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American Black Film Festival Honors Returns in 2023 to Celebrate Excellence in Hollywood

Gala Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Artists, Movie of the Year and Documentary of the Year Hosted, by Two-Time Emmy® Nominated Writer, Comedian and Actor Deon Cole

LOS ANGELES, (December 14, 2022) – ABFF Ventures LLC today announced American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors will be held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 5, with two-time Emmy-nominated writer, actor and comedian Deon Cole returning as host. ABFF’s annual award season gala honors Black artists who have made significant contributions to the motion picture and television industry, as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

The tributes will be presented in multiple categories, including Hollywood Legacy Award, Excellence in the Arts Award, Entertainment Icon Award, Rising Star Award and Industry Leadership Award. In addition, ABFF Honors presents competitive awards for Movie of the Year and Documentary of the Year. The nominees and winners for both categories are determined by the more than 100,000 alumni of the film festival.

“This has been a phenomenal year for Black artists, and we are thrilled to celebrate their many successes, milestones and breakout moments. I’m equally excited to have comedic genius Deon Cole hosting this inspiring ceremony,” said ABFF President Nicole Friday. “There is no better place to feel uplifted, encouraged and appreciated than in your own community. ABFF Honors provides that unique platform.”

Widely known as a regular on the ABC hit series black-ish, Deon Cole’s career features an extensive body of work in television, writing and comedy. On the acting front, he currently can be seen in Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall. He recently wrapped a role in Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill’s You People. Next up, he joins the cast of The Color Purple and will star in the drama series Average Joe. From the stand-up comedy stage, Deon recently released his one-hour special Charleen’s Boy. In 2019, his hilarious original comedy special Deon Cole: Cole Hearted ran on Netflix following the success of his appearance in The Standups. His earlier work includes his one-hour special Deon Cole: Cole Blooded Seminar and his stand-up documentary Workin’ it Out.

ABFF Honors’ celebrated list of former award recipients include, Denzel Washington, Ava DuVernay, Regina King, Tiffany Haddish, Ryan Coogler, Don Cheadle, Will Packer, Queen Latifah, Lena Waithe, Terrence Howard, F. Gary Gray, Billy Dee Williams, Issa Rae, Omari Hardwick, Louis Gossett, Jr., the late Diahann Carroll and the cast of classic films and television shows Martin, The Wire, Hollywood Shuffle and Love Jones.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (ABFF Ventures) in association with Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade) and de Passe Jones Entertainment.

The 2023 ABFF Honors sponsors and partners to date are Cadillac (Presenting) and Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official). For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com.

About ABFF Ventures LLC
ABFF Ventures LLC is an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events and platforms that celebrate Black culture and achievement. The company’s flagship event, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of is kind showcasing Black storytelling. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity. For more information about the festival, including submission deadlines and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact:

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

Deon Cole headshot credit: Deon Cole

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Emmy®-Winning Writer, Producer and Actor Lena Waithe to Serve as 2023 American Black Film Festival Ambassador

LOS ANGELES, (November 2, 2022) – ABFF Ventures LLC today announced Emmy Award®-winning writer, creator, actor and founder of Hillman Grad Lena Waithe will serve as the ambassador for the 2023 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). As ambassador, Waithe, who has been an influential advocate for under-represented storytellers in Hollywood, will help bring awareness to ABFF’s mission of showcasing Black talent and discovering new voices and will collaborate with the festival for one-of-a-kind moments. The 27th ABFF will be held June 14-18 in Miami Beach followed by a virtual event June 19-25 on ABFF PLAY, https://abffplay.com/.

“Lena is a powerhouse in the film and television industry and a trailblazer for emerging creative artists,” said Nicole Friday, festival producer and president of ABFF Ventures LLC. “Her commitment to elevate diverse voices personifies ABFF’s commitment to diversify Hollywood. We are excited to have her unique perspective and talent as our 2023 ABFF Ambassador.”

“I am so honored to have been chosen as ABFF’s 2023 Festival Ambassador,” Waithe said. “I am excited to collaborate with the festival to shine a light on unique and groundbreaking stories and the creatives behind them.”

Since its inception, the highly anticipated festival has become a cornerstone for diversity in Hollywood. It has premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers, actors, writers and stand-up comedians and is recognized as the standard bearer of excellence for Black creativity. Continuing its legacy to empower Black artists and showcase a wide range of entertainment content, in 2023 ABFF will introduce three new cultural initiatives to its robust lineup including “About Women,” which will highlight the work and support comradery among women of color in the film and television industry; “Pro-Hollywood,” highlighting how professional athletes are using their platform to impact diversity in the entertainment industry; and “ABFF Pride,” a new series of screenings and talk events centered on the LGBTQIA+ community aptly timed to take place during Pride Month. The festival will continue to feature studio premieres independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, networking and hospitality events.

Waithe’s connection to the ABFF brand was previously established as an honoree at the ABFF HONORS, a coveted award show that salutes excellence in television and film. Waithe received the “Industry Renaissance Award” which is presented to content creators whose exemplary work in film and television contributes to changing perceptions of people of color in the entertainment industry.

As founder and chair of Hillman Grad Lena oversees a slate of projects that give marginalized storytellers access to the industry, including projects at Warner Bros., Netflix, BET, Disney, Amazon, Universal, Focus HBO, HBO Max and Showtime. Her company most recently negotiated an exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Television Group, which includes HBO Max, cable and broadcast networks.

Waithe created and executive produced the critically acclaimed Showtime series THE CHI, which has received a Peabody Award nomination, and she also received two NAACP Image Award nominations. Her semi-autobiographical series, TWENTIES, which she writes and executive produces for BET has been praised for being the first primetime series starring a masculine presenting Queer woman of color in a lead role. Recently, Waithe executive produced the film BEAUTY for Netflix, and is currently working on producing a Sammy Davis Jr. biopic. Other upcoming projects include: the feature directorial debut of A.V. Rockwell’s A THOUSAND AND ONE which is set for a March 2023 release; CHANG CAN DUNK for Disney+; and BEING MARY: THE MARY TYLER MOORE DOCUMENTARY, directed by James Adolphus.

On the acting front, Waithe can be seen in the critically acclaimed third season of MASTER OF NONE: MOMENTS IN LOVE on Netflix, which she co-wrote and executive produced. Waithe received an Emmy? Award in the category of “Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series,” for the series’ “Thanksgiving” episode making her the first Black woman to ever do so. Her credits also include HBO’s WESTWORLD, Justin Simien’s horror satire BAD HAIR, Steven Spielberg’s READY PLAYER ONE, Netflix’s #BLACKAF and their animated series BIG MOUTH, NBC’s THIS IS US and many more.

Waithe made her feature film screenwriting debut with Universal’s QUEEN & SLIM, directed by Melina Matsoukas and starring Academy Award® nominee Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner. An advocate for queer representation throughout the industry, Waithe has been honored with such recognitions as The New York City LGBT Community Center’s “Trailblazer Award,” a GLAAD “Media Award,” The Trevor Project’s “Hero Award,” the MTV Awards “Trailblazer Award,” and OUT Magazine’s “Artist of the Year.”

The list of former ABFF ambassadors includes, Issa Rae, Halle Berry, 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.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Presenting) and UPS (Premier).

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

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 27th year, the festival has become a key proponent of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists. 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
ABFF Ventures LLC and Jeff Friday Media (JFM)
[email protected]

Lena Waithe Photo Credit: Shayan Asgharnia

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The American Black Film Festival Presents Business of Entertainment Conversation Series in Partnership with the City of Miami Beach

Featuring NAACP Image Award- Nominated Actress Logan Browning (Dear White People, Hit the Floor) on Thursday, October 13, 2022

LOS ANGELES, (October 3, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), in partnership with the City of Miami Beach, will present the second installment of its biannual Business of Entertainment Conversation Series on Thursday, October 13, 2022, 6 p.m., at O Cinema South Beach located at 1130 Washington Avenue.

With National Arts & Humanities Month providing the perfect context, the conversation will feature actress Logan Browning (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Hit the Floor, Dear White People.) with Nicky Gelin, M.I.A. Soul host and founder of the brand 2 Fro Chicks and “Nicky Says Yolo” who will moderate the discussion. The event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is requested as seating is limited. To register for the event, go to, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abff-business-of-entertainment-conversation-series-logan-browning-tickets-427623412137

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the City of Miami Beach for this second iteration of our Business of Entertainment Conversation series, which brings Hollywood talent like Logan Browning to the city and allows us to help grow our community engagement,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of ABFF Ventures, LLC.

ABFF launched the Business of Entertainment Conversation Series to bring top film and television artists and industry leaders to the Miami Beach area, sharing their career experiences and best practices for navigating the business.

Logan Browning is a Georgia native who began her professional acting career in television and film at 14-years-old. After a successful start at a young age, which included starring in Bratz: The Movie, she attended Vanderbilt University. Browning then returned to Hollywood starring in Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, Vh1’s Hit the Floor, Netflix’s The Perfection and critically acclaimed series Dear White People. She has received two NAACP Image Award nominations for ‘Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.’ Logan is also an op-ed writer and has had her work published online. She most recently directed her debut film Hey Boo for Women Write Now, Hartbeat’s fellowship program. Browning is a passionate participant in several non-profit organizations advocating for civil rights, sustainability, inclusion, and mental health.

The 27th American Black Film Festival will be held June 14-18, 2023, in Miami Beach followed by a virtual event June 19-25 on ABFF PLAY. The festival brings together Black culture enthusiasts, artists, executives and filmmakers from around the world. Submissions for the upcoming festival are open. For more information about ABFF, including submission, deadline and eligibility details, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

About the American Black Film Festival
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to empowering Black artists and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Committed to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder & CEO Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black filmmaking community by encouraging resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. The ABFF has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood and having premiered the early works and showcasing the talent of many of today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians, is an acknowledged platform for emerging Black artists. Today, the festival is the pre-eminent pipeline for Black artists in front of and behind the camera and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in Hollywood.

Media Contacts:

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

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

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American Black Film Festival Will Return to Miami Beach June 14-18, 2023, for Its 27th Year

Call for Submissions Is Now Open

LOS ANGELES, (September 20, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the 27th annual event will be held in Miami Beach June 14-18, followed by a virtual segment streaming on ABFF PLAY June 19-25, 2023. Submissions for the upcoming festival are now open in three categories: narrative features, documentary features and web series. Submission dates for the festival’s short film category will soon be announced. For submission, deadline and eligibility details, visit https://www.abff.com/miami/submissions/.

Filmmakers compete for Jury Awards in the narrative features category — including Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay and the coveted John Singleton Award for Best First Feature — and for Best Documentary, Best Web Series and the prestigious HBO Short Film Award.

The ABFF is a premier venue for Black storytellers and celebration of Black culture. The festival presents a wide range of independent films, studio and network screenings, and series of panels and networking events. ABFF continues to spotlight talent both in front of and behind the camera supporting a number of talent discovery programs, providing a platform for emerging artists.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Presenting), and UPS (Premier).

For more information about ABFF, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

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 27th 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 Announces Lineup for Returning International Screening Series in London

Three-Day Fest Opens with Emmy-nominated Actress Sanaa Lathan’s Directorial Debut On the Come Up

Program Also Features, Independent Films, Panels and Networking Events

LOS ANGELES, (September 14, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) – the leading event in the U.S. showcasing Black creative talent – today revealed its lineup of premieres, features, short films, panels, master classes and networking events for ABFF Global, its international screening series. Programmed in partnership with S.O.U.L. Fest, a UK film organization, ABFF Global is the second installment of the London series taking place September 16-18, 2022, at the British Film Institute (BFI) and the Garden Cinema.

“We’re excited to return to London to showcase the work of Black content creators from around the globe. ABFF’s collaboration with the S.O.U.L. Fest organization is an extension of what our mission has been for 26 years; to provide a platform for Black creatives to tell their stories, build alliances and program content for our community,” said Nicole Friday, president ABFF Ventures LLC.

Kicking off the three-day London event, is the opening night presentation of the coming-of age drama On the Come Up courtesy of Paramount+. A moving love letter to hip-hop, the film marks Emmy®-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan’s feature directorial debut and stars Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty, Mike Epps, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr., GaTa, Sanaa Lathan, Cliff “Method Man” Smith and introducing newcomer Jamila C. Gray.

The series will also feature screenings from independent filmmakers and Hollywood studios including a special preview of The Silent Twins, a powerful film based on a true story courtesy of Focus Features starring Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Tamara Lawrence (Kindred); The UK premiere of The Threesome, an official narrative selection from the 2022 ABFF; Little Darlings an uplifting children’s movie; The Amazon Prime Video series Jungle; and eight diverse short films by British filmmakers from the 2022 S.O.U.L Fest Short film program and award presentation. Additional events include the not-to-be-missed panel, “Because Hollywoodn’t: A Conversation with ABFF Founders Jeff and Nicole Friday,” and a Comedy Master Class from the BBC.

Since its founding, advancing diversity in Hollywood and providing a platform for emerging filmmakers has been a cornerstone of ABFF’s mission. ABFF Global, extends its commitment to the UK to foster collaboration among the growing number and success of Black British creative artists and the Black American filmmaking communities and to facilitate distribution of content from the African Diaspora. Future installments of the series will be presented in other major cultural hubs, including Madrid, Abu Dhabi, Paris and Gaborone.

For the full schedule, to purchase tickets and for more information visit, https://www.abffglobal.com/.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

On The Come Up
Opening Night Film/Courtesy of Paramount Pictures/Paramount+
Director: Sanaa Lathan
Cast: Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty, Mike Epps
Starring newcomer Jamila C. Gray, On the Come Up is the story of Bri, a gifted 16-year-old rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the authenticity that got her this far and the false persona that the industry wants to impose upon her.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

Because Hollywoodn’t: A Conversation with ABFF Founders Jeff and Nicole Friday
Moderators: Anthony Andrews (Creative Director, We Are Parable) and Teanne Andrews (Director of Operations, We Are Parable)
Award winning co-founders of We Are Parable, Anthony and Teanne Andrews will be in conversation with the mercurial co-founders of the American Black Film Festival, Jeff and Nicole Friday, where they’ll discuss origins of the ABFF and share their plans to expand the brand and strengthen the global Black film community.

S.O.U.L. Fest Shorts & Awards presented by Akua Gyamfi and Iyare Igiehon
This year’s S.O.U.L. Fest short film program brings together eight diverse visions of Black British life. Following the screening, the 2022 S.O.U.L. Fest Awards recognizing outstanding Black British screen culture will be presented along with the respected Impact Award.

The short films are:

  • Why Me?, directed by Abdou Cisse
  • Barry the Beekeeper, directed by Ikram Ahmed
  • Butterfly Affect, directed by Edem Wornoo
  • The Ballad Of Olive Morris, directed by Alex Kayode-Kay
  • Drop Out, directed by Ade Femzo
  • Muroyi Ndiani? (Who Is The Witch?), directed by Lawrie Zidyana
  • A Birthday Party directed by Victoria Thomas
  • Reflection, directed by David Anderson

The Threesome
Director: Jamal Dedeaux
Writer: Jamal Dedeaux
Producers: Jaleel Ghafur, Rebecca Haze, Jamal Dedeaux
Cast: Andrea Lewis, Brittany S. Hall, Jerrel O’Neal
Nominated at the 2022 American Black Film Festival for Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, and Best Screenplay; The Threesome tells the story of sexually awkward Stacey Johnson who decides to take control of her life, cancel her ex, and conquer her fears by having a threesome with her new beau and a mysterious woman she’s never met. What could possibly go wrong? Filmmaker Q&A to follow.

The Silent Twins
Courtesy of Focus Features
Director: Agnieszka Smoczynska
Cast: Letitia Wright, Tamara Lawrance
The Silent Twins is the astounding true story of twin sisters who only communicated with one another. As a result, they created a rich, fascinating world to escape the reality of their own lives. Based on the best-selling book “The Silent Twins.”

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

Little Darlings
Director: Ian Aryeh
Writers: Nathan Byron and Jonny Leigh-Wright
Cast: Janae Vito, Diaana Babnicova
Destiny is desperate to meet her dad and half-siblings. The only problem is – they don’t even know that she exists. And her dad just happens to be a famous pop star, Danny Killman. When they finally meet Danny is stunned – and Destiny’s mum Kate storms off in a huff. But Destiny’s sister Sunset stays in touch and the girls bond instantly. Sunset helps Destiny find the courage to sing at her talent contest, and makes sure Destiny knows how much the Killman family love her. To prove it, Danny shows up to Destiny’s performance and they sing together on stage. Followed by Q&A with actors Janae Vito, Diaana Babnicova and writers Nathan Bryon and Jonny Leigh-Wright moderated by Akua Gyamfi.

Jungle
Courtesy of Prime Video
Director: Junior Okoli
Producer: Kurban Kassam
Jungle follows the connected lives of several strangers, each facing their own struggle, viewed through the prism of UK rap and drill music, and giving a perspective on an often-unseen world. Frequently misunderstood, it’s a world where one law governs everything: only the strongest will survive. As the strangers’ worlds begin to unravel around them, they come to the realization that every action, no matter how small, has a consequence. Told through a unique blend of music and dialogue the series will feature some of the UK’s top drill and rap artists and looks to capture a very different side to an often-told story. Followed by Q&A with executive producers Junior Okoli and Chas Appeti.

BBC Comedy Masterclass
The genre of comedy has proven to be an effective nursery for launching Black British TV careers. Coincidence? Or is there something about the Black British experience that lends itself to comedy? Join BBC Comedy Director Jon Petrie and an array of comedy talent as we tackle these questions and more and demystify the business of funny.

ABFF Global sponsors to date include Global Sony Pictures Entertainment (Founding/Presenting); American Airlines (Official) and Paramount+ (Supporting).

About the American Black Film Festival
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to empowering black artists and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Committed to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder & CEO Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black filmmaking community by encouraging resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. He ultimately envisioned it as a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood. Since its inception, the ABFF has been a platform for emerging Black artists, having premiered the early work and showcasing the talent of many of today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. Today, the festival is the pre-eminent pipeline for Black artists in front of and behind the camera and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in Hollywood.

About S.O.U.L. Fest
A celebration of Black British talent in film, showcasing new work by Black British film creatives and allowing audiences the opportunity to see a diverse representation of Britain. Brought to you by S.O.U.L Celebrate Connect, The British Blacklist and We Are Parable, this is S.O.U.L. Fest.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

About Paramount+
Paramount+ is a global digital subscription video streaming service from Paramount that features a mountain of premium entertainment for audiences of all ages. Internationally, the streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®, BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian ChannelTM, in addition to a robust offering of premier local content. The service is currently live in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, Italy, South Korea and the U.K.

Media Contact:

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

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The American Black Film Festival’s International Screening Series Returns to the UK

Photo from Black and Blue premiere at the last installment of ABFF Global From left to right: Jeff Friday, Founder and CEO, ABFF Ventures LLC, Deon Taylor, Director, Black and Blue, Naomie Harris, actress, Black and Blue, Tyrese Gibson, actor, Black and Blue, Nicole Friday, President, ABFF Ventures LLC

Presented in Partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, ABFF Global Will be Held During London’s 5th Annual S.O.U.L. Fest September 16 – 18 Opening Festivities Kick off at the British Film Institute

LOS ANGELES, (July 26, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), premier platform in the U.S. showcasing films and series of Black Americans, travels to the U.K. September 16-18, 2022, for its international screening series. Presented by ABFF Ventures LLC and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) in association with the British-based S.O.U.L. Fest, a film festival serving Black audiences, this second installment of the ABFF Global series will feature screenings, panel discussions and networking with London-based content creatives. The events will be held at the British Film Institute (BFI) and other venues around London during the 5th annual S.O.U.L. Fest.

“ABFF is rooted in building bridges and fostering alliances between Black content creators around the world. SPE’s support of ABFF Global has allowed us to further this mission,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO ABFF Ventures, LLC. “We have a deep respect for the S.O.U.L. organization and appreciate them welcoming us to be a part of their annual event.”

“We are delighted to partner with the ABFF, an organisation we have long admired and been inspired by,” said Iyare Igiehon, director, S.O.U.L. Fest. “We established S.O.U.L. Fest with an ethos of community and have found Jeff Friday and the ABFF team share our values and our desire to forge links across the African diaspora. This collaboration will bring about greater experiences for audiences, open up opportunities for the talent and support and further strengthen the UK as a node on the global Black cinematic network.”

“Sony Pictures is proud to, once again, partner with ABFF and its impactful work showcasing the amazing work of emerging Black artists, said Paul Martin, Chief Diversity Officer, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “We are excited that this September’s global event in London, programmed in association with S.O.U.L Fest, aims to reach an even larger global audience with its screenings, panel discussions, and networking events.”

Launched in 2019 in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment the series, an extension of ABFF, promotes the universal appeal of Black content and encourages collaboration between artists throughout the African diaspora, with the objective of expanding distribution opportunities for Black content on an international scale. Future installments of the series will be presented in other major cultural hubs, including Madrid, Abu Dhabi, Paris and Gaborone.

Sponsors to date of ABFF Global include Global Sony Pictures Entertainment (Founding) and American Airlines (Official).

For information visit, https://www.abffglobal.com/.

About the American Black Film Festival
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to empowering black artists and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Committed to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder & CEO Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black filmmaking community by encouraging resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. He ultimately envisioned it as a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood. Since its inception, the ABFF has been a platform for emerging Black artists, having premiered the early work and showcasing the talent of many of today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. Today, the festival is the pre-eminent pipeline for Black artists in front of and behind the camera and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in Hollywood.

About S.O.U.L. Fest
A celebration of Black British talent in film, showcasing new work by Black British film creatives and allowing audiences the opportunity to see a diverse representation of Britain. Brought to you by S.O.U.L Celebrate Connect, The British Blacklist and We Are Parable, this is S.O.U.L. Fest.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit https://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html

Media Contact:

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

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The 2022 American Black Film Festival Announces Best of the ABFF Awards

[rev_slider alias=”2022-ABFF-Award-Winners-Release”][/rev_slider]

Emmy-nominated Actor/Author Dondré Whitfield Hosted the Inspiring Celebration of Winners

LOS ANGELES, (June 27, 2022) – The 2022 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the Best of the ABFF Award winners. The spirited and inspirational presentation hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated actor and author Dondré Whitfield was an on-point wrap to the exhilarating five-day festival with producer/director/actress Issa Rae the Festival Ambassador. The 26th annual festival returned live to Miami, June 15-19 and continues virtually through June 30 with independent films, the Best of the ABFF Awards and more programming on its custom-designed online platform ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

The Best of ABFF Awards include winners in the official film selection categories — narrative and documentary features, web series and the 25th HBO Short Film Award Showcase, as well as its talent pipeline program comprised of national casting and writing competitions.

The Jury Award winners are:

  • Best Narrative Feature – Our Father, the Devil
    Produced by Ellie Foumbi, Joseph Mastantuono; Directed by Ellie Foumbi
    Prize: $2,500, presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment
  • Best Director, Narrative Feature – Kali Baker-Johnson, Feel Like Ghosts
    Prize: $5,000, presented by Cadillac
  • Best Screenplay, Narrative Feature – Feel Like Ghosts
    Written by Kali Baker-Johnson
    Prize: $2,500, presented by TV One
  • John Singleton Award – Best First Feature – Our Father, The Devil
    Directed by Ellie Foumbi
    Prize: $5,000, presented by Netflix
  • Best Documentary Feature – A Woman on the Outside
    Produced by Kiara C. Jones, Zara Katz, Lisa Riordan Seville; Directed by Zara Katz, Lisa Riordan Seville
    Prize: $2,500, presented by Prime Video
  • Best Web Series – Mine
    Directed by Randall Dottin, Luisa Dantas
    Prize: $2,500, presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
  • HBO Short Film Award – Another Country
    Directed by Sherif Alabede
    Prize: $10,000 for winner, $5,000 each for four finalists presented by Warner Bros. Discovery

The Talent Pipeline Program winners are:

  • ALLBLK’s Shoot Your Shot Casting Call – Javon Terrell
    Prize: Role in upcoming ALLBLK Original series Judge Me Not
  • Warner Bros. Discovery Writers Initiative, One-Hour Drama
    Deion Higginbotham – The Saints
    Prize: $5,000
  • Warner Bros. Discovery Writers Initiative, Half-Hour Drama
    Diara Newman – Townhall
    Prize: $5,000

The Fan Favorite as determined by the ABFF’s audience presented by American Airlines will be announced on the ABFF social platforms on July 1.

ABFF winners will also receive a one-year IMDbPro membership, empowering them with infor-mation and tools designed to help them continue achieving success in their careers. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, IMDbPro is the essential resource for entertainment industry professionals. IMDbPro has an ongoing commitment to supporting and collaborating with organizations that create greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry and is a service of IMDb, the #1 movie website in the world.

ABFF sponsors and partners include Warner Bros. Discovery & HBO® (Founding); Cadillac, City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Prime Video (Presenting); American Airlines, Comcast NBCUniversal, Meta, Bounce TV, Black Experience on Xfinity, UPS, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, Prudential Financial, Variety, TV One, Netflix, Starz, Disney+, Onyx Collective (Official); Accenture, Motion Pictures Association (MPA), A&E, The SpringHill Company, The Boston Globe, Color Of Change, Con-fluential Films, Arrington & Phillips, Fulton Films, BET Her, Morgan Stanley, Miami Beach VCA, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Supporting); En-deavor Content and DC Office of Television (Industry).

For more information about ABFF, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black tal-ent 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 collab-oration. Now in its 26th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists – many of whom have become today’s most suc-cessful 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 Announces 2022 Talks, Panels, and Top Line Talent for 26th ABFF – June 15-19, 2022

Issa Rae, Chanté Adams, Yahya Abdul- Mateen II, Kenya Barris, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ben Crump, Michael Ealy, DeVon Franklin, Kasi Lemmons, Judge Greg Mathis, LisaRaye McCoy, Kyla Pratt, Trevante Rhodes, Kendrick Sampson, Robin Thede, Judge Lynn Toler, Susan Kelechi Watson, Salli Richardson Whitfield And More Topline Programming Slate For 2022 American Black Film Festival

Five-Day Fest Returns to Miami June 15-19, Followed by a Virtual Segment, June 20-30 Featuring a Mix of Conversations, Casting Calls, Networking Events and Live Streamed Content

LOS ANGELES, (June 7, 2022) – The first hybrid edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 26th year, will feature a robust slate of speakers including Kenya Barris, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Trevante Rhodes, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kyla Pratt, Judge Greg Mathis, Naturi Naughton, DeVon Franklin and 2022 Festival Ambassador Issa Rae who will provide opening night welcome remarks and close out the festival with new series Rap Sh!t, as well as panels ranging from the business of Hollywood to spotlights on new films and television series. Regarded as one of the “nation’s largest community of Black film and television enthusiasts,” the festival will be held live June 15-19 and continue virtually June 20–30 on its custom-designed online platform ABFF PLAY https://abffplay.com/.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the industry with so much content targeted towards Black audiences. For 26 years, we have provided a platform for Black creatives to deliver provocative conversations and compelling entertainment to our community. This year’s ABFF will be no different with our live and virtual programming,” said Nicole Friday, President and General Manager, ABFF Ventures LLC.

Highlights include, The Leading Man panel sponsored by Cadillac will bring some of today’s most sought-after actors Michael Ealy (Fatale), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Candyman) and Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight) to the stage for a revealing discussion about their roles in Hollywood and how they have become leading men, moderated by Malinda Williams (The Wood); a conversation with trailblazing filmmakers Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), Kasi Lemmons (I Wanna Dance With Somebody) and Nicole Brown (President of TriStar Pictures) in Fierce Female Filmmakers of TriStar Pictures sit down to talk about their upcoming releases and a sneak peak of the films; Prime Video will present an intimate discussion on how Black women are leading the charge in creating content for all audiences to love in Leading from Within. The hit Peacock Original series Bel-Air: will showcase Clips and Conversations with the Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer Rasheed Newson and cast Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, and Jordan L. Jones; NBCUniversal will present Bust Down in Laughter with NBCU’s Comedy Crew with Sam Jay, Langston Kerman, Jak Knight and Chris Redd from Peacock’s “Bust Down” and Nicole Byer, Phil Augusta Jackson and Carl Tart from NBC’s “Grand Crew;” and in celebration of the final season of This Is Us, actress/writer Susan Kelechi Watson, writer/producer Eboni Freeman, and producer Christiana Hooks will give the audience a behind the scenes look at the episode, “Our Little Island Girl: Part Two.” During the Black Experience on Xfinity panel, series creator Andrea Lewis, Beauty Expert Kahlana Barfield Brown, natural hair entrepreneur Whitney White (aka@Naptural85) and producer CJ Faison will highlight Black women and their overall effect on the beauty industry in the upcoming docuseries The Black Beauty Effect; renowned filmmaker Ayoka Chenzira honors a beloved independent film advocate in A Champion of Independent Black Film: Celebrating the Legacy of Michelle Materre; a peak into Bounce’s Original series, Johnson and Finding Happy, with Clips and Conversation panels featuring the cast and producers; so you want to be a showrunner?; learn how from Robin Thede (Black Lady Sketch Show), Rikki Hughes (Dave Chappelle Sticks & Stones) and Randy Huggins (BMF) in Life of a Showrunner delivered by UPS. Prudential Financial brings their Cocktails, Conversations and Financial Facts with LisaRaye McCoy. Disney+ and NatGeo’s Drs. Ferguson and Hodges of hit series, Critter Fixers will offer the best tips to care for your pets during their Clips and Conversation. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) will discuss a finance plan for filmmakers’ creative content in Funding Your Story: The Nuts & Bolts of Film Finance; and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ leadership will discuss the Academy’s outreach outside of Oscar Sunday.

Not-to-be-missed events include, the 25th HBO Short Film Award Showcase hosted by Bevy Smith featuring five short films from emerging filmmakers who compete for the prestigious award; the ABFF Comedy Wings showcase hosted by Aida Rodriquez, and; The “Best of the ABFF Awards” where the 2022 independent film awards and talent contest winners will be presented.

ABFF’s talent discovery programs find emerging talent and introduce them to the entertainment industry. Included on this year’s lineup is the return of ALLBLK’s Shoot Your Shot Casting Call featuring the honorable Judge Lynn Toler (Commit or Quit) and the Warner Bros. Discovery Writers Competition. The live festival culminates with its annual ABFF Greater Miami Community Day in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as part of its commitment to inform, educate and provide opportunities to the local community about the entertainment industry. Community Day is free to South Florida residents.

Previously announced, the festival will open with the Netflix documentary CIVIL, an intimate verité look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren and produced by Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams and Lauren Cioffi.

All live events are held in and around South Beach including The Regal South Beach, the New World Center Performance Hall, the Bass Museum and the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theatre.

As part of its virtual talk series events, the lineup includes Life as Entrepreneurs about what it takes to build a family brand with Gia Casey and DJ Envy presented by Morgan Stanley, and; an intimate conversation with the cast of the new docuseries on E!, Mathis Family Matters featuring Judge Greg Mathis. Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department will celebrate its five-year anniversary with Universal GTDI’s Five Years of Creative Impact. Lionsgate and Starz bring their Black executives for a Gate-Opening: Black Exec Round Table.

As previously announced the full feature, documentary and web series and spotlight screenings lineup is available here https://www.abff.com/miami/2022-screenings/narrative-features/. All virtual events are available on ABFF PLAY.

Following is the schedule of 2022 ABFF talk series events to date. For times, locations, and the latest information visit, www.ABFF.com

Live Events

Thursday, June 16, 2022

The NFT Masterclass for Creative
NFTs have risen as one of the hottest topics in the entertainment industry. Understanding the intellectual property issues in NFTs is essential to our protection and advancement. This session will address the ABCs of NFTs, including copyright, trademark, publicity issues, and tax matters surrounding NFTs. Instructed by Kimra Major-Morris, Attorney at Law.

Leading From Within
Presented by Prime Video
From the suffrage movement to the civil rights movement, history has shown us we all win when Black women lead. Join three Black women executives from Prime Video for an intimate discussion on how they are leading the charge to create content across series and features that all audiences will love.
Moderators: Latasha Gillespie (Head of DEI, Prime Video)
Panelists: Amber Rasberry (Sr. Executive Development, Movies – Amazon Studios), Lauren Anderson (Co-Head Content & Programming, Amazon Freevee) and Larissa Bell (Development Executive, Amazon St)

The Black Beauty Effect Panel
Presented by Black Experience on Xfinity
An intimate discussion on the global impact of Black Beauty in the upcoming docuseries, The Black Beauty Effect. This discussion will highlight black women and their overall impact in the beauty industry, despite its historical exclusion and oppression of black women.
Panelists: Andrea Lewis, Series Creator, Kahlana Barfield Brown, Beauty Expert, Whitney White, Natural Hair entrepreneur, CJ Faison, Executive Producer

Funding Your Story: The Nuts & Bolts of Film Finance
Presented by the Motion Picture Association
You can be a great storyteller and writer of words that captivate the masses. However, you can’t share that story with the world without having a financing plan in place to get the story made! In this panel, representatives from major studios and a lead film finance company will provide an overview of the variety of ways content creators can finance their production. As each panelist has a unique background in the film finance world, this panel will provide filmmakers with a basic understanding of what to expect when putting together a financing package.
Moderator: John Gibson, Vice President, External and Multicultural Affairs, Motion Picture Association
Panelists: Donyelle Marshall, LATAM Business & Tax Analyst, Florida Office of Film & Entertainment; Chiquita Banks, Esq., Sr. Vice President, TPC; Graham Lee, Esq., Vice President, Tax Counsel-Production, Paramount; Brian O’Leary, Esq., Sr. Vice President- Tax, NBCUniversal (Invited)

Bel-Air: Clips & Conversations
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
Peacock presents an intimate conversation with the cast members from BEL-AIR about celebrating Black on-screen characters and discussing story themes such as love, family, and relationships.
Moderator: Scott Evans
Panelists: Rasheed Newson, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola and Jordan Jones

Bust Down in Laughter with NBCU’s Comedy Crew
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
Join talent from NBCU’s hit comedies for a lively conversation about celebrating and shaping Black culture through stories of family, friendships, love and joy on TV.
Moderator: Danielle Young, Journalist and Host of Real Quick
Panelists: Nicole Byer, Phil Augusta Jackson and Carl Tart from NBCU’s “Grand Crew” and Sam, Jay, Langston Kerman, Jak Knight and Chris Red from Peacock’s “Bust Down”

Shoot Your Shot
Presented by ALLBLK
ALLBLK, the first and largest streaming service for Black TV and film from AMC Networks, is partnering with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to kick off a nationwide casting call for the co-star of its latest original production, “Judge Me Not.” A new hour-long psychological/legal drama created by TV icon, Judge Lynn Toler. “Judge Me Not” focuses on a millennial Black female attorney navigating mental health issues, a rocky romantic relationship and a volatile family, who shocks everyone when she wins a judicial seat at 31. Once there, she fights her demons while managing the chaos of a busy court.

25th Annual HBO Short Film Award Showcase
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO
Five finalists will compete in ABFF’s HBO® Short Film Award. The prestigious showcase will celebrate 25 years of HBO’s commitment to recognizing the next generation of diverse, artistic and creative talent at ABFF. This year’s groudbreaking directors with diverse style of filmmaking are: Sherif Alabede (Another Country), Elisee Junior St Preux (Aurinko in Adagio), Gia-Rayne Harris (Pens & Pencils), Destiny J. Macon (Talk Black) and Rebecca Usoro (The Family Meeting)

Friday, June 17, 2022

Masterclass: Legal Aspects of Indie Filmmaking
Presented by Arrington & Phillips
This seminar will introduce filmmakers to the legal and business aspects of independent filmmaking. From conception to distribution, attendees will learn all the basics needed to make, produce and distribute their own independent film. Instructed by Marvin Arrington and Vince Phillips.

Johnson: Clips & Conversations
Presented by Bounce TV
Join the cast and producer of Johnson for a conversation around the anticipated return of season 2. Johnson focuses on life-long best friends and their sometimes-complicated journey of love, friendship, heartbreak, and personal growth as told from the Black male perspective. The show is executive produced by Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer’s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment.
Moderator: David J. Hudson, Head of Original Programming for Scripps Networks
Panelists: Deji LaRay (series creator & show runner); Thomas Q. Jones (show runner, “P- Valley,” “Luke Cage”); Philip Smithey (“Switched at Birth,” “The Rookie”); and Derrex Brady (“NCIS,” “First”) with Earthquake (“The Neighborhood,” “Chappelle’s Home Team – Earthquake: Legendary”) and Eric C. Rhone (executive producer)

Finding Happy: Clips & Conversations
Presented by Bounce TV
Meet the cast of Bounce’s newest series, Finding Happy, a show created about, for and by Black women. The dramedy follows Yaz Carter as she navigates her loving-but-complicated family, her stagnant career, and a merry-go-round of unrequited love as she looks to find her happy. The show is executive produced by Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer’s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment.
Moderator: Keisha Taylor Starr, Chief Marketing Officer for Scripps Networks
Panelists: B. Simone (MTV’s “Wild ‘n Out”); Kim Coles (“Living Single”); Marketta Patrice (“Black Jesus”); Angela Gibbs (“Hacks,” “The Fosters”); and, Kendra Jo (series creator & show runner)

A Champion of Independent Black Film: Celebrating the Legacy of Michelle Materre
Presented by Meta
Michelle Materre, prolific film distributor, professor, curator, and fervent supporter of women and BIPOC filmmakers, passed away in March. To honor her decades as a champion of independent film and her mission to lift the voices of underrepresented people in cinema, ABFF and Daughters of Eve Media will present a roundtable discussion featuring trailblazing and renowned women filmmakers.
Moderators: Terri Bowles and Dr. Michele Prettyman
Panelist: Ayoka Chenzira

Fierce Female Filmmakers of TriStar Pictures
Presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Join three trailblazing fierce, female, filmmakers – Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball), Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou), and Nicole Brown (TriStar Pictures President) for an intimate sit-down conversation as they open up about their highly anticipated Sony Pictures releases: The Woman King starring Viola Davis, and the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody starring Naomi Ackie. This conversation will dive into the importance, power and future of Black film while providing a sneak peek of what audiences can expect in their upcoming releases via exclusive content.
Moderator: Brett King, Vice President, Creative Programming, Diversity & Inclusion for Sony Pictures Entertainment
Panelists: Nicole Brown, President of TriStar Pictures; Kasi Lemmons, Director, I Wanna Dance with Somebody; Gina Prince-Bythewood, Director, The Woman King

Flipping the Script: Defining your own Path to Success presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Equity and Inclusion
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery
Over the last few decades, the road to stardom and success in Hollywood has changed significantly. With the emergence of the digital age, social media and waves of new talent, many are finding success, their own way and on their own terms. This engaging and motivating panel discusses the impact of breaking into the entertainment industry both traditionally and non-traditionally; and ways to stay relevant in an ever-changing production landscape that is no longer one size fits all.
Moderator: Karen Horne, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Discovery, Equity + Inclusion
Panelists: Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Winning Time and The Gilded Age, HBO), Carlos King (Love & Marriage Franchise, OWN), Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins (Trials to Triumphs Podcast, OWN), Bashir Salahuddin (South Side, HBO Max), Diallo Riddle (South Side, HBO Max). Networking Reception to follow. RSVP and COVID vaccination required.

“This Is Us”: From Script to Screen
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
Go behind the scenes of NBC’s beloved drama “This Is Us” with actress/writer Susan Kelechi Watson, writer/producer Eboni Freeman and producer Christiana Hooks. Delve into a poignant conversation about the final season and the episode “Our Little Island Girl: Part Two” that is centered on Beth Pearson and was co-written by Susan and Eboni. Learn about the show’s unique approach to bringing multidimensional narratives to life by reflecting on the past, inspiring the future, and creating beautiful stories that transcend generations.
Moderator: Danielle Young, Journalist and Host of Real Quick
Panelists: Susan Kelechi Watson, Actress/Writer; Eboni Freeman, Writer/Producer; Christiana Hooks, Producer

Life Of A Showrunner
Presented by UPS
This panel examines the road to becoming a television showrunner, the duties and demands it entails, career strategies to be considered, the parameters of creative control as well as the freedom it affords, and what running a writers room looks like.
Panelists: Robin Thede (A Black Lady Sketch Show), Rikki Hughes (The Hype), Randy Huggins (BMF)

ABFF Comedy Wings Showcase
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO
A night of laugher hosted by Aida Rodriquez and introducing: Marshall Brandon, Cherie Danielle, Shanna Christmas, Rob Gordon, and Alan Massenburg

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Academy 365
Presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a 95-year-old organization that has long been known for the Oscars, often called “Hollywood’s biggest night.” But what goes on the other 364 days of the year? In this panel, key leadership shares how the Academy engages their membership of over 10,000 members on a year-round basis and leads industry initiatives that celebrate the history of film, amplifies its global community of artists and advocates for increased representation across the industry.
Moderator: Scott Evans, Access Hollywood
Panelists: DeVon Franklin, Governor-at-Large; Christine Simmons, COO, Academy; Shawn Finnie, EVP, Member Relations & Awards, Academy; Meryl Johnson, VP, Digital Marketing, Academy

Best of ABFF Awards Presentation
Hosted by Dondré Whitfield
Join us for the announcement of the festival winner of this year’s competitions including: Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Singleton Award for Best First Feature, Best Documentary, Best Web Series and HBO Short Film Award. This event will be live-streamed on ABFF PLAY

Cocktails, Conversations, and Financial Facts with LisaRaye McCoy
Presented by Prudential Financial
Actress and Entrepreneur LisaRaye McCoy will share her journey with money, finances, and setting financial goals from her life on the South Side of Chicago to her life in the film industry. Prudential financial professionals will be available to answer financial questions.
Moderator: Delvin Joyce (Prudential Financial Planner & Founder of Prosperity Wealth Group)

The Leading Man
Presented by Cadillac
A panel of esteemed male actors examine the images of Black men in film and television, share stories about their journeys to success and discuss the messages they wish to convey to boys and young men in the community.
Moderator: Malinda Williams
Panelists: Trevante Rhodes, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Michael Ealy

Critter Fixers: Clips & Conversation
Presented by Disney+
Join veterinarians Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges as they discuss some of their most unique animal cases and provide great tips and techniques to help care for your pets.
Moderator: Jill Tracey, Morning Show Co-Host on WHQT Hot 105 Miami
Panelists: Dr. Terrence Ferguson, Dr. Vernard Hodges

Closing Night Screening
Rap Sh!t
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO Max
Rap Sh!t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna and Mia, who reunite to form a rap group.
Cast: Aida Osman (Shawna), KaMillion (Mia), Jonica Booth (Chastity), Devon Terrell (Cliff,) RJ Cyler (Lamont)
Executive Producer/Writer: Issa Rae (for HOORAE); Executive Producer/Showrunner: Syreeta Singleton; Executive Producer: Montrel McKay (for HOORAE); Executive Producers: Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry (for 3 Arts Entertainment); Executive Producer: Deniese Davis
Hip hop duo Yung Miami and JT of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas for Quality Control Films and Sara Rastogi for HOORAE. Sadé Clacken Joseph directed the pilot. Rae’s audio content company Raedio will handle music supervision for the series.

Sunday, June 18, 2022

ABFF Community Day
Sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)
The festival, in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, presents a day of entertainment curated for family audiences.

Virtual Events available on ABFF PLAY https://abffplay.com/

Life As Entrepreneurs
Presented by Morgan Stanley
A discussion exploring what it takes to build a family brand, the importance of being financially literate, and the value of building generational wealth.
Panelists: Husband and wife team DJ Envy and Gia Casey

Mathis Family Matters
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
E! Entertainment presents an intimate conversation with the cast of E!’s new docuseries, “Mathis Family Matters” about representation, the black family on television today, their personal experiences and perspectives around diversity both in front of and behind the camera. To further the dialogue regarding unscripted television, they will exchange thoughts on the importance of Black producers ensuring that our stories aren’t overlooked and we are represented equally in today’s diverse culture.
Moderators: Ebony Magazine
Panelists: Judge Greg Mathis, Linda Mathis, Jade Mathis, Camara Mathis, Greg Mathis Jr., Amir Mathis

Universal GTDI’s Five Years of Creative Impact
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
In celebration of Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) 5-year anniversary, this panel spotlights friend-of-GTDI director Jude Weng, accompanied by four incredible alumni who have participated in GTDI’s flagship programs. Moderated by Rotten Tomatoes Awards Editor Jacqueline Coley, this panel aims to highlight the participants’ journeys towards establishing a career in the industry, as well as provide their perspective on how they view representation and access in the industry.
Moderators: Jacqueline Coley
Panelists: Jermaine Stegall, Juel Taylor, Jude Weng, Marielle Woods

Gate-Opening: Black Exec Round Table
Presented by Lionsgate and Starz
A candid conversation with Black development executives at Lionsgate and Starz demystifying the studio system, providing helpful guidance and insight into the initial development stages to support rising Black filmmakers.
Moderator: Kamala Avila-Salmon – Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate
Panelists: Kathryn Tyus-Adair, Senior Vice President of Original Programming at Starz, Jade-Addon Hall, Vice President of Current Series at Lionsgate TV, Aaron Edmonds, Vice President of Production and Development at Lionsgate

ABFF 2022 sponsors and partners to date include Warner Bros. Discovery & HBO® (Founding); Cadillac, City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Prime Video (Presenting); American Airlines, Comcast NBCUniversal, Meta, Bounce TV, Black Experience on Xfinity, UPS, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, Prudential Financial, Variety, TV One, Netflix, Starz, Disney+, Onyx Collective (Official); Accenture, Motion Pictures Association (MPA), A&E, The SpringHill Company, The Boston Globe, Color Of Change, Confluential Films, Arrington & Phillips, Fulton Films, BET Her, Morgan Stanley, Miami Beach VCA, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Supporting); Endeavor Content and DC Office of Television (Industry).

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

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

Media Contact:

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

,

The American Black Film Festival and The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Join to Present ABFF’s Annual Community Day Showcase

Free Admission, Sunday, June 19 at The Historic Lyric Theater Featuring After Jackie and a New Comic Book Sneak Peek

MIAMI, (June 6, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) today announced its Annual Community Day Showcase lineup for the 2022 ABFF. The joint annual Community Day Showcase will be held Sunday, June 19 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Historic Lyric Theater, 819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami. After two years of presenting the festival virtually, ABFF returns to the greater Miami area for its five-day event June 15 – 19 and continues virtually June 20-30 on its custom-designed platform ABFF PLAY.

This year marks ABFF and the GMCVB eighth year of partnership which will be celebrated with a special Juneteenth screening of The SpringHill Company’s After Jackie documentary from Emmy Award® winning and Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and critically acclaimed director Andre Gaines premiering on The HISTORY® Channel. Also showcased will be a sneak peek at Endeavor Content’s new comic book franchise.

The event, inspired by family and community, support ABFF’s mission to facilitate more involvement from the Miami community provide education about television and film entertainment, exposure to resources and promote artistic collaboration. In addition, the event also introduces festival attendees to Historic Overtown to support the community’s local businesses and experience the heritage of the neighborhood.

“We are extremely excited to extend the festival to Miami’s historic Overtown community,” said Jeff Friday, Founder ABFF Ventures LLC and CEO Jeff Friday Media (JFM). ABFF is rooted in community and this event allows us to join with our local partners at the GMCVB to give back, support the community and share valuable information about the entertainment industry.”

“Community Day was created as a special grand finale for visitors and residents alike to engage with ABFF and up-and-coming industry talent. Hosting it in Historic Overtown also provides an ideal opportunity to showcase our heritage communities. And it’s especially meaningful that it falls on Juneteenth and Father’s Day, adding to all there is to celebrate in Greater Miami and Miami Beach,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We value this opportunity and our continued partnership with the American Black Film Festival.”

“We’re proud to be a part of this annual celebration and look forward to the film screenings scheduled at the Historic Lyric Theater, added the GMCVB’s Vice President of Multicultural Tourism & Development, Connie Kinnard. “Kudos to Nicole and Jeff Friday, along with the ABFF leadership team, for their commitment to diversity, and helping to bring the festival’s films, celebrity buzz and economic development opportunities into our heritage communities.”

The schedule of events for the 2022 ABFF Annual Community Day follows. To attend, visit Eventbrite and register for a free admission ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abff-community-day-tickets-354113411747

12:45 p.m.
After Jackie
During the 75th anniversary year of Jackie Robinson becoming the first Black player allowed to play modern Major League Baseball, this new two-hour documentary from The SpringHill Company and The HISTORY® Channel After Jackie tells the often-overlooked story of the second wave of talented Black baseball players after Jackie Robinson, including Bill White, Curt Flood and Bob Gibson, who fought battles on and off the field to demand a fairer and more inclusive America for African Americans, and athletes around the world.
Executive Producers: LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Phil Byron of The SpringHill Company; Stanley Nelson, Andre Gaines; Eli Lehrer, Jim Pasquarella of the HISTORY® Channel: Nick Trotta, Jon O’Sheal of Major League Baseball
Courtesy of The HISTORY® Channel, The SpringHill Company and Major League Baseball

3 p.m.
New Comic Book Franchise Sneak Peek
Preview an innovative, one-of-a-kind, multi-verse comic book experience weaving together art, storytelling, music, and merchandise. Designed as a wholly engaging experience for creativity, exploration and consumption.
Courtesy of Endeavor Content

ABFF 2022 sponsors and partners to date include Warner Bros. Discovery & HBO® (Founding); Cadillac, City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Prime Video (Presenting); American Airlines, Comcast NBCUniversal, Meta, Bounce TV, Black Experience on Xfinity, UPS, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, Prudential Financial, Variety, TV One, Netflix, Starz, Disney+, Onyx Collective (Official); Accenture, Motion Pictures Association (MPA), A&E, The SpringHill Company, The Boston Globe, Color Of Change, Confluential Films, Arrington & Phillips, BET Her, Morgan Stanley, Miami Beach VCA, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (Supporting); Endeavor Content and DC Office of Television (Industry).

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

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

Media Contacts:

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

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

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American Black Film Festival Reveals 2022 Spotlight Screenings Lineup

LOS ANGELES, CA, (May 18, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its lineup of 12 spotlight screenings from its studio and network partners. The screenings include premieres and previews of feature films, documentaries and episodic series. Regarded as the preeminent showcase for quality Black content, the festival will take place live in Miami Beach June 15-19 and continues virtually June 20–30 on ABFF PLAY, https://abffplay.com/, the festival’s custom-designed online platform.

This year’s collection of live spotlight screenings include, Rap Sh!t, the new series created by award-winning actress/director/writer/producer and 2022 Festival Ambassador Issa Rae presented by HBO Max; Down With the King, starring rapper Freddie Gibbs from Sony Pictures Entertainment; a sneak peak of Prime Video’s A League of Their Own starring Chanté Adams; Onyx Collective and ABC News Studio’s Aftershock, a film that explores America’s maternal health care crisis; Disney+’s The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, the critically acclaimed revival of Disney Channel’s groundbreaking original series “The Proud Family;” TV One’s upcoming Stranger Next Door from Emmy Award® winning director Victoria Rowell; A&E’s Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution, an exploration documenting how Black comedians used laughter to push social boundaries and cultural change; a first look at The SpringHill Company’s After Jackie documentary from Emmy Award® winning and Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and critically-acclaimed director Andre Gaines premiering on the HISTORY Channel®; a new episode of Black Love, entitled There Isn’t One Way, featuring couples Remy Ma & Papoose and Kenric & Sonequa Martin Green from Confluential Films, and; a compilation of shorts from BET Her, focusing on issues affecting the mental and physical health in the Black community, Behind the Smile! directed by Naturi Naughton and The Pink Fight directed by LisaRaye McCoy. Previously announced, the festival will open with the Netflix documentary CIVIL, an intimate verité look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren and produced by Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams and Lauren Cioffi.

“ABFF continues to be an unparalleled resource for studios, networks and streamers to promote and publicize their upcoming releases to Black audiences. We are excited to share these films and series with this year’s attendees,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO ABFF Ventures LLC.

Virtual spotlight screenings to be featured on ABFF PLAY include Color Of Change’s eye-opening documentary What’s Costing Hollywood?, a mini-documentary that explores how data is often used to inform executive-level decision-making in Hollywood with a talkback moderated by Kendrick Sampson and A Beautiful Resistance from The Boston Globe. Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution will have an encore presentation on the platform.

For more details on the spotlight-screenings see below and visit www.abff.com for the full schedule.

Rap Sh!t
Rap Sh!t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna and Mia, who reunite to form a rap group.
Cast: Aida Osman (Shawna), KaMillion (Mia), Jonica Booth (Chastity), Devon Terrell (Cliff,) RJ Cyler (Lamont)
Executive Producer/Writer: Issa Rae (for HOORAE); Executive Producer/Showrunner: Syreeta Singleton; Executive Producer: Montrel McKay (for HOORAE); Executive Producers: Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry (for 3 Arts Entertainment); Executive Producer: Deniese Davis Hip hop duo Yung Miami and JT of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas for Quality Control Films and Sara Rastogi for HOORAE. Sadé Clacken Joseph directed the pilot. Rae’s audio content company Raedio will handle music supervision for the series.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO Max

Down With the King
Rap star Money Merc (Freddie Gibbs) has been sent by his manager, Paul, to a rural house in the Berkshires to focus on his next album. Disenchanted with his music career and the 24/7 upkeep that such fame entails, Merc has no desire to write or record music. Instead, he spends most of his time at his neighbor’s farm learning about farming and enjoying the simplicity of country life. After Merc abruptly announces his retirement on Twitter, Paul rushes to the countryside to lure him back into the music industry.
Director: Diego Ongaro
Producers: Rob Cristiano, Zach LeBeau & Kim Jackson
Cast: Freddie Gibbs, Jamie Neumann, David Krumholtz, Sharon Washington & Bob Tarasuk
Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment

A League of Their Own
A League of Their Own evokes the joyful spirit of Penny Marshall’s beloved classic, while widening the lens to tell the story of an entire generation of women who dreamed of playing professional baseball. The show takes a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a whole new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the League and outside of it.
Cast: Chanté Adams (Maxine “Max” Chapman)
Co-Creator and Executive Producer: Will Graham
Executive Producer: Desta Tedros Reff
Moderator: Latasha Gillespie, Head of DEI, Prime Video
Courtesy Prime Video and Sony Pictures Television

Aftershock
Shamony Gibson and Amber Rose Isaac were excited mothers-to-be whose deaths due to childbirth complications were preventable. Directors Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis Lee follow Gibson’s and Isaac’s bereaved partners as they fight for justice and build communities of support with other surviving Black fathers. Aftershock shines a light on the world of gynecology—one that has a long-standing history of exploiting and neglecting Black women in America—while simultaneously uplifting the families, activists, and birth workers who are striving to bring change.
Directed and Produced by: Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis Lee
Executive Producers: Dawn Porter, Jenny Raskin, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Patty Quillin, Jennifer and Jonathan Allan Soros, Tegan Acton, Emma Pompetti, Janet Tittiger, Davis Guggenheim and Rahdi Taylor
Co-Executive Producers: Lauren Haber, Kelsey Koenig, Nina and David Fialkow, Barbara and Eric Dobkin, Donna and Kevin Gruneich, Bill and Eva Price
Courtesy of Onyx Collective and ABC News Studios

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
A continuation of the acclaimed series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder follows the adventures and misadventures of newly 14-year-old Penny Proud and her Proud Family as they navigate modern life with hilarity and heart. The 2020s brings new career highs for mom Trudy, wilder dreams for dad Oscar and new challenges for Penny, including a socially woke neighbor who thinks she has a lot to teach her, bullying social media influencers who want to cancel her and her own teenage hormones.
Cast: Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, JoMarie Payton, Cedric the Entertainer
Executive Producers: Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar
Courtesy of Disney+

Stranger Next Door
Former police detective Rochelle Sellers (Vicky Jeudy) has had a year for the ages. After being shot by an unknown assailant and forced to retire, she divorces her husband and has to testify against him as the key witness in a high-profile police corruption trial. To ensure she is protected, she decided to live in seclusion and take on the role of caretaker for her ill father. However, when Jesse Holmes (Skyh Black) moves in next door, Rochelle is smitten. The perceived fairy tale takes a turn for the worst when it appears that Jesse is not the man he professes to be.
Director: Victoria Rowell
Cast: Tim Reid (Ernest Sellers), Vicky Jeudy (Rochelle Sellers) and Skyh Black (Jesse Holmes)
Produced for TV One by Je’Caryous Johnson (Je’Caryous Productions) and Jami McCoy-Lankford (Hillionaire Productions)
Courtesy of TV One

Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution
This new two-part documentary event explores the progression of Black comedy and the comedians who have used pointed humor to expose, challenge and ridicule society’s injustices and to articulate the Black experience in America. The series examines Black comedy through a unique lens, tracing the evolution and social awakening of the courageous comedians who dared to push against the constraints of their time and spoke truth to power.
Directors: Mario Diaz and Jessica Sherif
Executive Producers: Alexa Conway, Mario Diaz, Loren Hammonds, Lance Nichols, Ian Orefice, Jessica Sherif, Brad Abramson and Elaine Frontain Bryant
Courtesy of A&E Network

After Jackie
During the 75th anniversary year of Jackie Robinson becoming the first Black player allowed to play modern Major League Baseball, this new two-hour documentary from The SpringHill Company After Jackie tells the often-overlooked story of the second wave of talented Black baseball players after Jackie Robinson, including Bill White, Curt Flood and Bob Gibson, who fought battles on and off the field to demand a fairer and more inclusive America for African Americans, and athletes around the world.
Executive Producers: LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Phil Byron of The Spring Hill Company; Stanley Nelson, Andre Gaines; Eli Lehrer, Jim Pasquarella of the HISTORY® Channel: Nick Trotta, Jon O’Sheal of Major League Baseball
Courtesy of the HISTORY® Channel, The SpringHill Company and Major League Baseball

Black Love
Black Love from filmmakers Codie Elaine Oliver & Tommy Oliver and Confluential Films, seeks to answer, “What does it take to make a marriage work?” In the 6th and final season premiere, a diverse set of couples detail the early days of their relationship and how they knew the other was the one. From meeting and marrying in under a year, break ups to make ups, dating a coworker, and a pre-prison proposal, these couples highlight their beginnings and the hurdles they faced along the way.
Couples: Remy Ma & Papoose, Kenric & Sonequa Martin-Green, Ashleigh Blaine Featherson & Darroll Jenkins, Codie & Tommy Oliver
Director: Codie Elaine Oliver
Executive Producers: Tommy Oliver, Codie Elaine Oliver
Courtesy of Confluential Films

A compilation of shorts:
Behind the Smile!
Focuses on a newly promoted anchorwoman who falls into a severe depression when she is forced to choose between her dream job and her Vitiligo support group.
Director: Naturi Naughton
Executive Producer: Tressa “Azarel” Smallwood
Written by: Lori Conway Ray
Courtesy of BET Her

The Pink Fight
Revolves around a female boxer who is diagnosed with breast cancer and follows her battle as she and her wife fight for survival both in and out of the ring.
Director: LisaRaye McCoy
Executive Producer: Tressa “Azarel” Smallwood
Written by: K. Senay
Courtesy of BET Her

CIVIL
CIVIL, directed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, is an intimate vérité look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Considered a trailblazer of his field, Crump gives viewers an inside look at his mission to raise the value of Black life. As the civil lawyer for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Black farmers and banking while Black victims, Crump challenges America to come to terms with what it owes his clients.
Directed and Produced by: Nadia Hallgren
Produced by: Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams and Lauren Cioffi
Executive Producers: Erynn Sampson, Matthew Carnahan, Geoff Martz
Courtesy of Netflix

Spotlight screenings that will appear virtually on ABFF PLAY are:

A Beautiful Resistance
The Boston Globe culture columnist Jeneé Osterheldt created A Beautiful Resistance to carry on the tradition of Black arts and Black journalists in reclaiming the truth of Black folk. Like Frederick Douglas taught us, there is power in representation. Too often, we are measured by our suffering. Blackness must not be defined by our brutalization. We are more than death. When we are depicted by our extremes, the truth of us is lost. We live, fully. Our joy, our dreams our everyday stories? That’s a beautiful resistance. Every season consists of a weekly mixtape: we deliver a short film, a longform story, a Q&A, and we invite the community to share their own beautiful resistance on Instagram. There is music, there is story, there is love. Joy lives her. Join us Globe.com/abeautiful resistance
Courtesy of The Boston Globe

What is Costing Hollywood?
“What’s Costing Hollywood?” explores the ways in which more transparency around data collection and use can help the film and entertainment industry address costly racial disparities. The mini-documentary develops the story through the lens of changemakers like Kendrick Sampson (actor, activist, and co-founder of BLD PWR); Tas Plater (head of human resources at Endeavor Content); Fanshen Cox (inclusion rider co-author and development executive at Pearl Street Films); and Alex Simmons (data scientist at Snap Inc.) who provide insight into the underlying root issue of data collection and discriminatory algorithms — depicting a clear path for a new paradigm shift in the entertainment industry.
Moderator: Kendrick Sampson
Panelists: Rashad Robinson; Romola Ratnam; Aerica Shimizu Banks; and, Darnell Hunt
Courtesy of Color Of Change’s #ChangeHollywood initiative

All official selections can be found here https://www.abff.com/miami/2022-screenings/.

ABFF 2022 sponsors and partners to date include Warner Bros. Discovery & HBO® (Founding); Cadillac, City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Prime Video (Presenting); American Airlines, Comcast NBCUniversal, Meta, Bounce TV, UPS, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, Prudential Financial, Variety, TV One, Netflix, Starz, Disney+, Onyx Collective, (Official); Accenture, Motion Pictures Association (MPA), A&E, The SpringHill Company, The Boston Globe, Color Of Change, Confluential Films, BET Her, Morgan Stanley, VCA, (Supporting); Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Endeavor Content (Industry).

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

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

Media Contact:

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