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The 2024 American Black Film Festival Announces Retrospective: Celebrating the Legacy of Denzel Washington

LOS ANGELES, (April 30, 2024) – The 28th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the Retrospective: Celebrating the Legacy of Denzel Washington program which will take place on Saturday, June 15. This distinguished program is the first of its kind, celebrating the careers of extraordinary Black artists. This year’s festival, which takes place live in Miami Beach June 12-16, followed by an online segment June 17-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/), spotlights incredible emerging creatives in the filmmaking space.

“We are thrilled and honored to present Denzel Washington with the very first ABFF career retrospective,” said Jeff Friday, Founder & CEO of NICE CROWD. “Denzel has been a longtime supporter of ABFF having attended the festival in the early years, so it is truly a full circle moment for us to spotlight his career in this way.”

This year’s “Retrospective” will take attendees on a journey through Academy Award-winning actor and director Denzel Washington’s cinematic legacy, showcasing his extraordinary talent and enduring impact on the film industry. The program will feature themed activations and screenings throughout the festival of some of his most iconic films, including Sony Pictures Entertainment’s/TriStar Pictures’ Devil in A Blue Dress culminating with a special tribute/onstage interview with Mr. Washington himself on closing night. The conversation will not only celebrate his achievements on screen but also his significant cultural impact off-screen as a director, producer, humanitarian, husband, and father.

The Denzel Washington Retrospective will inspire and enlighten the festival’s captive audience, offering a comprehensive look at the career of one of the most respected and talented artists of all time.

ABFF has become a cornerstone for diversity in Hollywood showcasing Black creativity and stories through a one-of-a-kind platform for mainstream audiences and beyond. The 2024 festival will encompass diverse narrative and documentary filmmakers from the USA, Nigeria, France and Canada. In addition, the narrative features lineup includes an array of programming across genres – action, psychological thriller, romance, biography, drama, comedy, and coming-of-age stories that also depict culturally relevant themes such as mental health, trafficking, homelessness, gang violence, gentrification and LGBT advocacy.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, William Morris Endeavor (WME) (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Download a photo of Denzel Washington’s (photo credit: Ben Goldberg) HERE.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2024 Media Credentials please apply HERE.

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Nice Crowd’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and Walmart’s Black & Unlimited Announce Their Second Annual Content Creators’ Competition Through the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project

LOS ANGELES, (April 29, 2024) – Today, NICE CROWD’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and Walmart’s Black & Unlimited announced their continued collaboration to highlight the role of Black men within their families and communities through the second annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project content creators’ competition.

After a successful launch at the 2023 ABFF in Miami, the unprecedented program included screenings, panel discussions, and experiential activations. The Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project will spotlight emerging directors in a creator’s competition to champion independent filmmaking while providing a platform to showcase a wide range of stories about Black men as fathers.

This year’s Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project program will include premieres for the top three winners of the filmmaker competition (listed below) and an onstage panel with a well-known artist and their child to discuss fatherhood and their relationship.

“We’re honored to continue our partnership with the American Black Film Festival,” said D.J. Vaughn, Multicultural Media & Content Lead at Walmart. “Our collaboration in 2023 was a resounding success, and we are thrilled to spotlight the importance of Black fatherhood and the role of Black men in their families and communities. We look forward to another year of empowering emerging directors and highlighting stories about Black fatherhood to mainstream audiences.”

From the pool of submissions, three directors will be selected to each receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to attend and screen their films at the 2024 American Black Film Festival taking place in Miami, June 12-16. Each film will also be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s online global platform, and Walmart’s Black and Unlimited YouTube page from June 17-24.

2024 Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Winning Films

After These Messages *World Premiere
A single father struggling with university politics as a professor must choose between his job and his daughter whose desire to be authentically herself threatens their livelihood.
USA | 26 min
Director: Khalid Abdulqaadir
Writer: Khalid Abdulqaadir
Producers: Corey McCartney, Kevin Willmott, Talib Kweli, Khalid Abdulqaadir
Cast: Petey McGee, Sanaa Salaam

Black Santa
Every year Henry looks forward to his job working as a mall Santa alongside his son Otis. But as Otis grows older, this may prove to be their last holiday season as a duo.
USA | 10:06 min
Director: Travis Wood
Writers: Travis Wood, Weston Auburn
Producers: Gabriela Díaz Arp, Kiah Clingman
Cast: Theo Haddon, Andrew Tull, Michael Silverblatt

It Takes A Village *World Premiere
In 1960s Georgia, Lawrence Cooke prepares his son, Isaiah, for his ascension to manhood.
USA | 13:37 min
Director: Joshua Kissi
Writers: Joshua Kissi, Keyla McNeely
Producer: Kegan Sant
Cast: Jackson Abram, Michael Ealy, Nadine Ellis, Mccolm Cephas, Antonio Shamori Washington, Zakai Biagas-Bey, Jamald Gardner, Myron Primes, Newton N Mayenge

For additional details please visit the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project page HERE.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black stories. Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work, and supported 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.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, William Morris Endeavor (WME) (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

Download Film Images HERE.
Download Filmmaker Photos & Bios HERE.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2024 Media Credentials please apply HERE.

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The 2024 American Black Film Festival Announces Official Narrative and Documentary Features Lineup

LOS ANGELES, (April 24, 2024) – The 28th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its lineup of the narrative and documentary features. This year’s festival, which takes place live in Miami Beach June 12-16, followed by an online segment June 17-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/), spotlights incredible emerging creatives in the filmmaking space.

ABFF has become a cornerstone for diversity in Hollywood showcasing Black creativity and stories through a one of a kind platform for mainstream audiences and beyond. The 2024 festival will encompass diverse narrative and documentary filmmakers from the USA, Nigeria, France and Canada. In addition, the narrative features lineup includes an array of programming across genres – action, psychological thriller, romance, biography, drama, comedy, and coming-of-age stories that also depict culturally relevant themes such as mental health, trafficking, homelessness, gang violence, gentrification and LGBT advocacy.

Winners of the films in competition will be announced during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by three-time Emmy award nominee Dondré Whitfield on June 15.

The 2024 Narrative lineup showcases: Albany Road directed and written by Christine Swanson starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield, J. Alphonse Nicholson; The Lost Holliday directed by, co-written and starring Jussie Smollett alongside lead actress Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; The Waterboyz, directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump and starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony, and Quavo; Jason Mitchell leads in Black Heat, written and directed by Wes Miller, co-starring Tabitha “Dreamdoll” Robinson and NLE Choppa.

In addition, this year’s Documentary lineup showcases: King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones directed by European filmmaker Harriet Marin Jones, produced by the renowned Quincy Jones & Debbie Allen; Luther: Never Too Much directed by Dawn Porter, produced by Jamie Foxx; sports profile documentary Train: The Dick “Night Train” Lane Story directed by Eric “Ptah” Herbert.

The full feature and documentary lineup for the 2024 American Black Film Festival is listed below and at https://www.abff.com/miami/press-room/press-releases/. The festival’s finalists for the prestigious HBO® Short Film Award, will be announced at a later date.

“The 2024 American Black Film Festival is back to continue the celebration of both artists and attendees through our robust presentation of diverse filmmaking that spotlights Black culture,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “We are excited to return to Miami and invite all to come take part in a momentous week of highlighting emerging filmmakers and bringing a wide-range of empowering stories to our community.”

NARRATIVE FEATURES (U.S. & International)
A competitive section for U.S. and international feature-length films directed by and/or both 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 Actor (presented by Ally Financial, $2500 cash prize), Best Director (presented by Cadillac, $5000 cash prize), and Best Narrative Feature (presented by Walmart, $2500 cash prize). The following films represent the 2024 official selections in the Narrative Features category:

Albany Road
On her way to the most important meeting of her career, severe weather forces a New York executive to share a rental car with her former nemesis, her ex-fiancé’s mother, only to discover that the mother is hiding a major secret.
USA | 135 min
Director: Christine Swanson
Writer: Christine Swanson
Producer: Michael Swanson
Cast: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Lisa Arrindell, Gary Dourdan, Joe Holt, Rachel Nicks

Black Heat *World Premiere
One night, two parents, out of options, infiltrate a top-level dealer and pimp’s apartment complex to rescue their teenage daughter.
USA | 93 min
Director: Wes Miller
Writer: Wes Miller
Producer: Andrew van den Houte, Wes Miller
Cast: Jason Mitchell, Tabatha “DreamDoll” Robinson, NLE Choppa

Body of Water *USA Premiere
Sometimes you have to take justice into your own hands.
USA | 103 min
Director: Terrisha Kearse
Writer: Steve Fauquier, David Wendell Boykins, Terrisha Kearse, Mico Ramos
Producer: Tara Carbajal, Terrisha Kearse, Keita Don Azu, Seven Bailey, Amber Bolden
Cast: David Wendell Boykins, Dallas Schaefer, Kiya Roberts, Derek S. Orr, Kimberly Bailey

Drip Like Coffee *World Premiere
An unexpected romance evolves between two Brooklyn baristas, Kali, an aspiring coffee professional, and Mel, a budding photographer.
USA | 86 min
Director: Anaiis Cisco
Writer: Anaiis Cisco
Producer: Anaiis Cisco, Ryan Rivard, Mary Pena, Kathryn Boyd-Batstone
Cast: Iman Artwell Freeman, Kashanie Lagrotta Butler, Ralphy Lopez

Freedom Hair
Based on the inspiring, true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who works at a shelter for battered women decides to start a hair braiding business and must overcome obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi.
USA | 99 min
Director: Dianne Houston
Writer: Dianne Houston
Producer: Stacey Parks, Lana Link, Rob Pfaltzgraff
Cast: Simona Brown, Jeremie Harris, Sophia Bush, and Erica Taze

He Looked Like A Postcard *World Premiere
A poet balancing single motherhood returns to her hometown to rebuild her life and finds love and so much more after receiving a magical postcard under her door.
USA | 97 min
Director: Qasim Basir
Writer: jessica Care moore
Producer: jessica Care moore, Lasana Hotep, Gingi Rochelle
Cast: jessica Care moore, Tobias Truvillion, Jaden Anthony Moore, Nicci Gilbert, Donnell Rawlings, Omar Regan

Peripheral *World Premiere
A woman’s husband goes missing soon after moving into their new home, but strange and paranormal events start to occur upon his return.
USA | 88 min
Director: Sulayman Tahir
Writer: Sulayman Tahir, Jordan Tortorello
Producer: Jordan Tortorello, Dallas Hart, Chris Tortorello
Cast: Andria B. Langston, Patrick Walker, Patricia Mizen, D’Kia Anderson, Sami Tortorello

Swoon *World Premiere
A woman wakes tied to a bed, and her captor tries to manipulate her into believing they are a couple.
USA | 83 min
Director: Byron Manuel
Writer: Byron Manuel
Producer: Byron Manuel, Ryan Rojas, JP Ouellette, Cash Oliver, Franco Tavera, George Wriighster, Cameron Duncan, Lily Terrazas, Raul Terrazas, Kassandra Lee Diaz, Rich Morrow.
Cast: Kassandra Lee Diaz, DeRon Cash, Rich Morrow, Efrangeliz Medina, Dean Wil, Herbert Morales, Del Harrison.

The Final Play *USA Premiere
A retired pro basketball player seeks true love and a new beginning, but past traumas threaten his happiness.
USA | 108 min
Director: Tailiah Breon
Writer: Jeremy Pargo, Barshea Lowery
Producer: Jeremy Pargo, Valentina Barton, Tailiah Breon, Ernestine Morrison Johnson
Cast: Jeremy Pargo, Hazel Renee, Jerod Haynes, Navv Greene, Vanessa D. Fant, Brea Joy

The Lost Holliday *World Premiere
After losing her estranged son, Cassandra must deal with grief and guilt while getting to know her son’s daughter and husband, who she knew nothing about.
USA | 96 min
Director: Jussie Smollett
Writer: Jerrell Chesney & Jussie Smollett
Producer: Jussie Smollett, Mona Scott-Young, Tressa Smallwood, Tom Wilson, Joe “Jody” Williams, Janet Smollett, Eddie Mac, Stephanie Gayle, Jerrell Chesney, Anthony Smallwood, Sheila Legette and Vivica A. Fox
Cast: Vivica A. Fox, Jussie Smollett, Jabari Redd, Marquise Vilsón, Brittany S. Hall, Miriam A. Hyman, Londyn Carter, Memphis Cade, Gina Belafonte, Leslie D. Baker

The Odds *World Premiere
A young man stumbles into good fortune but it attracts the wrong attention.
NIGERIA | 93 min
Director: Kewa Oni
Writer: Kewa Oni
Producer: Seun Opabisi, Sean McNichol, Phiona Okunmu, Tunji Jamiu Shoyode
Cast: Molawa Davies, Osita Iheme, Gbemi Akinlade, Kelechi Udegbe

The Waterboyz *World Premiere
In the streets of ATL, two young men cross paths, one trying to make a legit living, the other trying to create mayhem and rule the streets.
USA | 89 min
Director: Coke Daniels
Writer: Coke Daniels
Producer: Coke Daniels, Errol Sadler, Dolapo Erinkitola, Cameron S Mitchell, Brian Sher, Coach K, Pee Thomas, Ben Crump, Tirrell D Whitley.
Cast: Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony, Quavo Omar Dorsey, Rockmond Dunbar

Young King *World Premiere
As Diondre Howell re-adjusts to civilian life and struggles to cope with the scars of the Iraq war, he increasingly becomes a threat to those he cares about the most – his family.
USA | 94 min
Director: Bryant T. Griffin
Writer: Bryant T. Griffin
Producer: Selena Leoni
Cast: Vince Washington, Tarra Riggs, Kirby Griffin, Vaughn Wilkinson, James Arthur Sims

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 ($2500 cash prize). The following films represent the 2024 official selections in the Documentary Features category:

A Time To Yell: More Than A Statue *World Premiere
Former Charlottesville city council member Dr. Wes Bellamy’s impassioned activism reveals the tumultuous journey for racial justice sparked by the controversial removal of Confederate statues and leading to one of modern America’s most divisive conflicts.
USA | 63 min
Director: Eric W. Newman & Daniel B. Levin
Producer: Eric W. Newman, Daniel B. Levin & Daryl Davis
Cast: Dr. Wes Bellamy, Kristin Szakos, Eze Amos, Will Jones, Courtney Commander

Family Tree
In the American South, Black forest landowners fight to maintain their family legacy and create sustainable forests for generations to come.
USA | 97 min
Director: Jennifer MacArthur
Producer: Rupert Maconick
Cast: the Jefferies Family, the Williams Family, Sam Cook, Mavis Gragg, Alton Perry

It Takes A Village: An East Van Story *USA Premiere
The journey of two Ugandan brothers unfolds in East Vancouver highlighting the impact of community in empowering at-risk youth to triumph over adversity.
CANADA | 79 min
Director: Christopher Cho
Producer: Jonathan Mubanda, Christopher Cho, Stephanie Watt-Mubanda, David Mubanda, Wolfgang Klassen
Cast: Jonathan Mubanda, David Mubanda, Theresa Campbell

King Of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones
A European filmmaker searches for the truth about her grandfather, the most famous Policy Kings of all times, who rose to the heights of financial and political prominence in Chicago in the ‘30s, despite discrimination.
FRANCE | 98 min
Director: Harriet Marin Jones
Producer: Harriet Marin Jones
Executive Producers: Quincy Jones, Debbie Allen
Cast: Quincy Jones, Nathan Thompson, Harriet Jones, Timuel Black

Luther: Never Too Much
Dawn Porter offers an in-depth look into the life and career of Luther Vandross as he overcomes personal and professional challenges to become one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
USA | 100 min
Director: Dawn Porter
Producer: Trish D Chetty, Ged Doherty, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Leah Smith
Executive Producers:
Cast: Fonzi Thornton, Robin Clark, Carlos Alomar, Danyel Smith, Jon Platt, Ava Cherry, Seveda Williams, Nile Rodgers, Valerie Simpson, Marcus Miller, Nat Adderly Jr., Jamie Foxx, Lisa Fischer, Kevin Owens, Richard Marx, Clive Davis, Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Max Szadek

Train: The Dick “Night Train” Lane Story *World Premiere
Trace the remarkable rise of Dick Night Train Lane, from the concrete fields of the 1920s to Madden Football stardom, as he transforms from being discarded in a trash can to earning a place in the Football Hall of Fame.
USA | 133 min
Director: Eric “Ptah” Herbert
Producer: Carlos Mendez, Jennifer Karsting, Richard Lane Jr, Richard Walker, Eric “Ptah” Herbert, Mack Tompkins, Andre Mitchell, Devin Mitchell
Executive Producers:
Cast: Eric Dickerson, Ray Lewis, Warren Moon, Dick Lebeau, Rod Woodson, Dick Butkus, Leigh Steinberg, Ct Fletcher, Guy Torry, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Henry Leverette

Who In The Hell Is Regina Jones? *World Premiere
Before Rolling Stone, there was Soul Newspaper. Behind Soul, there was Regina Jones. Against all odds, Regina blazed her own path, and at 80 has found herself again.
USA | 99 min
Director: Soraya Selene, Billy Miossi
Producer: Alissa Shapiro
Executive Producers:
Cast: Regina Jones, Matt Jones

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, New World Symphony, Motion Picture Association (MPA), (Supporting), A&E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).

For 2024 Media Credentials please apply HERE.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Download images of the 28th annual American Black Film Festival Official Selections HERE.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

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Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival Returns to Washington DC

Enjoy Unmatched Live Comedy, Master Classes, Panels, and the New Comedy Cares VIP Charity Event from September 27-29

WASHINGTON, DC, (April 4, 2024) – NICE CROWD, in partnership with Events DC, is thrilled to announce the return of the Because They’re Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival, a three-day event dedicated to amplifying BIPOC comedic talent. Following its acclaimed debut in 2023, which USA Today named One of the Top 10 New Events of The Year, BTF is back for its second annual installment from September 27-29, 2024, across The Wharf’s venues with performances and events at The Anthem, Pearl Street Warehouse and more.

A spinoff of the American Black Film Festival, BTF aims to propel a new generation of stand-up comedians to stardom and showcase content in the comedy genre that features people of color. In 2023, the BTF festival garnered a tremendous response, drawing more than 5,200 attendees and 1,000 submissions for the showpiece “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition. Last year’s winner, Alfred Kainga, was signed by Innovative Arts talent agency and is currently on a national tour. The event also included notable talent such as Tommy Davidson, Yvonne Orji, DC Young Fly, Donnell Rawlings and Nicole Byer.

“After witnessing the tremendous success of last year’s festival, we’re inspired to adopt a more community-centric approach,” said Jeff Friday, Founder of NICE CROWD and visionary behind BTF. “We are excited to continue our relationship with Events DC and honored to enrich this year’s festival with a local charitable aspect deepening our engagement with the community that surrounds and uplifts us.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival back home to Washington, D.C., the best city in the world for entertainment, culture, and more,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “The inaugural festival was a tremendous success and became one of the top 10 new festivals of 2023. This year, I am excited to build upon that success and showcase the best comedic talent within the BIPOC community to residents and visitors from across the country.”

New this year, the 2024 festival kicks off with the “Comedy Cares for DC” event, a VIP showcase and charity roast. This event underscores BTF’s mission to deploy comedy as a force for good.

Over three days, BTF will showcase a dynamic array of talent with headline acts, rising standup comedy stars, master classes, lively panels, networking opportunities and BTF’s flagship “Breakout Comedian of the Year” competition, offering a life-changing $10,000 grand prize and the opportunity for the winner to secure representation by a top Hollywood talent agency.

The call for submissions is now open to comedians across the nation and passes are available for purchase beginning April 15, 2024. Headliners and comedy lineup to be announced early this summer.

2024 BTF partners and sponsors to date are the presenting partner Events DC, and programming partners DC Improv and LAFF MOBB.

To learn more, please visit www.becausetheyrefunny.com.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, a pioneering entertainment company at the forefront of the live events industry. Its passion lies in curating and promoting immersive festivals and live experiences that celebrate the rich diversity of BIPOC talent. By spotlighting exceptional artists and cultural innovators, the company aims to create vibrant and inclusive spaces that resonate with audiences globally.

To learn more about NICE CROWD, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Gold-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC) — and on our new hub for on-demand event programming on GATHER by Events DC at www.gatherbyeventsdc.com.

Media Contacts:

McKenzie Pickett
[email protected]
(804) 244-1175

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Film Life Foundation Social Justice Now Film Festival Announces 2024 Lineup

Set to Run February 22-24, SJNFF Showcases Storytelling and Conversations that Challenge, Motivate and Inspire Change

Featuring Kemba – Inspired by the Life Story of Criminal Justice Reform Advocate Kemba Smith

LOS ANGELES, (February 12, 2024) – The Social Justice Now Film Festival (SJNFF), presented by the Film Life Foundation, today announced its lineup of official narrative, documentary features and short films. The festival will run February 22-24, 2024, at Sony Pictures Entertainment’s studio lot in Culver City. Sony Pictures is the event’s Founding Sponsor.

This year’s program will feature impactful spotlight screenings including the BET+ Original Film Kemba, directed by Kelley Kali and written by Christine Swanson, both ABFF Alums; documentary shorts How to Sue the Klan, by Emmy nominated director John Beder, producers Benjamin Crump, Cameron S. Mitchell, and Raji Ramanathan, Underwater Projects, directed by Dream Hampton and Liz Havstad; and the world premiere of 848: The Criminalization of America, directed by Thomas Freeman, Jr.

With the mission “to watch, to reflect and to take action,” the Social Justice Now Film Festival provides a unique platform to showcase content that confronts the social and economic issues – racism, criminal justice reform, equity, education, and immigration rights facing Black and Brown communities. Through content from established and emerging filmmakers, along with engaging post-screening talkbacks with activists, authors and academics, the festival aims to amplify critical issues and encourage social change.

“We believe in the power of film as a vehicle for social change,” said Festival Director Melanie Sharee. Thank you to SONY for believing in the mission of this festival and providing a home for filmmakers to share their perspectives, amplify marginalized voices and engage with the community.”

The schedule for the Social Justice Now Film Festival is below or visit https://socialjusticenowfilmfestival.org/films/. To attend visit Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/social-justice-now-film-festival-78794526593. Follow SJNFF @socialjusticenowfilmfestival

Thursday, February 22, 2024

7:00 p.m.
Kemba
Narrative Feature | 87 min
Director: Kelley Kali
Writer: Christine Swanson
Produced by: MPI Original Films
Producers: Rob Pfaltzgraff, Lana Link, Stacey Parks
Executive Producers: Nick Reid, Kemba Smith, Constance Orlando, Maureen Guthman
Cast: Nesta Cooper, Siddiq Saunderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Michelle Hurd
A sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin, finds herself in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs.”

Friday, February 23,2024

7:00 p.m.
The Fight for Black Lives
Documentary Feature | 72 min | LA Premiere
Producer/Director: Micere Keels
This film chronicles the ways that racial stress and the American healthcare system disadvantage the health of Black Americans.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

1:00 p.m.

848:The Criminalization of America
Documentary Feature | 76 min | World Premiere
Writer/Director: Thomas Freeman, Jr.
Producer: Demetrius Hill
Executive Producers: Akira Pray, Dr Ansari, Nathaniel Banks
A criminal justice documentary focusing on U.S. code 848 aka the Kingpin charge – this charge calls for “Drug Kingpins,” even non-violent ones, to spend life in prison. Even though the laws have changed, some non-violent offenders are still stuck in federal prison after serving more than 30 years. This is the story of the how, why and what we can do to help!

4:00 p.m.
Short Film Collection I

How to Sue the Klan
Documentary | 35 min
Director/Producer: John Beder
Producers: Benjamin Crump, Cameron S. Mitchell, Raji Ramanathan
How to Sue the Klan is the story of how five Black women from Chattanooga used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case, fighting to hold the Klan accountable for their crimes and bring justice to their community. The women’s victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate.

Bienvenidos a Los Angeles
Narrative | 17 min
Writer/Director: Lisa Cole
Producers: Vivian Johnson, Cindy Lu, Jolene Mendes, Benjamin O’Keefe, Lolia Etomi
Cast: Destiny Faith Nelson, Stacey Patino, Ethan Mendez, Rashmi Rustagi, Yvonne Huff Lee
The timely story of Imani, a Nigerian single mother living in Los Angeles, who offers to help a perfect stranger reunite with her son. In doing so, Imani learns this simple act of kindness threatens to jeopardize her own path to citizenship.

Breathe
Narrative |16 min
Writer/Director: Jamie Burton-Oare
Producer: Jamie Burton-Oare
Executive Producer: Shannon E. Riggs
Cast: Stephen Hill
For Eric, it is a normal day in his life/neighborhood. For the world, it’s the day Eric faces the reality of taking his last breath.

7:00 p.m.
Short Film Collection II

Underwater Projects
Documentary | 28 min | World Premiere
Co-Directors: Dream Hampton, Liz Havstad
Norfolk, Virginia is sinking. The already insufficient sea wall ends where a public housing project, St. Paul’s, begins. St. Paul’s housing projects’ residents are Black people. Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base and there is currently no public plan to prevent it from going underwater.

Silent Partner
Narrative | 16 min | LA Premiere
Director: Aristotle Torres
Writers: Aristotle Torres, Roderick Lawrence
Producer: Roderick Lawrence
Cast: Roderick Lawrence, Kara Young, Michael Park
Silas Jones is an accomplished, Black trial attorney on the cusp of making partner at a white-shoe law firm. Upon successfully defending a white woman charged with murdering a Black teen, Silas comes to a crossroads with his wife Kosi, an equally accomplished professor, as they prepare to attend the firm’s celebration. As the night progresses, Silas questions the legitimacy of his promotion. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

Somewhere
Musical Narrative | 13 min | LA Premiere
Writer/Director: Alexander Craven
Producers: Jeff Pifher, Shane Collins
Cast: Natalie Hanna Mendoza, John Robert Hall
When Elena and Cameron are ripped apart by an act of racism, both must stand up for what they believe to keep the door of love open.

About The Social Justice Now Film Festival
The Social Justice Now Film Festival presented by the Film Life Foundation is dedicated to showcasing content that confronts racism and heightens awareness of the social and economic issues that negatively affect Black and Brown people in the United States. Sony Pictures is SJNFF’s founding sponsor.

About Film Life Foundation
The Film Life Foundation (FLF) is a nonprofit organization founded by American Black Film Festival producers Jeff and Nicole Friday. Based in Los Angeles, the organization is dedicated to spearheading diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, as well as bringing people of different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives closer together through the transformative medium of film. The foundation’s work is centered on cause-oriented programs in the areas of social justice, education, professional development and cultural exchange. For more information, visit www.filmlifefoundation.org

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

Media Contact:
Chelsye J. Burrows
[email protected]

2024 SJNFF Images
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zBfWxzw2VYVeTFTU-FOuu2DBSh_vJ-da?usp=drive_link

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American Black Film Festival Honors Announces Additional Honoree, Kelvin Harrison Jr., as the Recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award

Hosted by Tommy Davidson, ABFF Honors to Celebrate Legendary Performer Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, and Mara Brock Akil and Announce the ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 6, 2024) – The 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today that Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Nat Geo’s Genius: MLK/X, Chevalier) is the recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award which is presented to a contemporary artist in acknowledgement of their recent success and future promise in the film and television industry. The 2024 ABFF Honors is presented by NICE CROWD and will take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Guests at the intimate, non-televised dinner will include ABFF honorees and festival partners.

As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate legendary performer Garrett Morris; Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated, and Golden Globe-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist Taraji P. Henson; Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, and groundbreaking writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the show. Nominees in that category include: A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.

“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees, past and present, thrive in the industry; and as we move towards tomorrow, we want to spotlight the next generation of luminaries. We are thrilled to celebrate Kelvin Harrison Jr. as our Rising Star honoree alongside Garrett, Taraji, Jeffrey, and Mara,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole Friday.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. is known for bringing to life some of the most dynamic and diverse characters on screens both big and small. In the past couple of years, Kelvin has been recognized for his incredible talents as a SAG award winner along with the ensemble cast of 2020’s Oscar nominated The Trial Of The Chicago 7. In 2019 he captivated audiences in the drama Luce in which he leads as the title character opposite Octavia Spencer, Tim Roth and Naomi Watts. The film first premiered in competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was released to great critical acclaim resulting in Independent Spirit Award and BAFTA nominations for both Harrison and the film. That same year, Kelvin starred in the A24 drama Waves which garnered early Oscar buzz coming out of the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals. Waves was his second film with director Trey Edward Shults and reviews singled out his performance as “brilliant”, “excellent” and a “knockout”, which earned him multiple nominations and awards. He is currently starring in Genius: MLK/X as Martin Luther King Jr.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. In addition to the individual honors, the ceremony includes a competitive award; the “Fan Favorite Movie of the Year” as determined by popular vote of the festival’s alumni.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. 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.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event include: Cadillac (Presenting), Amazon MGM Studios (Premier), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Supporting) and Fulton Films (Supporting).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2024 ABFF Honoree Photos please use this link: HERE

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American Black Film Festival Honors Announces 2024 Honorees & 2024 Show Date of March 3rd

Hosted by Tommy Davidson, ABFF Honors to Celebrate Legendary Performer Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, and Mara Brock Akil and Announce the ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year

LOS ANGELES, (January 24, 2024) – The 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today the honorees of its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2024 ABFF Honors will take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Guests at the intimate, non-televised dinner will include ABFF honorees and festival partners.

The ABFF Honors and recipients are:

  • Hollywood Legacy Award – actor, comedian, writer, singer, and first Black cast member of Saturday Night Live, Garrett Morris (The Jamie Foxx Show, 2 Broke Girls, Martin); Presented to a trailblazing artist whose work (four decades or more) has inspired generations and made an enduring contribution to film and television.
  • Excellence in the Arts Award (Female) – Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson (Empire, Hidden Figures, The Color Purple); Honoring a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.
  • Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) – Emmy Award, Golden Globe, and Tony Award winner Jeffrey Wright (Basquiat, Westworld, American Fiction); Honoring a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.
  • Industry Visionary Award – screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane); Presented to a trendsetting content creator in recognition of their outstanding work and commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the motion picture and television industry, through their work.

ABFF FAN FAVORITE MOVIE OF THE YEAR

Presented in recognition of the year’s most outstanding narrative feature-length motion picture directed by a person of African descent. To be eligible, films must have a minimum running time of 72 minutes and a theatrical or streaming release date between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

The nominees and winner are determined by an online poll of the more than one hundred thousand (100,000) festival alumni. The winning film is revealed during the ABFF Honors ceremony.

2024 Nominees:

  • A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell (Sight Unseen Pictures, Hillman Grad, Makeready) – Focus Features
  • American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson (Orion Pictures, MRC, T-Street, Almost Infinite, 3 Arts Entertainment) – Amazon MGM Studios
  • Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay, (ARRAY Filmworks) – Neon
  • The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule (Harpo Films, Amblin Entertainment) – Warner Bros.
  • They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor (Federal Films) – Netflix
  • The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Columbia Pictures) – Sony Pictures Entertainment

“For decades, these esteemed ABFF Honorees have elevated their projects, and brought joy to audiences across the world,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole Friday. “It is our honor to recognize Garrett, Taraji, Jeffrey, and Mara for all their contributions to culture and the industry throughout their remarkable careers. We look forward to celebrating their many achievements and gathering with our fantastic ABFF partners.”

Garrett Morris is a TV legend to generations of loyal viewers. Having most recently been a series regular on CBS’ 2 Broke Girls, Garrett is beloved by generations of TV watchers as one of Saturday Night Live’s original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players”. Born in New Orleans and raised by his Baptist Minister grandfather, he spent his childhood singing in the church choir and eventually trained at the Juilliard School of Music. His first professional break was performing with the Harry Belafonte Singers whom he remained with for ten years. Morris resides in Los Angeles where he owns and operates The LA Blues & Comedy Club. In 2007 Garrett was honored by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for his work and contributions to the black community.

Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated, and Golden Globe-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist who quickly rose to fame after her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film Hustle & Flow. In 2020, Henson wrapped her iconic run as “Cookie Lyon” in Fox’s hit musical drama Empire, which has earned her three Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award, and three BET Awards. Henson can most recently be seen starring in the Blitz Bazawule adaption of The Color Purple as “Shug Avery”, which was released on December 25, 2023. She stars opposite Fantasia and Danielle
Brooks, with Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones producing. Henson also starred as “Miss Hannigan” in NBC’s Annie Live! in December of 2021, for which she won an NAACP award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special.

Jeffrey Wright is a Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor who has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning the worlds of theatre, film, and television. Wright was most recently seen in the critically acclaimed role of “Bernard Lowe” in HBO’s Westworld, for which he earned three Emmy nominations. He can currently be seen in the George C. Wolfe-directed Civil Rights pic, Rustin, portraying “Adam Clayton Powell”. Other recent projects include lead roles in Netflix’s All Day And A Night (May 2020), HBO’s O.G., which premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, where Wright won the award for Best Actor in a U.S. Narrative Feature Film and Netflix’s Hold the Dark (September 2018). Wright can currently be seen giving one of the best performances of his career in Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction, written and directed by Cord Jefferson; for which Wright has received nominations from the Gotham Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Critics Choice Awards and the SAG Awards thus far for his wonderful performance as protagonist, “Thelonious Monk Ellison”.

Mara Brock Akil has written and produced over 400 episodes of television, leaving her mark on Hollywood. Her groundbreaking body of work includes the television series Girlfriends (2000), a witty and honest exploration of the multi-faceted nature of Black womanhood. During its eight seasons on-air, it was one of the highest-rated scripted shows among African-Americans ages 18 to 34. Beyond her work as a writer, producer and director, her peers have consistently recognized Brock Akil as a leader in the industry. In 2019, she was honored with the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award by NATPE for exhibiting extraordinary passion, leadership, independence, and vision through her contributions to television. Some of her prior accolades include Essence Magazine’s Visionary Award during their annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, being named to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter’s Showrunner Power Lists, as well as to The Hollywood Reporter’s “Women in Entertainment Power100” multiple times. In 2021, Mara expanded her passion for non-profit work and started her very own non-profit writing residency in Los Angeles, the Writers’ Colony. The Writers’ Colony is a launching pad for the next generation of Black screenwriters. It is a place for them to write, to belong, and to find their voice.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. In addition to the individual honors, the ceremony includes a competitive award; the “Fan Favorite Movie of the Year” as determined by popular vote of the festival’s alumni.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. 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.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event include: Cadillac (Presenting), Amazon MGM Studios (Premier), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Supporting) and Fulton Films (Supporting).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2024 ABFF Honoree Photos please use this link: HERE