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The 2015 American Black Film Festival Ends On A High Note

TARAJI P. HENSON, JOE MORTON, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, LORRAINE TOUSSAINT, LARRY WILMORE, JOHN SINGLETON, GAYLE KING AND MORE PARTICIPATE IN INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND MORE AT THE 2015 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

JENIFER LEWIS HONORED WITH CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT THE ABFF AWARDS

THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE LAST NIGHT EACH WIN TWO ABFF AWARDS

THE 19TH ANNUAL ABFF WAS HELD IN NEW YORK CITY FROM JUNE 11 – 14, 2015

New York, New York (June 18, 2015) – This year’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF), with founding sponsor HBO®, was filled with informative and insightful programming that included film screenings, panels, workshops and master classes, led by renowned experts in Hollywood.

Thursday, the Hollywood Creative Forum EAST, presented by the Walter Kaitz Foundation, brought together diverse talent with executives from cable’s creative and business community to meet, greet and exchange ideas.

Attendees then headed over to the SVA Theatre, located at 333 West 23rd Street for the opening night film and NY premiere of DOPE. Director Rick Famuyiwa and the Motion Picture Association of America, brought ‘Dope’ to the ABFF along with cast members Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Chanel Iman, Blake Anderson, A$AP Rocky and Quincy Brown.

A dope after party followed with performances by hip-hop legends Doug E. Fresh, Grand Poobah, Vinnie Brown of Naughty by Nature and sounds by DJ D-Nice at Stage 48. Roxanne Shante, on behalf of the Hip Hop Hall of Fame, presented and Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Award to ABFF founder Jeff Friday for contributions and achievements in the entertainment and creative industries.

ABFF’s master classes, presented by the Time Warner Foundation, are always a highlight to those interested in film and television. Class schedule included: Writing for Television, instructed by NBCUniversal’s Karen Horne, an Actor’s Workshop instructed by actress Tasha Smith and Fundamentals of Independent Film Production instructed by Roger Bob.

The NY Hilton Midtown was abuzz when festival attendees found out ‘Empire’s’ Cookie was in the building. ABFF Celebrity Ambassador, Taraji P. Henson, shared an intimate conversation with ‘CBS This Morning’ Host Gayle King, during an empowering “A Conversation With” discussion about her career, trials and tribulations in Hollywood and staying grounded in Hollywood, presented by American Airlines.

Many studios and partners bought along their casts for our Spotlight Screenings at the AMC Empire 25. Critics Choice Award Winner Lorraine Toussaint joined her cast members Aisha Hinds, A. Russell Andrews, Thomas Q. Jones and Erica Tazel for the screening of TV One’s “Runaway Island.” Director Datari Turner shared the screening of his film, “Supermodel” with cast Tyson Beckford, Angela Simmons, and Jennifer Williams. Walmart and the Bentonville Film Festival showcased the New York Premiere of “In My Father’s House,” followed by a Q&A with star/rapper Rhymefest. Hennessy held the world premiere of “An Unexpected History: The Story of Hennessy and African Americans”, a documentary highlighting the companies hundred-year relationship with African Americans, while Turner Movie Classics’ presented the screening of Boyz in the Hood, and a Q&A with film director John Singleton. The premiere of ABFF Independent, a showcase of festival films on the ASPiRE network, gave the audience a sneak peek of the fourth season, with a Q&A with hip hop artist and host David Banner.

The four day festival continued with a lineup of panels including The Men Of TNT, with actors Joe Morton (“Proof”) and Charles Purnell and Jocko Sims (“The Last Ship”) and Ruben Santiago-Hudson (“Public Morals”), Inside BLACK-ISH panel, presented by Macy’s, with writer/creator Kenya Barris and star Tracee Ellis Ross, moderated by Larry Wilmore, TV One’s Celebrity Scene Stealers panel with Lorraine Toussaint, the Hot in Hollywood panel, presented by Cadillac, with Hollywood’s hottest actors including Lance Gross (“Temptation”), Naturi Naughton (“Power”) and YaYa DaCosta (“Whitney”), Comcast Xfinity’s How to Create and Monetize a Successful Web Series with creators of popular web shows Numa Perrier & Dennis Dortch (“BlackandSexy.tv”), Andrea Lewis (“Black Actress”), Life of a Showrunner panel, presented by Prudential, Inc., with Chris Spencer (“Real Husbands of Hollywood”), Janine Sherman Barrois (“Criminal Minds”), Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil (“Being Mary Jane”) and an Empire Talk Back: Inside the Writers Room, presented by FOX HBCU Media Alliance, a discussion with the hit show’s writing team.

Festival passholders relaxed and enjoyed the refreshments in the American Airlines Lounge in between sessions, while other attendees enjoyed coffee and tea service in the Cadillac main lobby area throughout the day. HBO, UPtv, ASPiRE, and VH1 each held
invitation-only events to give filmmakers the opportunity to connect with network executives and build relationships.

The American Black Film Festival prides itself in partnering with companies to establish meaningful relationships and most importantly opportunities for creative individuals aspiring to exceed in film and television. With that in mind, ABFF has created the
following competitions and workshops:

For the past three years, HBO and ABFF have partnered to find the next comedy star with the Comedy Wings Competition. This year, our show was hosted by actor/comedian Godfrey. Out of four finalists, Chastity Washington from Milwaukee, WI, deservingly took home the coveted award.

The McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition encouraged filmmakers to produce a 90 second to 2 minute video which communicates McDonald’s philosophy “a little more lovin’ can change a lot.” The three finalists attended a mentor luncheon with filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee during the weekend. Writer and Director Richard T. Fields won the film equipment prize package valued at $2,500 for his film, “Puppy Love” that can be viewed on https://www.365Black.com.

NBC TV Hosting Workshop, presented by NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, produced a TV hosting workshop, for 20 selected candidates, to cultivate & discover exceptional on-camera host talent. Taught by premiere host instructor, Marki Costello, this two-day workshop was targeted for intermediate and advanced level hosts who want to sharpen their hosting skills and techniques.

The first multicultural “Film and Television Expo” was a free two-day event where networks and broadcasters showcased their programs and diversity initiatives to our festival attendees. Actresses Essence Atkins, Terry Vaughn, Gabrielle Beauvais and Malinda Williams, the cast of “Girlfriends Getaway 2,’ stopped by the TV One booth for a meet and greet with fans. There were also free giveaways, snacks and more. Prudential highlighted the connection of fashion and film by hosting discussions and a fashion presentation with designer Byron Lars and actress Tasha Smith, in partnership with Harlem Fashion Row.

The festival concluded with “The Best of The ABFF” Awards, a star-studded ceremony celebrating the achievements and successes of filmmakers, writers and actors. Actress Jennifer Lewis was presented with the Career Achievement Award by fellow “Black-ish” co-star Tracee Ellis Ross and honored with a tribute video with appearance by Laurence Fisbourne, Anthony Anderson and George C. Wolfe. Jenifer’s heartfelt and inspiring words captivated the audience: “When a door closes, take the steps,” says Ms. Lewis.

“This year’s festival has had an incredible show of support from studios, networks and artists – all collaborating with us to showcase their latest projects. Media companies value and respect the pipeline of diverse talent ABFF sources for them in terms of new writers, directors, producers, content creators and on-camera talent,” said ABFF Founder, Jeff Friday. “No one has understood the value of creating a consistent platform for this more than our founding sponsor HBO.”

The top winners at the ABFF Awards were Last Night, winning the “Audience Award” and “Best Screenplay” and The Night Before winning for “Best Narrative” and “Best Director.” A full list of winners is below.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival, to date, are HBO® (Presenting & Founding); TV One, Cadillac and Walmart (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential, Inc. (Premier); AMC Theatres, American Airlines, Coors Light, McDonald’s and TNT (Signature); Fox | HBCU Media Alliance, Macy’s, Moet Hennessy, Time Warner Foundation, and VH1 (Official); ASPiRE, BET, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Rhythm One and UPtv (Supporting); 21st Century Fox, CreativeFuture, Nielsen, SAGIndie. Turner Classic Movies, The Swirl Group, The Walter Kaitz Foundation, UMC – Urban Movie Channel (Industry Partners); Uptown Magazine, EBONY and The YBF (Media Partners); and Afrostream, NYCgo.com, NY Urban League Young Professionals, Madiba Harlem, MoMA, Teaneck Film Festival, and The JDot. Agency (Promotional Partners).

About ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and
content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts.

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday conceived the idea for the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life Inc. and BLACK ENTERPRISE.

For additional information about the festival, visit www.ABFF.com.

2015 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS LIST

“BEST OF THE ABFF” AUDIENCE AWARD (TIE)

(Presented by VH1)

KNUCKLEHEAD
Directed by: Ben Bowman
Written by: Bryan Abrams, Ben Bowman
Produced by: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Ben Bowman
Executive Producers: Jonathan Gray, Debra Azemar
Cast: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Alfre Woodard, Amari Cheatom, Justin Myrick, Nikiya Mathis, Carla Duren

AND

LAST NIGHT
Directed by: Harold Jackson III
Written by: Harold Jackson III
Produced by: Harold Jackson III, Hope Taylor, Prince Levy Jr., Latecia Durham
Cast: Judi Blair, Danny Gavigan, Benton Greene, Nedra McClyde, Nikkole Salter

GRAND JURY PRIZE FOR BEST SCREENPLAY

(Presented by Time Warner Foundation)

LAST NIGHT
Directed by: Harold Jackson III
Written by: Harold Jackson III
Produced by: Harold Jackson III, Hope Taylor, Prince Levy Jr., Latecia Durham
Cast: Judi Blair, Danny Gavigan, Benton Greene, Nedra McClyde, Nikkole Salter

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR

(Presented by Cadillac)

THE NIGHT BEFORE
Directed by: Kenny Young
Written by: Kenny Young
Produced by: Phil James, Lisa D. Washington, Kim Hardin
Executive Producers: Angela White, Felicia James
Cast: Colin Egglesfield, David Faustino, Fred Willard, Anna Hutchinson, Brian White, Gary Owen

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST NARRATIVE

(Presented by Prudential)

THE NIGHT BEFORE
Directed by: Kenny Young
Written by: Kenny Young
Produced by: Phil James, Lisa D. Washington, Kim Hardin
Executive Producers: Angela White, Felicia James
Cast: Colin Egglesfield, David Faustino, Fred Willard, Anna Hutchinson, Brian White, Gary Owen

GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR

(Presented by ASPiRE)

LISA ARRINDELL ANDERSON
IN
THE SIN SEER
Directed by: Paul D. Hannah
Written by: Paul D. Hannah
Produced by: Paul D. Hannah, Angela White, Isaiah Washington

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION

STANHOPE
Directed by: Solvan Naim
Written by: Solvan Naim
Produced by: Solvan Naim, Akshay Bhansali
Cast: Malik Lockett, Johnnie Mae, Rob Morgan, Nedra McClyde, Simeon Buresch

BEST WEB ORIGINAL

(Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal)

AMERICAN KOKO
Directed by: Diarra Kilpatrick & Miles Orion Feld
Written by: Diarra Kilpatrick
Produced by: Anna Micayla Feld
Cast: Diarra Kilpatrick, Terrence Colby Clemons, Miles Orion Feld, Elaine Kao, Cedric Sanders

BEST DOCUMENTARY

(Presented by BET Networks)

ALTHEA
Directed by: Rex Miller
Produced by: Nancy Buirski, Elisabeth Haviland James, Rex Miller
Executive Producers: John Amos, Billie Jean King, William Ackman
Principal Subject(s): Billie Jean King, Nick Bollettieri, David Dinkins, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe

ABFF TALENT COMPETITIONS

COMEDY WINGS COMPETITION WINNER

(Presented by HBO)

Chastity Washington

MCDONALD’S LOVIN’ VIDEO COMPETITION WINNER PUPPY LOVE

Written and Directed by Richard T. Fields

STAR PROJECT

(Presented by NBCUniversal)

Female – Asha Kamali
Male – Rahmell Peebles

TV ONE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

DEADBEAT DAD REHAB
Written by Keronoda “Kiki” McKnight

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Jenifer Lewis

Follow ABFF on our social media platforms:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival
#ABFF2015

CONTACT: HUFF Events & PR
Michelle Huff Elliott
michelle@huffent.com

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DIRECTOR RICK FAMUYIWA’S “DOPE” TO HOST ITS NY PREMIERE AT THE 19th AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (ABFF) ON JUNE 11, 2015

PRESENTED BY THE MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC. (MPAA), COURTESY OF OPEN ROAD FILMS

­-The American Black Film Festival’s Exciting Slate of Events and Screenings Will Take Place at the New York Hilton Midtown, AMC Theatres and SVA Theatre June 11 – June 14, 2015

New York, New York (May 11, 2015) – Film director Rick Famuyiwa’s critically acclaimed film, Dope, sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America, will open the 19th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) on Thursday, June 11, at the SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, NYC. With its New York City premiere, Dope is one of the buzziest and most talked about film releases of the 2015 summer season.

ABFF CEO and Founder Jeff Friday says, “Dope couldn’t be a more fitting film to open the festival. Rick Famuyiwa has taken a classic genre and told a unique story within it, combining all the elements that make a great film–outstanding writing, directing, cast and music. Our audience will truly enjoy the journey,” The mission of the ABFF is to promote quality Black films to a wide range of audiences, and to encourage investment and artistic collaboration.

“We are excited to continue enhancing our ongoing partnership with the American Black Film Festival by sponsoring this year’s Opening Night Film. I would like to give a big thank-you to our good friends at Open Road Films for collaborating with us to bring their fantastic film, Dope, to the festival audience. Having a film of this caliber, as well as exclusive previews from the MPAA’s member studios’ upcoming slate of films, will ensure a wonderful experience for all those in attendance,” says MPAA CEO and Chairman Senator Chris Dodd.

Dope is a coming-of-age comedy/drama for the post hip-hop generation; its main characters are obsessed with ‘90s hip-hop. Malcolm (Shameik Moore) is warily surviving life in “The Bottoms” in Los Angeles, while juggling college applications, academic interviews and SATs. His dream is to attend Harvard. A chance invitation to an underground party leads him into a gritty adventure filled with offbeat characters and bad choices that could allow him to go from being a geek to being dope to ultimately being himself. Open Road Films will release the film nationwide on June 19, 2015.

Dope stars Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, Chanel Iman and Quincy Brown and is produced by Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi (Fruitvale Station). Pharrell Williams, Michael Y. Chow (Fruitvale Station), Rick Famuyiwa (The Wood, Brown Sugar) and David Lonner are executive producers. Sean “P. Diddy” Combs is co-executive producer, and Mimi Valdes and Caron Veazy are co-producers.

Following the screening, the ABFF will host an old-school hip-hop after-party to celebrate Dope at Stage 48, 605 West 48th Street, NYC. The evening will be hosted by the legendary Doug E. Fresh and perfectly mixed sounds provided by former Boogie Down Productions member DJ D-Nice. There will be special performances by iconic hip-hop artists throughout the party. Dope will also have an encore screening during the festival on Sunday, June 14, at the AMC Empire 25 Theatre on 42nd Street in New York City.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival to date are HBO® (Presenting & Founding); TV One and Cadillac (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier); AMC Theatres, American Airlines, McDonald’s and TNT (Signature); Macy’s (Official); ASPIRE, Motion Picture Association of America and UPtv (Supporting); RLJ Entertainment, SAGIndie and Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners); UPTOWN Magazine, EBONY and The YBF (Media Partners); NYCgo.com, New York Urban League Young Professionals, Madiba Harlem, MoMA and The JDot. Agency (Promotional Partners).

About ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts.

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday conceived the idea for the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry.

Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life Inc. and BLACK ENTERPRISE.

For festival passes, tickets and additional information, visit www.ABFF.com.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival
#ABFF2015

Official Film Site: http://YouAreDope.com
Official Facebook: http://Facebook.com/DopeMovie
Official Twitter: http://Twitter.com/DopeMovie
Official Instagram: http://Instagram.com/DopeTheMovie
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/OpenRoadFilms
Official Snapchat: DopeMovie

CONTACT: HUFF Events & PR
Michelle Huff Elliott
michelle@huffent.com
917-405-3453

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Actress Jenifer Lewis will be honored at the ABFF’s “Best of the ABFF” Awards Ceremony with a Career Achievement Award on Sunday, June 14 at the Hilton Midtown.

Jenifer Lewis is one of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, with more than 300 appearances in film and television. Her latest movie, The Wedding Ringer (Sony Pictures), marks the fourth time she has starred alongside Kevin Hart. Known as the “Black Mother of Hollywood,” Jenifer currently guest stars on the hit show Black-ish (ABC), in the recurring role of “Ruby.”

Jenifer is a multi-talented entertainer who performed to an electrifying standing ovation at Carnegie Hall when she sang with the New York Pops orchestra in April 2014.

Recently, Jenifer appeared in Think Like A Man, Think Like A Man Too (Sony Pictures) and Baggage Claim (Fox Searchlight.) The Magic City, an independent film for which Jenifer won the Best Actress award at the BronzeLens Film Festival, will debut in 2015.

Jenifer delivered legendary performances as Tina Turner’s mother in What’s Love Got to Do With It and in The Preacher’s Wife as the mother of Whitney Houston’s character. She portrayed the distraught mother, “Candace,” opposite Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter and for director Tyler Perry, Jenifer created unforgettable characters in Madea’s Family Reunion and Meet the Browns. In the movie Castaway, Jenifer portrayed Tom Hanks’ boss.

In animated films, Jenifer’s uniquely recognizable voice is adored by Disney fans worldwide in roles such as “Flo” in Cars and Cars 2 and as “Mama Odie” in The Princess and the Frog.

Jenifer’s TV roles have ranged from regular appearances as “Aunt Helen” on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to guest star roles on Friends, Boston Legal and Girlfriends. For six seasons, Jenifer portrayed “Lana Hawkins” on Lifetime’s hit series Strong Medicine.

In September 2012, Jenifer premiered in a self-produced webseries, Jenifer Lewis and Shangela, available on YouTube.

Music and Theater

Although best known for her Hollywood success, Jenifer has enjoyed a wide-ranging and varied career in music and theater for more than 30 years. In 2013, Jenifer won a Bistro Award for her show titled Black Don’t Crack, which drew standing-room only crowds to 54 Below cabaret in New York City.

Jenifer began performing on Broadway within one month of graduating with a degree in theater arts. Over the years, she has graced the Broadway stage in four shows, most recently in the hit show Hairspray as “Motormouth Maybelle.” Also in New York, Jenifer enjoyed critical acclaim co-starring opposite Meryl Streep in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children. In Seattle, Jenifer wowed audiences as Dolly Levi in the venerable 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Hello Dolly! In 2012, Jenifer returned to her hometown as a guest performer with the 90-piece St. Louis Symphony, accompanied by a chorus of more than 100 voices.

As a solo performer early in her career, Ms. Lewis toured colleges with her tribute From Billie to Lena and delighted audiences worldwide with a string of cabaret shows, including the award-winning The Diva is Dismissed. Briefly, she toured as a “Harlette” with Bette Midler. All told, Ms. Lewis has presented more than 200 concerts, performing in 49 states and four continents.

Giving Back

In addition to her achievements as a performer, Jenifer is committed to community issues. Having lost many friends to the AIDS epidemic, Jenifer is a forceful proponent for AIDS education and treatment and has performed at more than 15 AIDS walks around the country. Jenifer has presented four one-woman shows to raise funds for youth housing at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and in November 2014, the Human Rights Campaign recognized Jenifer with its Ally for Equality Award.

Jenifer also advocates on behalf of mental health issues. In 2007, Jenifer chose The Oprah Winfrey Show as a platform to reveal that she has bipolar disorder. She continues to speak nationally for the eradication of stigma against people with mental illness.

Jenifer was born and raised in Kinloch, Missouri. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Webster University in St. Louis, which will grant her an honorary doctorate in May 2015. Fans can follow Jenifer on Twitter (@JeniferLewis) and Facebook (Jenifer Lewis For Real.)

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AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL PROMOTES GREATER MEDIA DIVERSITY WITH THE UNVEILING OF THE FIRST MULTICULTURAL TELEVISION & MEDIA EXPO JUNE 13 & 14 IN NEW YORK CITY

ACTRESS AND PRODUCER TARAJI P. HENSON SELECTED AS 2015 CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR

New York, New York (March 13, 2015) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will host the first multicultural Television & Media Expo to provide broadcasters the opportunity to promote programming and showcase diversity initiatives to more than 7,000 consumers. The ABFF Television & Media Expo will take place in New York City, June 13 and 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the New York Hilton Midtown.

The ABFF Television & Media Expo is a unique, two-day promotional event for network, cable, and Internet/digital media broadcasters during the 19th annual ABFF, June 11–14. This expo will provide an open forum for companies to generate awareness and excitement their brand and to create a word-of-mouth and positive experience with the ABFF consumer.

“The success of today’s multicultural programming proves that Americans want to see a diverse cross section of our world on television, as well as at the movies. We have found that diverse programming translates into box-office and ratings success and is a true reflection of our nation. We are excited to offer companies the opportunity to connect with multicultural consumers and talent in this unique way,” states Film Life Inc. CEO Jeff Friday.

Expo participants include HBO®, Comcast Xfinity, NBCUniversal, TV One, UP TV and Aspire.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival, to date, are HBO® (Presenting & Founding); TV One (Presenting); Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier); American Airlines, AMC Theatres and McDonald’s (Signature); Motion Picture Association of America (Supporting); and Uptown Magazine and The YBF (Media Partners).

For festival passes, tickets and film submission information, www.ABFF.com.

About ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF Founder Jeff Friday conceived the idea for the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry.

Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life Inc. and BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

CONTACT: HUFF Events & PR
Michelle Huff Elliott
michelle@huffent.com
917-405-3453

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McDonald’s and the American Black Film Festival Challenge Rising Filmmakers to Show Lovin’ through a National Video Competition

Best Man Holiday film director, Malcolm D. Lee, to mentor finalists

OAK BROOK, Ill. (Feb. 10, 2015) – McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival are joining forces to launch the McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition. To complement the new “Lovin” campaign, up-and-coming filmmakers are challenged to create one 90-second film that brings to life McDonald’s philosophy that, “A little more lovin’ can change a lot.”

Aspiring filmmakers nationwide are encouraged to enter their best, original submissions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern March 24, 2015, for their chance to win the grand prize and earn accolades from film industry leaders. Three finalists will be selected to attend the 19th annual American Black Film Festival in New York City, June 11 -14 and have an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by critically-acclaimed film director Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), who will provide the finalists with invaluable film industry tips and advice.

The top three films will premiere at the highly-anticipated festival and will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Each submission will be critiqued on creativity, implementation of concept and quality. In the end, only one finalist will take home the grand prize — a film equipment package valued at $2,500 and an opportunity to have their film featured on prominent websites, including McDonald’s 365Black.com and other media entities. More information about the competition can be found at www.abff.com.

“We are excited to partner with McDonald’s USA on this most unique digital video contest,” said Jeff Friday, American Black Film Festival founder and chief executive officer. “The ABFF is committed to supporting emerging artists and providing trailblazing opportunities for them to gain exposure and visibility in the film and television industry.”

“I’m honored to mentor our next generation of aspiring filmmakers through ‘Lovin’ Video Competition’,” said Malcolm D. Lee. “Many have mentored and guided me along my journey to make an impact in film, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to bring the next generation up.”

McDonald’s newest campaign reignites the spirit of “i’m lovin’ it” and will inspire everything the brand does moving forward. By focusing on the lovin’ people show each other every day, the campaign provides an opportunity to celebrate and bring more lovin’ to customers.

“McDonald’s is excited to embark on this initiative with ABFF and the filmmakers of the future from the communities we serve,” said Kristen Wells, External Communications Manager, McDonald’s USA. “We hope that the idea of sharing love throughout our communities will motivate and inspire the filmmakers as they work tirelessly to make their dreams a reality.”

The Lovin’ Video Competition and ABFF’s vision to promote diversity in the film and television industry align with McDonald’s 365Black platform — an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round.

McDonald’s encourages those who live out lovin’ in their lives each day to follow @365Black on Twitter and join the conversation using #365LovinFilm. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

To learn more about the American Black Film Festival and the Lovin’ Video Competition, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 27 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com and follow @365Black on Twitter.

About The American Black Film Festival
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and Black Enterprise.

McDonald’s and 365Black are trademarks of McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates.

© 2015 McDonald’s

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kristen Wells, McDonald’s USA
(630) 623-2901
[email protected]

Taryn Williams-Clark, Burrell Communications
(312) 297-9886
[email protected]

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The 2015 American Black Film Festival Announces Actress Taraji P. Henson As Celebrity Ambassador

New York, New York (March 4, 2015) – ABFF announced today that Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, has been selected as the 2015 American Black Film Festival’s (ABFF) celebrity ambassador. The 19th annual Festival will be held June 11-14, 2015, in New York City at the New York Hilton, AMC Empire 25 and the historic Ziegfeld Theater.

Actress and Producer Taraji P. Henson has a stellar body of work, including such memorable roles as Yvette in Baby Boy, Shug in Hustle and Flow and Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Henson also co-starred in the CBS drama Person of Interest and currently stars on the hit FOX musical drama series, Empire.

“I want to thank Jeff Friday and everyone at ABFF for the honor of serving as your 2015 Ambassador. It is a privilege to join my fellow filmmakers to celebrate and support Black artists and the artistry that resides in all of us.” -Taraji P Henson

“I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Taraji. She is one of the industry’s finest actors and has a true sense of community; allowing others to stand in her light. We are extremely pleased to have her as our 2015 Ambassador,” says ABFF Founder Jeff Friday.

Film Life, Inc. Founder and CEO Jeff Friday and Black Enterprise President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. recently created a new joint venture, representing a partnership between two prominent black-owned media and event companies with powerful brands, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement. Black Enterprise and Film Life Inc. have formed ABFF Ventures, an equity partnership to produce the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and the return of the Black Movie Awards, formally on TNT and other content focused on the entertainment, film and television industries.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival are: HBO (Presenting & Founding), TV One (Presenting), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier Sponsors), American Airlines, AMC Theatres and McDonald’s (Signature Sponsors), Motion Picture Association of America (Supporting), Uptown Magazine and The YBF (Media Partners).

For Festival passes and ticket information, visit www.ABFF.com.

About ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and Black Enterprise.

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

CONTACT: HUFF Events & PR
Michelle Huff Elliott
[email protected]
917-405-3453

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The ABFF Launches an Array of Talent Competitions in Partnership with HBO®, Comcast NBCUniversal and McDonald’s

FESTIVAL EXTENDS ITS LEGACY OF DEVELOPING TALENT IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE CAMERA

THE 19TH ANNUAL ABFF RETURNS TO NEW YORK CITY FROM JUNE 11 – 14, 2015

February 19, 2015, New York, New York – Being the largest and longest running film festival for African American filmmakers, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) prides itself on carving out unique opportunities and partnerships. With this being said, ABFF has partnered with HBO, Comcast NBCUniversal and McDonald’s, to create showcases for up and coming actors, comedians, filmmakers and television hosts. These platforms provide exposure for tomorrow’s rising stars and leaders in television and film.

“The opportunities for minorities in Hollywood are still marginalized, and it’s as necessary as ever to push to promote diversity throughout the industry, from the images projected on screen, to the creative forces behind the scenes. We work with our partners to help advance talented newcomers with their careers,” stated ABFF Founder & CEO, Jeff Friday.

Comcast NBCUniversal is partnering once again with the American Black Film Festival on The Star Project, to find the next fresh face for daytime television.

If you are an actor ready to compete for the opportunity to audition in front of executive judges and casting directors from NBC, perform two of NBC’s selected monologues on videotape and submit by March 20, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

New to ABFF this year, Comcast NBCUniversal will launch a Television Host Workshop designed to help emerging TV hosts sharpen their skills, and identify dynamic personalities ready for on-air opportunities. Details to be announced at www.abff.com by mid-March.

ABFF’s 3rd annual Comedy Wings Competition, sponsored by HBO, is a national search to identify outstanding comedic talent. People who demonstrate a natural ability to be funny! The Comedy Wings Competition has been created to showcase talented, yet undiscovered comedians and introduce them to the industry at large.

Up to ten semi-finalists will be selected from the 2015 pool of entries, to perform at a renowned NYC comedy club in April/early May and will prove themselves funny to secure a position as a finalist.

The four finalists will be flown to the 2015 ABFF in June, to perform before a panel of esteemed judges, where one will be crowned the winner. Enter by March 20, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

The HBO Short Film Competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the country. Each year five filmmakers (writers and/or directors of African descent) are selected to screen their film at the American Black Film Festival in NYC, where one winner will be selected to receive the HBO Short Film Award and cash prize of $10,000. Submission deadline is March 10, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

The inaugural McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition offers an exciting new opportunity for aspiring filmmakers. McDonald’s is challenging you to create a 90-second to 2-minute video, based on their “Lovin” concept. Use your imagination and show us what “Lovin” means to you!

Three finalists will be selected to attend the Festival, screen their “Lovin” video before the festival audience, where one winner will be selected. In addition, finalists will attend a private “Mentor Luncheon” with Director Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday). Submit your video by March 24, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival are: HBO (Presenting & Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier Sponsors), AMC, American Airlines and McDonald’s (Signature Sponsors), MPAA (Supporting), Black Enterprise and Uptown Magazine (Media).

For Festival passes and ticket information, visit www.ABFF.com.

About ABFF:

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and Black Enterprise.

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

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ABFF Announces 2015 Dates & Host City

FESTIVAL EXPANDS TO SHOWCASE DIVERSITY IN TELEVISION

REGISTRATION AND FILM SUBMISSIONS BEGIN DECEMBER 5

November 19, 2014, New York, New York – Film Life, Inc., is pleased to announce the 19th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will take place in New York City, June 11-14, 2015, at the New York Hilton Midtown and AMC Empire 25 Theater. Originally established to increase diversity in the film industry, the four-day festival is expanding its program to include a TV Writers Workshop, Network Expo, and case studies of popular current television shows. HBO® returns as the festival’s founding sponsor.

“With the renewed prestige of mainstream television and the proliferation of multi-platform distribution, the ABFF will now feature more television-related content that networks can draw on to connect with and promote programming to African American viewers,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO. “The festival hopes to attract new broadcast partners – network, television and Internet – who are strongly committed to speaking to a diverse audience.”

“HBO® is proud to be the Founding Sponsor of the ABFF and of our deep partnership with Jeff and his team over the 18 years of continued support. HBO® has the privilege to work with the best creative talent and our support of the ABFF via the HBO® Short Film Competition and Comedy Wings has introduced us to a new generation of emerging talent – many of whom will use this festival as a springboard for successful careers in our industry,” said Dennis Williams, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility.

The American Black Film Festival is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality films by and about people of African descent. Committed to the belief that Black content creators and artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the film and television industry. The festival’s annual program includes film premieres, panels, celebrity and movie industry conversations, master classes, networking and “The Best of the ABFF” Awards presentation.

The ABFF is widely recognized as an important pipeline bringing new Black talent to prominence both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. It is anticipated that the 2015 ABFF, centered in midtown Manhattan, will attract more than 25,000 people, making it the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and TV enthusiasts.

Sponsors and partners confirmed to date include HBO (Founding and Premier), AMC (Signature), Black Enterprise and Uptown magazines (Media Partners) and the Motion Picture Association of America (Industry Partner).

Festival registration and submissions will be open as of December 5, 2014 at www.abff.com.

About Film Life
Film Life, Inc. is a multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, its current CEO. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), the company’s operations center on developing and licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of corporations in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries. Its scope of consulting services includes event management, film marketing and distribution, educational program development, talent procurement and video production.

About HBO®
Home Box Office, Inc., is the premium television programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and the world’s most successful pay TV service, providing two television services – HBO® and Cinemax® – to approximately 114 million subscribers worldwide. The services offer the most popular subscription video-on-demand products – HBO On Demand®, Cinemax On Demand®, HBO GO® and MAX GO® – as well as HD feeds and multiplex channels. Internationally, HBO – branded television networks, along with the subscription video-on-demand products HBO On Demand and HBO GO, bring HBO services to over 70 countries. HBO and Cinemax programming is available in over 150 countries worldwide.

Follow ABFF on Social Media
Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

CONTACT: HUFF Events & PR
Michelle L. Huff
michelle@huffent.com
212.239.1732

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17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Culminates with the Announcement of the 2013 Award Winners

Highlights Included the HBO® Short Film Competition Winner, “A Different Tree, ” and Second-Time ABFF Winner Stephen Lloyd Jackson’s Latest Film “Sable Fable” which took High Honors for Best Director and Best Narrative Feature presented by Cadillac

Nia Long, Nick Cannon, Kevin Hart, Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Sanaa Lathan, Malcolm D. Lee, Boris Kodjoe, Terrence Jenkins, LeBron James, Derek Luke, Bill Duke, Dwyane Wade, Chris Spencer, Anthony Anderson and more Gather to Support the American Black Film Festival in Miami

MIAMI BEACH, FL, June 24, 2013 – Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), wrapped an engaging five days, June 19 – 23, of substantive program of diverse films, industry panels and educational workshops and events yesterday. Celebrating 10 years in Miami Beach, the Festival was created to support the promotion of diversity within the film and television industry, both in front of and behind the camera. The Festival drew to a close with the ABFF Awards Presentation where this year’s film and talent competition winners were revealed.

The five-day celebration was heavily supported by Hollywood’s top actors and was led by this year’s Celebrity Ambassador Omari Hardwick. Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Bill Duke, Nia Long, Derek Luke, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Nick Cannon, Morris Chestnut, Boris Kodjoe, David E. Talbert, Roger Bobb, Sanaa Lathan, Anthony Anderson, Terrence Jenkins, Shaun Robinson, Reggie Bythewood, George Tillman, Jr. and Kevin Hart all participated in lively panel discussions and other Festival events. This year’s ABFF was also attended by Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Lebron James, the 2013 NBA Finals champions.

The ABFF Awards Presentation recognizes and rewards filmmakers, writers and actors for excellence through its Grand Jury Prizes and Talent Competitions, supported by major corporations. ABFF founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc., Jeff Friday, presented the awards, along with corporate partners and filmmakers. In what was an emotional event, winners shared intimate stories about their personal journeys and diligent efforts to pursue their craft through moving acceptance speeches, which emphasized the importance of the American Black Film Festival’s mission to promote Black film and to expose Black filmmakers.

The complete list of 2013 ABFF Award Winners are as follows:

Talent Competitions

  • 2013 ABFF Star Project Winners – Actors Latoya Codner and Vladmir Versailles, announced by Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBCUniversal.
  • UP (Formerly known as gmc TV) UP Faith and Family Screenplay Competition – Keronda “Kiki” McKnight for Mary Jo’s Candy announced by Brad Siegel, Vice Chairman, UP and De’Eta West, UP. Prize of $5,000.
  • ABFF Webisode Challenge – “Roomieloverfriends,” written by Dennis Dortch and Numa Perrier, directed by Dennis Dortch, announced by Smokey Fontaine, Chief Content Officer, Interactive One.
  • ABFF Comedy Wings, presented by HBO – Comedienne Zainab Johnson, announced by Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and Dennis Williams, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Film Competitions

  • HBO® Short Film Competition – A Different Tree, directed by Steven Caple, Jr., announced by Dennis Williams, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, HBO®. Prize: $10,000 and the opportunity to broadcast on HBO in 2014.
  • CNN Films Best Documentary Award – Homegoings, written by Christine Turner, announced by Keisha Taylor, Strategic Marketing, CNN.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay – Things Never Said, written by Charles Murray, announced by Salli Richardson-Whitfield.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor, presented by Marriot – Shanola Hampton for Things Never Said, announced by Kristine Friend, Sr, Director of Marketing, Marriott International.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Director – Stephen Lloyd Jackson for Sable Fable, announced by Robert Townsend.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, presented by Cadillac – Sable Fable, written and directed by Stephen Lloyd Jackson, presented by Spike Lee and Crystal Wilson, Diversity Communications, Cadillac.
  • ABFF Audience Award, presented by Nielsen – Things Never Said, written and directed by Charles Murray.

Supporting Sponsor Nielsen, conducted surveys to gauge audience response to the four films in the Narrative Feature Competition, the survey results determined the audience favorite, Things Never Said, and filmmaker Charles Murray will receive a full detailed analysis of the audience reaction to the film. The analysis helps filmmakers determine if the message is being delivered to the target audience and contributes to the marketing of the film.

Monica Billinger, Manager of Diversity Markets, Chicago at American Airlines, made a special presentation of travel gift cards to each Grand Jury Prize winner. These gift cards can be used towards a purchase of a future flight on American Airlines. In addition, each winner in the competition received a gift certificate from Macy’s.

“It is deeply rewarding to be able introduce new storytellers and artists from all over the world and watch them ascend from here, through connections they make or awards they receive at ABFF. Our ultimate goal is to be the most direct pipeline to Hollywood for Black talent,” says Jeff Friday, ABFF founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc.

The Festival was headlined by the opening day presentation of The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, courtesy of Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company. The film, directed by George Tillman Jr., and written by Michael Starrbury, received high praise for its poignant portrayal of two boys’ struggle to survive a summer without their parents in a Brooklyn housing development. The red carpet was attended by Tillman, Julito McCullum, who stars as ‘Dipstick’ in the film, Sufe Bradshaw (HBO’s “VEEP”), Nelsan Ellis (HBO’s “True Blood”) and others who came out to support the film, which was co-executive produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Alicia Keys.

The first day of the Festival, commenced with a press conference and unveiling of the Miami Film Life Center at The Chapman House. Attended by ABFF founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc., Jeff Friday, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones and ABFF’s Celebrity Ambassador, Omari Hardwick celebrated the recent collaboration of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPWCRA) and the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), along with the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, and Film Life, Inc., to open the Miami Film Life Center (MFLC).

The Center’s purpose is to develop awareness and accessibility of cinema and the art of filmmaking to the residents of the area, by providing resources, training programs and opportunities to network and connect to the industry in a progressive way. The press conference ended with an overview of the week’s power packed schedule, as well as an in imperative to continue the dialogue of ABFF’s commitment to Miami and the Overtown community.

For the first time ever, American Airlines, official sponsor of the ABFF, flew in to create a modernized, urban space, The New American Lounge, where attendees enjoyed complimentary massages, hors d’oeuvres, and a luxurious experience courtesy of the Cadillac shuttle. Attendees indulged and shared experiences while mingling with rising filmmakers and industry executives at the Rosa Regale Night Caps and the Marriott Lounge. Additional festival highlights included the sponsor hospitality, diversity and recruitment suites, hosted by Dr. Miracle’s, FOX/HBCU, Rosa Regale, SAGIndie and UP/Aspire and Viacom Media Networks.

Among the many superlative Festival events, ABFF was proud to present the inaugural “Hollywood TrailerFest,” in partnership with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). “Hollywood TrailerFest” was a dynamic presentation that enraptured the audience with a slate of theatrical trailers from the six member studios including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney and Warner Bros.

Friend to ABFF, director David E. Talbert, was joined by his Baggage Claim cast members, Boris Kodjoe, Terrence Jenkins and Derek Luke, inside the Cadillac Lounge, to discuss the film and share time with Festival attendees.

ABFF guests were treated to a first look and discussion of Malcolm D. Lee’s The Best Man Holiday, a follow-up to his highly celebrated, cult classic film, The Best Man. The panel, moderated by Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson and sponsored by Comcast/NBCUniversal, featured Malcolm D. Lee, writer and director, and multi-talented cast members, Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut and Nia Long, joined one another to relish in their respective accomplishments since they were all onscreen together fourteen years ago.

Other informative panels such as, “Diversity…It’s Just Good Business,” presented by Comcast/NBCUniversal, included guest speaker Nick Cannon and discussed promoting diversity in Hollywood and the importance of diversity as a good business strategy. Nickelodeon covered valuable topics on their panels such as “How to Pitch a Series,” and “The Art of Voice Acting,” in addition to providing an open call casting opportunity for young comedic actors, between the ages of 9 and 15. This casting call attracted close to 1,000 applicants.

At the height of the Festival, Regina King, known for her charisma and dedication to her craft, was the very special featured guest of one of ABFF’s marquee panels, “A Conversation With…,” presented by American Airlines. King discussed her Hollywood journey, the arc of her ambitious career and exchanged advice and wisdom with festivalgoers.

Sponsored by HBO and new to the Festival this year, was the Comedy Wings Competition Finals, hosted by actor and comedian Chris Spencer. Four animated comics performed for a packed house, showing off their comedic prowess to win the coveted title. The standout and crowd favorite was New York City’s own Zainab Johnson, who captured the win.

Festival attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from and trade ideas with Spike Lee, who is best known for his edgy and provocative films, during a panel presented by Grab Media and HuffPost Black Voices, “The Artist’s Vision: Cultural Criticism and the Filmmaker’s Voice” which discussed the question of artistic responsibility in Black filmmaking. “As an artist, do I glamorize the violence that is going on? I’m not going to diminish the value of life and I don’t want to create any art that diminishes the value of life. That’s genocide,” says Lee.

Fashion and film collided when industry style experts provided ABFF attendees an opportunity to discover the history and evolution of both disciplines within film and television during the panel, “Examining the Influence of Fashion Trends in Film and Television,” presented by HBO and Macy’s. The panel was moderated by Food & Lifestyle Expert Nicole Friday and participants included Lloyd Boston (Television Style Expert for NBC’s “Today Show”), John Dunn (Costume Designer for “Boardwalk Empire”), Johnetta Boone (Hollywood Costume Designer), and Shawn Outler (GVP, Leased Businesses, Vendor Collaboration and Multicultural Business Development). The panelists spoke about how fashion undeniably impacts films and the iconic stars that set classic style trends. Actor Michael K. Williams (“Boardwalk Empire,” “The Wire”) walked the catwalk in a “Boardwalk Empire” inspired outfit inspiring the audience to make their mark in fashion.

New to the Festival was sponsor American Family Insurance who premiered their “Through A Black Lens,” contest winner’s film, Good Morning: The Dream of Sean Jones, directed by famed producer/director team Coodie and Chike. The event was moderated by actor Harry Lennix, Jr. (Man of Steel) and opened with a festive reception, where attendees networked over popcorn and refreshments.

Another Festival highlight and crowd favorite was the Alumni Spotlight Screening of Fruitvale Station, courtesy of The Weinstein Company. This film is a true story about the final day of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, who was infamously shot to death by a BART transit police officer in the San Francisco Bay area on New Year’s Day in 2008. In 2011, Ryan Coogler, who wrote and directed the film, was the winner of the prestigious HBO® Short Film Competition at ABFF for his film, Fig.

UP followed their 2012 highest-rated original movie, with another original production In the Meantime, both procured from their Faith & Family Screenplay Competition, held for the third year at the ABFF. Written by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, directed by Roger Bobb, starring Kali Hawk and Darren Dewitt Henson, In the Meantime, premiered at this year’s festival to rave reviews.

As if the ABFF weekend could not get any better, one of the most anticipated events of the week was the coveted Closing Night Screening of Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain the concert film that captures one of the fast-talking, high-energy performances on Hart’s comedy tour of the same name. Hart’s celebrity friends, 2013 NBA Champions Dwyane Wade and LeBron James of the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls’ Rip Hamilton, rapper Flo Rida, actress Claudia Jordan, Spike Lee, music mogul Irv Gotti, Jeff Clanagan of Codeblack Films and actor Michael K. Williams filled the red carpet prior to the screening and showed support to ABFF and Kevin Hart.

The Festival wrapped with the “Films Over Miami” Community Showcase, which was held on Sunday, June 23, at the Colony Theatre. The day consisted of a screening of local emerging filmmakers’ films, as well as two sold out premiere screenings of Robert Townsend’s Playin’ For Love. This initiative between the ABFF and the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW-CRA), included twenty local Overtown students participating in the ABFF Youth Filmmaker’s program, as well as a tour for ABFF Filmmakers to the Miami Film Life Center to see key filming locations in the City of Miami. The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival’s effort to educate and entertain Festival attendees and the ability showcase one of the best slate of films in recent years affirms the Festival’s support of Black film.

Announcements will be made soon about the 2014 American Black Film Festival dates.

*For images from the Festival weekend, please contact HUFF Events & PR at 212-239-1732 or [email protected]

About The American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. Established in 1997, the core mission of the ABFF is to promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry. Through its film showcases and special contests, it annually introduces the top echelon of emerging artists to the film and television industry.

About Film Life, Inc.
The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

2013 Sponsors:
HBO® (Founding and Premier Sponsor), Cadillac (Premier Sponsor), American Airlines, UP (formerly gmc TV), CNN Films, Codeblack Films a Lionsgate Company, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon and Marriott International (Official Sponsors), American Family Insurance, BET Networks, Grab Media, Nielsen and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council (TDC) (Host Sponsors), Dr. Miracle’s, Macy’s and Rosa Regale (Promotional Partners), AMC, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), New York Women In Film and Television, News Corporation, One Village Entertainment, SAGIndie, Walt Disney Studios, Writers Guild of America West (Industry Partners).

2013 Media Sponsors: Black Enterprise, Huff Post Black Voices and Uptown (Official Media), GIANTlife.com, Precious Times and Upscale (Supporting Media).

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.ABFF.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abff

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABFFTV

CONTACT: HUFF Events and PR

Michelle Huff
[email protected]

Kelley Jackson
[email protected]

212.239.1732

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World Premiere of Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain to Close 17th Annual American Black Film Festival as Part of Festival’s Overall Official Line-up

“The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” Co-Executive Produced by GRAMMY® Award-Winner Alicia Keys, to Open the Festival and Ryan Coogler’s Award-Winning “Fruitvale Station” to Serve as the Festival’s Alumni Spotlight Screening

NEW YORK, NY, June 4, 2013 – Today Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), announced its official slate of films, including Opening and Closing Night screenings, Gala screenings along with selections for the Narrative Features Competition, HBO® Short Film Competition and CNN Films Documentary Competition. The Festival will be held in Miami Beach, FL, June 19-23, 2013.

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, from Codeblack Films, a LIONSGATE® company, opens the festival, featuring a stellar cast including Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks (Sparkle), Jeffrey Wright (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close) and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Thor: The Dark World) with Anthony Mackie (Pain & Gain, The Hurt Locker) and Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Hudson (“Smash,” Sex and the City 2, Dreamgirls). The film, directed by George Tillman, Jr. (Notorious, Soul Food), was co-executive produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Alicia Keys. This unique and affecting film is a coming of age story about two boys trying to survive the summer in their Brooklyn housing projects without parental supervision.

Closing the festival on June 22 is the feature film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain starring actor and comedian Kevin Hart (Think Like A Man, BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood”). Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, filmed at Madison Square Garden, captures one of the fast-talking, high-energy performances on Hart’s comedy tour of the same name. The 2012 international, multi-city comedy concert tour generated over $32.7 million in ticket sales and surpassed the then #1 urban comedy tour of all time, The Kings of Comedy. Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE® Company, will release the feature film nationwide on July 3, 2013.

Also announced is Ryan Coogler’s award-winning Fruitvale Station, from The Weinstein Company, as the Festival’s Alumni Spotlight Screening, along with UP’s (formerly known as gmc TV) world premiere of In the Meantime written by the 2012 UP’s screenplay competition winner Nzinga Kadalie Kemp and the world premiere of Playin’ For Love, produced and directed by Robert Townsend (In the Hive), as Gala Screenings.

In 2011, Ryan Coogler was the winner of the prestigious HBO® Short Film Competition at ABFF for his film, Fig. He is commanding attention again with his directorial debut, Fruitvale Station, an independent drama set in the San Francisco Bay area about the final day of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, who was infamously shot to death by a BART transit police officer in the early hours of New Year’s Day, 2008. The film was produced by Significant Productions, Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker’s production company, and has proven to be a breakthrough role for Michael B. Jordan (Red Tails), who is best known for his acclaimed turn on HBO’s “The Wire,” and Academy-Award winner Octavia Spencer (The Help) rounds out the cast as Grant’s mother. The film will be released theatrically July 2013.

UP’s In the Meantime, stars Kali Hawk as Jazmin “Jazz” Welles as a bride-to-be who gives her fiancé “creative” freedom before their wedding day, but ends up finding faith and the meaning of true love in the meantime. Taking a non-traditional approach to their nuptials, they have agreed to take nine months off to discover themselves and if it is indeed true love, they will show up on the wedding day, no questions asked. The cast includes an ensemble of multi-talented actors including Darrin Dewitt Henson (The Express, “Soul Food”) as “Blac,” Terri J. Vaughn (Friday, Daddy’s Little Girls, “Sugar Mommas”) and neo-soul recording artist Musiq Soulchild in his film debut. Roger Bobb (Raising Izzie, For Colored Girls) directed and produced the film and it will premiere on UP in July 2013.

Playin’ For Love is a romantic comedy that centers on the head coach of a high school basketball team and a single mother who are ultimately responsible for a reversal of fortune for the team’s future. Shot in Miami, Florida, Playin’ For Love is unique in that local talent was utilized and the project was financed in part by grants from the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies, and the generous support of the City of Miami.

With over fifteen world premieres, the ABFF is renowned for showcasing preeminent cinematic content and this year’s slate of films will prove no exception. The Festival will screen artful and diversified feature films, shorts and documentaries with broad thematic elements. Things Never Said, starring ABFF’s Celebrity Ambassador, Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, For Colored Girls) seeks to determine how the spoken word defines self-worth and the resilience and depth of relationships among women provides salvation in The Magic City.

Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc. states, “We are excited to be at seventeen years and counting. This year we have a diverse selection of films, some returning alumni and new webisode creators. With that said, it is especially rewarding to watch alumni take their next steps into the mainstream marketplace.” He adds, “We are steadfast in our commitment to support aspiring filmmakers, leading them to opportunities that will hopefully help them to build rewarding careers.”

Below is the full 2013 film lineup by section:

NARRATIVE COMPETITION

Feature-length films in this section compete for the ABFF’s Grand Jury prizes for Best Screenplay, Best Actor presented by Marriot International, Best Director and Best Film, presented by Cadillac.

The Magic City, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by R. Malcolm Jones
Cast: Jennifer Lewis, Keith David, Jamie Hector and introducing Latrice Jackson, LaShay Jackson and Amiya Thomas

Sable Fable, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by Stephen Lloyd Jackson
Cast: James Williams, Nicole Hartley, Sheila Nortley, Jasmine Munting, Daniel Bailey, Alex Marx, Stephen Lloyd Jackson and Lily Joseph

The Suspect, World Premiere
Written and directed by Stuart Connelly, Produced by Mary Jo Barthmaier
Cast: Mekhi Phifer, William Sadler, Sterling K. Brown, James McCaffrey and Rebecca Creskoff

Things Never Said
Written, produced and directed by Charles Murray
Cast: Omari Hardwick, Shanola Hampton and Elimu Nelson

CNN FILMS DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Nonfiction films in this section compete for the Best Documentary Award, presented by CNN Films.

Films selected for the 2013 Documentary Competition is as follows:

Children of the Wind
Directed by Daphne Schmon, Produced by Robert McCormick
Narrated by Gbenga Akinnagbe

Homegoings
Produced and directed by Christine Turner

The Sunflower County Freedom Project, World Premiere
Produced and directed by Carmen L. Scott

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Five emerging filmmakers compete for the HBO Short Film Award.

The Adventures of Edison Jean, World Premiere
Written and directed by Edson Jean

Black Girl in Paris, World Premiere
Written and directed by Kiandra Parks

A Different Tree, World Premiere
Directed by Steven Caple Jr.

Stone Cars, World Premiere
Written and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green

Sweet Honey Child, World Premiere
Co-written and directed by Talibah Newman

WORLD SHOWCASE

A non-competitive showcase of feature-length films.

Full Circle, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by Solvan Naim
Cast: Rob Morgan, Solvan Naim, Eden Marryshow, Celestine Rae, Kelvin Hale and Devale Ellis

Home, World Premiere
Written and directed by Jono Oliver, Produced by Jono Oliver, Daniela Barbosa and Ged Dickersin
Cast: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Joe Morton, Fawny Cypress and Victor Williams

Home Again
Written by Jennifer Holness and David Sudz Sutherland, Directed by Sudz Sutherland, Produced by Jennifer Holness, Don Carmody and Anita Lee
Cast: Tatyana Ali, Lyriq Bent, Stephan James, Fefe Dobson, Richard Chevolleau, Paul Campbell and CCH Pounder

Monica, World Premiere
Written and directed by Gregory Carter Produced by Datari Turner
Cast: Omari Hardwick, Ali Cobrin, Mariel Hemingway, James Remar, Lynn Whitfield, Robert Hoffman, Datari Turner, Briana Evigan and Obba Babatunde

Newlyweeds
Written and directed by Shaka King, Produced by Michael Matthews, Jim Wareck, Gbenga Akinnagbe and Shaka King
Cast: Amari Cheatom, Trae Harris, Tone Tank, Colman Domingo and Hassan Johnson

ABFF WEBISODE CHALLENGE

A showcase of short form content created for distribution on the Internet and other digital platforms. Three finalists compete for the ABFF Webisode Award.

The Couple: The Moo Moo
Written by Jeanine Daniels, Directed by Dennis Dortch

Roomieloverfriends
Written by Dennis Dortch and Numa Perrier, Directed by Dennis Dortch

Unwritten Rules
Written by Kim Williams, Directed by Natasha “Tash” Gray

FREE COMMUNITY SCREENINGS

Free public screenings presented by the City of Miami SEOPW CRA

Playin’ for Love, World Premiere
Written and directed by Robert Townsend

“Films Over Miami” Community Showcase: Highlighting Miami’s Emerging Filmmakers
Films to be announced

Movie Tickets: Ticket prices are $12.00. Walk-up tickets will be on sale day of show only at the at the Colony Theatre & Miami Beach Cinematheque box offices. The box office wait line forms 45 minutes prior to show time. There are no advance sales.

Festival Event Tickets/Passes: Individual event tickets go on sale June 5-15 in limited quantity on ticketweb.com. Festival passes will be available on-site starting Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. For more information visit www.ABFF.com or call 646-375-2144.

HBO® (Founding and Premier Sponsor); Cadillac (Premier Sponsor); American Airlines, UP (formerly gmc TV), CNN Films, Codeblack Films a Lionsgate company, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon and Marriott International (Official Sponsors); American Family Insurance, BET, Grab Media, Nielsen and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council (TDC) (Host Sponsors); Dr. Miracle’s, Macy’s and Rosa Regale (Promotional Partners); Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), New York Film In Film and Television, One Village Entertainment, SAGIndie, Writers Guild of America West (Industry Partners)

Media Sponsors: Black Enterprise and Uptown (Official Media); GIANTlife.com, Precious Times and Upscale (Supporting Media)

About The American Black Film Festival (ABFF):
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. Established in 1997, the core mission of the ABFF is to promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry. Through its film showcases and special contests, it annually introduces the top echelon of emerging artists to the film and television industry.

About Film Life, Inc.:
The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

About Summit Entertainment:
Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE® company, is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The company handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product.

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.ABFF.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abff

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABFFTV

CONTACT: HUFF Events and PR

Michelle Huff
[email protected]

Kelley Jackson
[email protected]

212.239.1732