miles Crawford
Cast: Tracie Thoms, Jason Kelley, Wes Ramsey, Jim Holdridge, Jee Young Han, E.D. Brown

True Story: “I Feel” *World Premiere
A Black therapist attempts to persuade his patient, who has a history of violence, into saying how he feels.
USA | 13 min
Director: Matthew Law
Writer: Matthew Law
Producers: Grasie Mercedes, Rob Smith, Matthew Law, Shaun Clay
Cast: Shaun Clay, Matthew Law

No Church In The Wild: “Traitor”
A failed escape attempt turns Leslie Wagner-Wilson into an outcast inside of a spiraling cult.
CANADA | 6 min
Director: Richmond Obeng
Writers: Richmond Obeng, Lindsey Addawoo
Producers: Richmond Obeng, Aramide Tinubu, Lindsey Addawoo
Cast: Leslie Wagner-Wilson

Maternally Yours *Festival Premiere
A young woman’s identity is compromised when her parents’ past collides with the present and family secrets are revealed.
USA | 10 min
Director: Nicole Collins
Writers: Tomaseena Auzenne, Angel Saunders
Producers: Khadijah Louis, April Riles, The Dark Brothers
Cast: Brionne Collins, Lance Nichols, Ariadne Josephs, Cynyon Rodriguez, Ju’Marcus Mason, Nicoye Banks, Hira-Maja Dupas, Jessica Johnson

ArtBroken
A mockumentary following Los Angeles-based visual artist Sabina on her journey of self-destruction during the global pandemic.
USA | 5 min
Director: Erin Wesley
Writer: Bianca Cristovao
Producer: Bianca Cristovao
Cast: Bianca Cristovao, Niles Abston, Jessica Mulder, Heremela Kebede

Walking Forward
An artist gains lessons in resilience while exploring the impact of COVID-19 on Namibia’s creative sector.
NAMIBIA | 6 min
Directors: Tim Huebschle, Ndinomholo Ndilula
Writer: Ndinomholo Ndilula
Producers: Tim Huebschle, David Benade
Cast: Ndinomholo Ndilula, Kulan Ganes, Slick Upindi

The Hero of a Thousand Faces *World Premiere
Capt. Barrington Irving, Guiness Book of World Records holder for the youngest man to fly around the world and the first Black man to fly around the world, speaks about his upbringing and the adversity that made him successful.
USA | 10 min
Directors: Fabien Cardenas, Gabriel Andrews
Writers: Fabien Cardenas, Michael Anderson, Gabriel Andrews
Producers: Michael Anderson, Gabriel Andrews
Cast: Captain Barrington Irving (as himself)

Second Hand (Ep. 2) *Festival Premiere
Two sisters bump heads while moving out of their childhood home.
USA | 5 min
Director: R. Cadell Cook
Writer: R. Cadell Cook
Producers: Melan Perez, R. Cadell Cook
Cast: Melan Perez, Alexis J. Smith, Tennyson Harris

Ms/Manage
A queer, Black professional attempts to navigate the challenges of breaking the glass ceiling in corporate America while fielding pressure from her partner to start a family.
USA | 13 min
Director: Caralene Robinson
Writers: Caralene Robinson, Nina Simone Moore, Angele Cooper
Producers: Angela Burris, Nina Simone Moore
Cast: Skye Johnson, Adwoa Duncan-Williams, Lark Eiko, Zen Dot, Petra Wakowski, Siobhán Carroll, Keisha Beaumont, Kelsey Senteio, Stuart Riggs, Jeff Marshall, Ladonna Gooden, Yvette Ganie

Last Bodega In Brooklyn (Ep. 1) *World Premiere
A Brooklyn family must band together to save their bodega and neighborhood from a new organics store owner.
USA | 6 min
Directors: Mosiah Moonsammy, Jared Glenn
Writer: Mosiah Moonsammy
Producer: Mosiah Moonsammy
Cast: Mosiah Moonsammy, Toni Lachelle Pollit, Jeffrey C. Wolf, Tay Harris, Peter Bowden

Talia Versus: “Talia Vs Wedding” (Ep. 1)
A mockumentary series that follows the awkward encounters of the audacious Talia as she versus love and life in London.
UK | 7 min
Director: Saraphina Mattis, Israel Peters
Writer: Saraphina Mattis
Producers: Kashif Boothe, Sacha Lewis
Cast: Princess Donnough, Kamilah Shorey, Adesuwa Oni, Leonie Haynes-Moses, Jamal Renaldo, Elliot Elimasi

Finalists for the 24th HBO Short Film Competition, as well as ABFF’S non-competitive sections including “World Showcase, “Emerging Directors and “ABFF Pride” will be announced later. Film producer and ABFF alumnus Will Packer (Girls Trip, Ride Along), as the festival’s 2021Jury President, will oversee the voting process.

ABFF attracts a broad audience – approximately 10,000 celebrity talent, emerging artists, upscale consumers and industry stakeholders, travel to Miami Beach each year for the live event. In 2020, over 54,000 additional people representing over 90 countries attended the festival via ABFFPLAY.

ABFF Sponsors to date include HBO® (Founding); WarnerMedia, Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines (Premier); ALLBLK, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Yahoo!, Variety (Official); Accenture, Motion Picture Association (MPA) (Supporting). Media partners include TheGrio and Rolling Out.

For festival information, visit www.abff.com and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF.

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.

ABOUT JEFF FRIDAY MEDIA
Jeff Friday Media (JFM) is a Los Angeles-based entertainment company producing events, film and television focused on Black and Brown culture. Its mission is to create live experiences and content that convey aspects of humanity and achievement, often dismissed or overlooked, in the portrayal of people of color in popular entertainment. As part of its formation, JFM acquired ABFF Ventures LLC,?an organization recognized in the Hollywood community for creating platforms that showcase and promote distinctive Black and Brown talent. Its?tent-pole properties are the American Black Film Festival and ABFF Honors, both founded by JFM CEO Jeff Friday. In 2020, JFM secured a motion picture development deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment and launched ABFF PLAY, a live and on-demand streaming service featuring free and pay-per-view content. JFM recently announced a scripted television partnership with Endeavor Content and POV.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chelsye J. Burrows
American Black Film Festival
[email protected]

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ABFF Comedy Festival Announces Film Slate for 2021 Virtual Festival

Program Lineup Includes National Stand-Up Comedy Competition, Shorts, Web Series, Podcasts and Conversations About Comedy

LOS ANGELES, CA, (May 27, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC today revealed its slate of films in competition for the inaugural ABFF Comedy Festival scheduled to take place online June 2-13 at abffplay.com streaming platform.

The ABFF Comedy Festival extends the legacy of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 25th year, by showcasing emerging Black and Brown talent and introducing them to the industry at large. Continuing the tradition of its tent-pole property, the comedy festival will feature the best of independent Black cinema, conversations, panels and stand-up comedy performances.

Consistent with ABFF’s mission to spearhead diversity and introduce newcomers to the industry, the program will feature writers of comedic shorts, web series and podcasts with submissions from all genres of comedy both international and domestic. Each section attracted hundreds of entries aiming to showcase their skills in scripted, unscripted, sketch and fictional comedy. More than 40 films and celebrity panels will be presented at this year’s virtual festival.

The festival will also feature “Conversations About Comedy” with the cast of Starz ‘Run the World: Bresha Webb, Amber Stevens West, Andrea Bordeaux and Corbin Reid, moderated by Gia Peppers. Showrunner Prentice Penny (Insecure, Pause) and comedian/writer Sam Jay (Pause, SNL) will discuss their new HBO series. There will also be an “Inside the Writer’s Room” panel with writers and producers, including: Ms. Pat (Ms. Pat Show), Carla Banks-Waddles (Good Girls), Keith Knight (Woke) and Owen Smith (The Last O.G.).

In addition, the festival will offer encore presentations of panels from the online edition of the American Black Film Festival featuring a conversation with ABFF Comedy Festival Ambassador Kenya Barris, a panel with Yvonne Orji (Insecure) and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), as well as a discussion with the star and creators of Woke.

“This festival highlights talented individuals who have a passion for comedic storytelling and represents the diversity of voices in the comedy genre,” said Nicole Friday, President ABFF Ventures. “Creating an opportunity for these artist to reach a broader audinece is our core mission.”

Official selections include:

Shorts – each film in this section is written by a person of African, Latinx or Native American descent and will compete for the Audience Award for Best Short.

Web Series – each episodic series (scripted and unscripted) in this section written by persons of African, Latinx or Native American descent will compete for the Audience Award for best webisode.

Podcasts – each podcast in this section is written by persons of African, Latinx or Native American descent will compete for the Audience Award for best podcast.

Here is a full list of the 2021 ABFF Comedy Festival Official Selections Official Selections – ABFF Comedy Festival

Sponsors to date include WarnerMedia (Presenting), Nissan and SiriusXM (Official), BET+, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Starz, a Lionsgate company (Supporting). Marketing Partners include TheGrio.com and Rolling Out.

For more information on the ABFF Comedy Festival and pass sales, visit abff.com/comedyfest/ and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

About ABFF Ventures
ABFF Ventures LLC (ABFFV) is a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live and digital events that celebrate Black and Brown culture and achievement. The company’s mission is to curate content and experiences that entertain, educate and inspire communities of color while showcasing the work of diverse artists in Hollywood. Its tent-pole event properties are the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), cited by MovieMaker magazine as “One of the Coolest Festivals in the World,” and “ABFF Honors,” an annual awards gala saluting the top stars of film and television. ABFFV also provides consulting services to studios and networks to promote content specific to diverse American audiences through its ABFF Insider Marketing division. The company, led by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Nicole Friday, is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif.

About The American Black Film Festival
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 color. 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 diverse artists – many of who have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians.

PRESS CONTACT:
ABFF Communications
[email protected]
323 513-6298

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The American Black Film Festival’s Spin-Off Comedy Festival Announces Semifinalists Presented by WarnerMedia

EMERGING BLACK & BROWN COMEDIANS WILL COMPETE FOR THE TOP SPOTS AT THE VIRTUAL ABFF COMEDY FESTIVAL JUNE 2-13

LOS ANGELES, CA, (May 12, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC., announced the names of the sixteen semifinalists who will compete in the 1st annual ABFF Comedy Festival’s stand-up competition, presented by Warner Media. The competition is the centerpiece of ABFF Comedy Festival dedicated to showcasing emerging Black and Brown comedians and comedy writers while introducing them to the industry at-large. The inaugural festival will be held virtually June 2-13, 2021, on ABFFPlay.com, the ABFF’s streaming platform.

The semifinalists selected will all perform in the first round before a virtual audience and panel of prominent industry judges. From this group, five finalists will be selected to compete in the final round of the competition. The winner and first runner up will receive a cash prizes of $7,500 and $2,500 respectively. All five finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 25th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami, November 3-7, and an opportunity to perform in front of the festival audience. Affion Crockett (Wild N’ Out) will host the competition.

As previously announced, television and film writer/producer Kenya Barris is this years’ ABFF Comedy Festival Ambassador.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase sixteen incredibly talented and funny comedians in the early stages of their careers. The ABFF brand expansion of the comedy festival was established to help propel new generations of diverse artists to the global stage. I am so excited to be able to provide a platform that fosters diversity, and a space for laughter,” says Nicole Friday, ABFF Ventures President.

2021 ABFF Comedy Festival Stand-Up Competition Semi-Finalists:

Travis Blunt
Travis Blunt hails from Syracuse, New York. His jokes center on personal issues — like being biracial, financial struggles, relationships and more.

Rallo Boykins
Born and raised in Hyattsville, Maryland, the artist, known as Rallo, has always had a knack for comedy. Rallo was dared by a good friend to perform stand-up comedy at a Fourth of July dinner party in 2008…and the rest is history.

Kae Bradford
Kae Bradford is a Chicago-based stand-up comedian hailing from St. Louis, Missouri. Kae’s quick wit and anecdotal tales of her upbringing bring joy and laughter to her audiences.

Marshall Brandon
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Marshall Brandon has been making people laugh since he uttered his first words. He recently landed the opportunity to spend the summer of 2020 at Chappelle Summer Camp.

Shanna Christmas
Shanna Christmas is a comedian/actor from Las Vegas, Nevada, who took home the 2018 Devil Cup Comedy Festival trophy for Best in Stand-Up.

Reid Clark
Reid Clark hails from Washington, D.C. In his 8 years as a stand-up comedian, his comedy has been described as dark, blue, and political, with elements of musicality and improvisation.

Cherie Danielle
Cherie Danielle is an Atlanta, Georgia-based actor/comedian, and core cast member of “The Going Live Show,” a sketch comedy show on YouTube.

Eva Evans
Eva Evans is a comedic Diva hailing from Englewood, N.J./Brooklyn, N.Y. She graduated from the Manhattan School of Comedy at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC and won the 2017 Manhattan Comedy Festival competition (NYC).

Rob Gordon
Rob Gordon, born and raised in Washington, D.C., found his love for comedy and laughter in grade school. He expresses himself not only on-stage doing stand-up, but also through skits and sketches on social media and YouTube.

Phil Hunt
Phil Hunt began his career in his hometown of Indianapolis and moved on to New York City. Poised, deliberate and polished, Phil’s mix of refined material combines unique observational commentary and imaginative storytelling steeped in a perspective all his own.

Hay J.
Haywood J. Thompson, “Hay J,” is a stand-up comedian and host from Cincinnati, Ohio, with the skill to entertain diverse crowds from Christian/Family events to music concerts. Hay J also teaches improv comedy techniques and is the winner of the national Funny Bone Competition.

Vanessa Jackson
Vannessa Jackson is a stand-up comedian and writer hailing from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Currently she resides in New York and performs stand-up comedy around the city.

Alan Massenburg
Alan Massenburg is a comedian and writer originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2018, he won the New Comedian of the Year competition in Baltimore. He is also a writer/contributor for The Culture Collective, NYC, hosts “The Mass Hysterical Show” and co-hosts the “Proper Ebonics Podcast.”

Rashaun Reese
Rashaun Reese is a stand-up comedian from East Orange, New Jersey. A natural comedian, his routine focuses on current events, life experiences and differences between men and women.

Kenté Scott
Kenté Scott, born and raised in Oakland, California, started doing stand-up at the world-famous Comedy Store in Hollywood. Kenté recently returned from co-headlining a tour of the U.S. military bases in Japan, is a regular guest on “Quake’s House” radio show (on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network on Sirius/XM), and hosts the Comedy Cafe.

Angela Star
Star is a stand-up comedian, actress and singer from Brooklyn, New York. Her start in stand-up comedy began at Carolines on Broadway NYC, where she frequently performed and became best known for her impersonations and interactive storytelling.

Sponsors to date include WarnerMedia (Presenting), Nissan and SiriusXM (Official), Sony Pictures Entertainment and Starz, a Lionsgate Company (Supporting). Marketing Partners include TheGrio.com and Rolling Out.

For more information on the ABFF Comedy Festival and pass sales, visit www.abff.com/comedyfest/ and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

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American Black Film Festival Announces Producer Will Packer as Its Jury President for 25th Anniversary Festival

Submissions Now Open for the 2021 American Black Film Festival Set for Miami Beach and Online November 3-14

LOS ANGELES, CA, (March 30, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC., announced today that film producer Will Packer (‘Girls Trip,’ ‘Ride Along’) will serve as the Jury President for the 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). This year, the ABFF will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a new festival format – a hybrid event, with live events in Miami Beach, November 3-7, followed by a week of virtual events on abffplay.com November 8-14.

In his role as president, Packer will help the festival expand its Jury and curate a diverse slate of film and television content. Returning to ABFF will be a homecoming for Packer who got his start at the festival in 1999 with the premiere of his feature film “Trois” directed by Rob Hardy. Since then, Packer has been a staunch supporter of the ABFF serving on its Advisory Board, premiering his studio films during the festival and lending his expertise to mentor emerging artists.

“ABFF is one of the single most instrumental institutions in my career. This is more than just a festival for me. It’s very existence guarantees there will be more Will Packers making movies from a unique perspective and telling the stories of underserved audiences, said Will Packer.”

“We are thrilled to have our dear friend Will serve as this year’s ABFF Jury President. His relationship with the ABFF family spans more than 20 years and his path to success embodies the festival’s mission – empowering Black creatives to thrive in Hollywood” says Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures Founder & CEO

The festival is now accepting submissions in the following sections with full eligibility details available at www.abff.com/2022.

Competitive:

  • HBO Short Film Competition – A competitive section for narrative shorts directed by or produced and written by persons of African descent. Now in its 24th year, the HBO® Short Film Competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the country. Prior winners of this award include Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Judas and Black Messiah) and Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II, Transformers).
  • Narrative Features (US and International) – A competitive section for feature-length films directed by or written by and produced by persons of African descent.
  • Documentary Features (US and International) – A competitive section for nonfiction feature films directed by persons of African descent.
  • Web Series – A competitive section for short-form episodic television series directed by or produced and written by persons of African descent. World premieres selected to this section.

Non-Competitive:

  • World Showcase – A non competitive section showcasing feature and short films made by and about people of African descent, with projects that fall outside of the eligibility criteria of the festival’s competitive sections.
  • ABFF Pride – A showcase of films that represent queer culture and reflect the LGBTQIA experience.

In addition to screenings of independently produced content, the festival’s program features studio/network premieres, industry seminars and panel discussions to elevate timely issues and celebrate Black entertainment. ABFF continues to be the leading platform for Black filmmakers to tell their stories and drive momentum toward creating a more equal and diverse media landscape.

The premier destination event for Black film and television enthusiasts, the festival attracts an audience of 7,000 to 10,000 people who travel to Miami Beach each year. The 2020 ABFF Online Edition broadened that audience, drawing in virtual attendees from more than 90 countries around the world.

ABFF Sponsors to date include Warner Media, HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Presenting Sponsors); Jeff Friday Media, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Premier Sponsors); Netflix, Verizon Media (Official Sponsors); Accenture (Supporting Sponsor).

For festival registration and additional information visit abff.com/2022 and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF25 and #ABFF. Registration is now open at https://www.abff.com/miami/register/

ABOUT ABFF VENTURES LLC:
ABFF Ventures LLC (ABFFV) is a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live and digital events that celebrate Black culture and achievement. Its mission is to curate experiences that entertain, educate and inspire communities of color while showcasing the work of Black artists in Hollywood. The company, through its flagship property, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), has been a leading advocate for diversity in Hollywood since its inception in 1997. Since then, the festival has been the standard-bearer of excellence for Black creativity, having premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful actors and content creators. ABFF is headquartered in Los Angeles, is led by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Nicole Friday.

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 who have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians.

PRESS CONTACT:

American Black Film Festival:
MPRM Communications
[email protected]
323-933-3399