Month: June 2026

View New Clip THIS ORDINARY THING on VOD and Nationwide in US and Canada June 12th

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"The word “inspiring” does not cut it.”  — The Forward

Nominated for the Cinema for Peace Dove for Documentary of the Year at the 2026 Cinema for Peace Awards in Berlin.

ALBERT M. TAPPER PRESENTS

Director and Writer: Nick Davis
Cast: (A-Z) F. Murray Abraham, Jeannie Berlin, Eric Bogosian, Ellen Burstyn, Bill Camp, Carrie Coon, Hope Davis, Stephen Fry, Joanna Gleason, Marcia Gay Harden, Mamie Gummer, Harry Hadden-Paton, Jeremy Irons, Bill Irwin, Louisa Jacobson, Kasia Koleczek, Anna Krippa, Stephen Lang, John Leguizamo, Donal Logue, Kelly Macdonald, Helen Mirren, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelli O’Hara, David Hyde Pierce, Martha Plimpton, Lily Rabe, Rufus Sewell, J. Smith-Cameron, David Strathairn, Lily Tomlin
Executive Producer: Albert M. Tapper
Composer: Adam Guettel,
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

Director Nick Davis’  haunting and unforgettable, THIS ORDINARY THING tells the story of non-Jews who helped save Jewish people across Europe during The Holocaust. The film combines never-before-seen archival footage with the testimonies of over forty different people who, operating independently and at great risk to themselves and their families, saved thousands of Jewish strangers from almost certain death. THIS ORDINARY THING is a timely reminder of the pockets of goodness that can rise in a sea of evil: everyday people helping others who were "different" from them.  The film employs some of the world’s greatest actors, performing excerpts translated from the original transcripts. The cast, including Helen Mirren, F. Murray Abraham, Carrie Coon, Jeremy Irons, Ellen Burstyn, and Stephen Fry, have amassed five Oscars (and over twenty nominations), over sixty Emmy nominations, and over twenty-five Tony nominations in their illustrious careers.

Featuring the voices of Bill Irwin, F. Murray Abraham, Joanna Gleason, Stephen Lang, Louisa Jacobson and Jeremy Irons.

AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS (ACE) ANNOUNCES DATES FOR THE 77TH ANNUAL ACE EDDIE AWARDS

Ace Logo

Eligibility Period for All Submissions: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Submissions Open: October 1, 2026

The 77th Annual ACE Eddie Awards, recognizing outstanding editing in film, television, documentaries, shorts and digital content, will be held at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 6, 2027

LOS ANGELES, June 3, 2026 – American Cinema Editors (ACE) has announced the key dates for the 77th Annual ACE Eddie Awards, honoring outstanding editing in film, television, documentaries, shorts and digital content. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles.

The eligibility period for all submissions runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

"Editing is the invisible art that makes everything else possible, and the ACE Eddie Awards exist to make that work visible," said ACE President Sabrina Plisco. "We are proud to bring our community together once again at UCLA's Royce Hall to honor the editors whose art shapes every story we love."

Three special honors will be handed out at the ACE Eddie Awards ceremony including two Career Achievement recipients, presented to film editors of outstanding merit, and the Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year honor, presented to a filmmaker who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film. Honorary award recipients will be announced later this year. The winner of the Anne V. Coates Student Editing Competition will also be announced that evening.

As a reminder, in addition to the regular film and television offerings, ACE added a new short film category. Most importantly, we've broadened eligibility across existing categories to include work released on platforms like YouTube. Whether reality or variety series or feature-length documentaries, ACE will judge these projects by the same rigorous standards it applies to all entries. This shift acknowledges the caliber of editing now seen in digital-first storytelling and ensures that editors working in these formats are recognized for their craft.

Submissions for nominations will open on Thursday, October 1, 2026. An early bird submission fee of $250 per title or episode is available until Monday, November 23, 2026. After this date, the submission fee will be $350. The final deadline for all submissions is Monday, December 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT.

Nomination ballots will be sent on Monday, December 21, 2026, and are due by Thursday, January 7, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. PT. The nominations for the 77th Annual ACE Eddie Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 14, 2027.

An ACE Nominee Cocktail Party will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2027.

Please note that if a show title receives more than two nominations in a single category, it may be subject to review by the Blue Ribbon Committee. For more information on submissions and the ACE Eddie Awards, please visit https://americancinemaeditors.org.

Key dates for the 77th Annual ACE Eddie Awards are as follows:

    • Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Early Submissions for Nominations Begin
    • Monday, November 23, 2026 – Early Bird Price Deadline (visit ACE website for details)
    • Monday, December 7, 2026 (5pm PT) – Submission for Nominations End
    • Monday, December 21, 2026 – Nomination Ballots Sent
    • Thursday, January 7, 2027 (5pm PT) – Nomination Ballots Due
    • Thursday, January 14, 2027 – Nominations Announced
    • Friday, January 15, 2027 – Deadline for Advertising
    • January 18 – 25, 2027 – Blue Ribbon Online Judging
    • Monday, January 18, 2027 – Final Ballots Sent
    • Monday, January 25, 2027 – Final Ballots Due
    • Thursday, February 4, 2027 – ACE Nominee Cocktail Party
    • Saturday, February 6, 2027 – ACE Eddie Awards at UCLA’s Royce Hall

About American Cinema Editors

American Cinema Editors (ACE) is an honorary society that has been championing the art, craft and business of film editing since 1950. Through signature events like EditFest Global, the ACE Eddie Awards and Invisible Art/Visible Artists, the organization celebrates the vital role of editors in storytelling and provides a dynamic global platform to illuminate the craft. ACE is committed to elevating the profile of film editing, fostering a diverse and inclusive community and educating future generations through a variety of active mentorship and scholarship programs. Through its programs, publications (CinemaEditor), podcasts (Editors on Editing, Global Editing Perspectives) and active educational activities, this collective of accomplished film editors is at the forefront of both preserving cinematic history while simultaneously preparing the next generation of film editors in a continuously evolving artistic climate.

View Official Trailer: BY ANY MEANS in Theatres Only September 4, 2026!

Director: Elegance Bratton
Writer: Sascha Penn
Starring; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Wahlberg, Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas LisaGay Hamilton, LaChanze, Ethan Embry with David Strathairn and Giancarlo Esposito

Based on a true story, a young Black FBI agent (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is sent into 1960s Mississippi to investigate a wave of brutal killings targeting civil rights leaders. Forced to work alongside notorious mafia hitman Greg Scarpa (Mark Wahlberg), he finds himself pulled into a deadly hunt where justice and vengeance begin to blur.

When the system is broken, two men divided by everything agree on one thing: the law has limits. They don’t.

#ByAnyMeansMovie

Executive Producers
David Goldman, Brent Guttman, Mark Carmer, Chris Tremann, Petr Jakl, Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Adam Kolbrenner, Sascha Penn, Wayne Marc Godfrey, Nicki Cortese, Chase Vergari, Gianni Benvenuto, Ibrahim Mohammed, Yasmyne Mohammed, Logan Coles, Jonathan Miller, Rob McGillivray, Mark Holder, Christine Holder, Richie Walls, Brando Eaton, Gregg Davis, Philip Schenkler, Kevin Lee, Jesse Fox, Dorit L. Hakim-Kramer, Lee Shira, Jonathan Oakes, Walter Josten, Patrick Josten, Brian Keefe, Kim Atwood Cleworth, Jason Pamer, Victor Moyers, Michael Rothstein, Samuel Hall, Warren Goz

Producers:
Alex Lebovici, p.g.a., Chester Algernal Gordon, p.g.a., Elegance Bratton, p.g.a., Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, p.g.a., Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson

Madonna at Tribeca Festival this Friday

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On Friday, June 5, the global icon will be at the Beacon Theatre for Madonna In Conversation + Film Premiere: Confessions Il. Tribeca Festival at the Beacon Theatre is presented by City National Bank.

The evening begins with the world premiere of a 10-minute cinematic experience directed by TORSO, threading together the first six tracks of Madonna’s new album. Afterward, Madonna will sit down with Jimmy Fallon for an in-depth conversation, offering insight into her creative process and this bold expansion of the Confessions on a Dance Floor legacy.

Tickets are limited, so get them fast. We’re offering you exclusive access. Here's your unique code: M1ZY529HSY

FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN Opens in Los Angeles and New York

Movie Poster

Director: Guido Chiesa
Based on the novel The Loves of Judith by Meir Shalev,
Starring: Mili Avital.  Ana Ularu, Ori Pfeffer, Alban Ukaj, and Marc Rissmann

Select Theaters!
New York, NY // Quad Cinema, June 26

Los Angeles, CA // Laemmle Royal, July 10

Encino, CA // Laemmle Town Center, July 10

Director Guido Chiesa’s FOR THE LOVE OF A WOMAN tells the story of Esther, in the 1970s,an American woman mourning her mother, receives a letter that sets her on a journey to uncover a hidden chapter of her family’s history. With the help of Zayde, a university professor with secrets of his own, she begins searching for a woman who lived decades earlier in British Mandate Palestine.

The woman is Yehudit, whose arrival in a settlers’ village in the 1930s entangled the lives of three men: a widowed father, an idealistic farmer and a cattle trader. By tying together the threads that bind past and present, Esther and Zayde discover a shocking truth.

ABFF to Close 30th Anniversary Festival with “Best of the ABFF” Awards Ceremony

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Acclaimed Director Steven Caple Jr. to Receive the 2026 ABFF Alumni Award; Grammy® Winner Anthony Hamilton to Perform

Nominees Unveiled for the 2026 Grand Jury Prizes in U.S. and International Narrative Features, Directing, Screenwriting, Performance, Documentary, and Episodic Series alongside the HBO® Short Film Showcase Finalists

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 19, 2026) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the “2026 Best of the ABFF” Awards, the closing night celebration of the festival’s landmark 30th anniversary season. Taking place on Saturday, May 30, at 8:30 p.m. at the New World Center in Miami Beach, Florida, the ceremony will honor outstanding achievements in independent filmmaking across the festival’s competitive categories. This year’s event is sponsored by Walmart and will be hosted by New York Times best-selling author and award–winning comedian, KevOnStage.

In a milestone year defined by the theme of "Homecoming," the program will feature the presentation of the 2026 ABFF Alumni Award to writer and director Steven Caple Jr. A true success story of the ABFF pipeline, Caple won the HBO® Short Film Award in 2013 and has since become a powerhouse director with global hits including Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. His continued rise includes Man on Fire, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and I Am Legend 2, starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan. The evening will also feature a special 30th anniversary musical performance by multi-platinum, Grammy® Award-winning recording artist and actor Anthony Hamilton.

“The Best of the ABFF Awards has always been about honoring the brilliance and resilience of independent creators,” said Jeff Friday, President of NICE CROWD. “As we celebrate our 30th year, it is incredibly poetic to welcome back Steven Caple Jr., a filmmaker whose journey from our short film competition to global blockbuster success embodies the very mission of this festival. We are proud to celebrate him alongside this year's exceptional nominees.”

The festival is pleased to announce the official nominees for the 2026 competition sections, which will be honored during the ceremony:

CATEGORY      NOMINEES

Grand Jury Prize – U.S. Narrative Features   Funny Feelings / U.S.A. (Director: Rhonda Baraka, Screenwriter: Je’Don Holloway-Talley, Producers: Roderick McClure, Joshua Ferrell, Morgan McClure)

Girl Dad / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Solvan Slick Naim, Screenwriter: Lane Williamson, Producers: Datari Turner, Marsai Martin, Jamie Foxx)

Otra / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Armani Ortiz, Producers: Asante White, Deance Wyatt, Daniel Etzioni, Chike Ubu, Maurice Harkless)

THAT’S HER / U.S.A. (Director and Screenwriter: Nina Lee, Screenwriters: Dewayne Colley and Tiffany Yancey, Producers: Stephen “Dr.” Love and Dewayne Colley)

Three Colors: Pan-African / U.S.A. (Directors: Elijah Davis, Allison A. Waite, Tyler Ocasio Holmes, Screenwriters: Madou Elijah Diarrassouba, Gillian Allou, JaQuay Collins, Elijah Davis, Dami Olatunji, Producers: Elijah Davis, Jack McMann, Dami Olatunji, Joseph B. Agboola, Chirsten Vanderbilt Ellis)

Directing Award – U.S. Narrative Feature, presented by Ally            Rhonda Baraka for Funny Feelings (USA)

Elijah Davis, Allison A. Waite, Tyler Ocasio Holmes for Three Colors: Pan-African (USA)

Nina Lee for THAT’S HER (USA)

Solvan Slick Naim for Girl Dad (USA)

Armani Ortiz for Otra (USA)

Screenwriting Award – U.S. Narrative Feature, presented by Amazon MGM Studios      Sam Buckner III & Charlie T. Savage for Voices: The Musical (USA)

Madou Elijah Diarrassouba, Gillian Allou, JaQuay Collins, Elijah Davis, and Dami Olatunji for Three Colors: Pan-African (USA)

Je’Don Holloway-Talley for Funny Feelings (USA) Solvan Slick Naim and Lane Williamson for Girl Dad (USA)

Armani Ortiz for Otra (USA)

Performance Award – U.S. Narrative Feature             Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell for Funny Feelings (USA)

Rome Flynn for Otra (USA)

Marsai Martin for Girl Dad (USA)

Bashir Salahuddin for Three Colors: Pan-African (USA)

Sibongile Mlambo for Three Colors: Pan-African (USA)

Peyton Alex Smith for Three Colors: Pan-African (USA)

Courtney B. Vance for Girl Dad (USA)

Grand Jury Prize - International Narrative Feature  Garden of Silences / Brazil, Italy (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Henrique Dantas, Producers: Eliane Ferreira, Alessandro Borrelli)

Lights Out / Cameroon (Director: Enah Johnscott, Screenwriter: Nfua Buh Melvin, Producers: Carista Asonganyi, Nfua Buh Melvin)

Seahorse / Canada (Director and Screenwriter: Aisha Evelyna, Producer: Natalie Remplakowski)

Small Gods / U.K. (Director: Asher Rosen, Screenwriters: Asher Rosen, Luke Reilly, Cimpaye Florence Mariserena, Bizimana Hussain, Producers: Andreas Raold, Jack Pollington, Shema Faustin)

Grand Jury Prize - Documentary Feature      ALTADENA – Rising From The Ashes / U.S.A. (Director and Producer: Ethan Lader, Producers: Zaire Calvin, Samantha Stokes)

Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story / U.S.A., U.K. (Director: Yemi Bamiro, Producers: Joanna Boateng, Lizzie Gillett, Ian Bonhôte, Andrew Calof)

Cycles of Resilience: A Journey Through Austin's Black History / U.S.A. (Director: Ya’Ke Smith, Producers: Lauren Vunderink, Talib Abdullahi)

The Foolishness of God: A Forgiveness Journey with Desmond Tutu / U.S.A. (Director and Producer: Karen Hayes, Producer: Rana Kazkaz)

Grand Jury Prize - Episodic Series     Law’s World: Lipstick Bandit / U.S.A. (Creator, Writer, and Director: Law Artis, Producers: Danae Grandison, Law Artis)

Love Song / U.S.A. (Creator, Writer, and Director: Nofisat “Love Nafi” Almaroof, Producers: Mohamed Williams, Okema T. Moore, Agnes Erskine, Nadia Sasso)

Takes A Village / U.S.A. (Creator, Writer, and Director: LaDarius “Dee” Torrey, Producers: Letia Solomon, Khari Johnson, LaDarius Torrey)

The Comic Shop / U.S.A. (Creator and Writer: Cheyenne Ewulu, Director: Jalen Blot, Producers: Simone Kirlew, Victor Lord, Cheyenne Ewulu)

Ti Blan / U.S.A. (Creator and Writer: Noah Petion Laforest, Director: Dwight Ellis Jr., Producers: Sydney Crawford, Noah Petion Laforest)

More information about the films in competition can be found HERE.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), Ally Financial, Amazon MGM Studios, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, American Airlines (Major), Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Eli Lilly and Company, Lexus (Official), CBS, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, AARP, L'Oréal Groupe, STARZ, ESPN, GLAAD (Supporting), Motion Picture Association, Uber, Bounce (Contributing), Nielsen, Fulton Films GA, The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF, William Morris Endeavor (Associate), Variety, LA Times, Getty Images (Media).

Additional details and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.nicecrowd.com and follow @ABFF on Twitter and

@AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

To receive ABFF notifications by email, sign up HERE!

About ABFF

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier annual event dedicated to empowering emerging talent and showcasing film and television content by and about people of African descent. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF has evolved into a leading talent discovery platform, attracting a global community of creators, executives, and fans. Each June, the festival draws more than 7,000 attendees to Miami Beach for five days of screenings, panels, networking, and cultural experiences. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, ABFF continues to serve as both a launchpad for talent and a cultural hub amplifying the diverse intersections of culture and achievement.

About NICE CROWD

NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company’s mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com

More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com/miami/

American Black Film Festival 2026 Announces New Additions Including Debbie Allen, Courtney Kemp, Mario Van Peebles and Michelle Buteau

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American Black Film Festival 2026 Announces New Additions Including Debbie Allen, Courtney Kemp, Mario Van Peebles and Michelle Buteau

DEBBIE ALLEN, COURTNEY KEMP, MARIO VAN PEEBLES, MICHELLE BUTEAU AMONG NEW ADDITIONS TO ABFF’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY

ABFF Also Unveils Immersive Lifestyle Activations From Ally, Walmart, The Smithsonian, and Lexus

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 12, 2026) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has unveiled a new slate of panels and conversation as part of its 2026 “Homecoming” celebration. The latest programming brings together influential voices across entertainment, sports, culture, and storytelling.

Joining the roster is a compelling look at historical preservation with The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), commemorating 10 years of documenting Black history through moving images. Rounding out the announcement is GLAAD’s “From Story to Impact,” an important conversation exploring the power of queer storytelling to humanize the HIV experience and inspire meaningful dialogue and change.

The festival also welcomes Ben Watkins (Cross) to “Storyteller Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouse Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals.” The conversation will explore Watkins’ creative journey bringing acclaimed series including Cross and the upcoming The Greatest to the screen, offering audiences an inside look at the collaboration, creative instincts, and real-world challenges behind today’s most compelling television storytelling.

Newly confirmed for the CBS daytime series Beyond the Gates first-look session: legendary actor Clifton Davis, Daphnée Duplaix, and executive producer Sheila Ducksworth. They join a comprehensive look at the groundbreaking series from CBS Studios.

The television celebration continues with an exclusive preview of the final chapter of a fan-favorite saga. STARZ will host “Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Look at Season Five of Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” featuring Mekai Curtis, London Brown, and additional panelists forthcoming. Ahead of the June 12 premiere, series stars will lead a moderated discussion offering the audience an inside look at the evolution of the Southside and the high-stakes family tensions that define the series' climactic final season.

In a true “Homecoming” moment, the festival has unveiled the powerhouse lineup for the previously announced Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television panel, moderated by Nina Parker. Spanning generations of storytelling excellence, the star-studded conversation will feature icons like Debbie Allen and showrunner Felicia Pride discussing legacy and the highly anticipated sequel of A Different World alongside the series’ new lead, Maleah Joi Moon. The panel will also spotlight the creative forces behind Nemesis, including showrunner, creator and executive producer Courtney Kemp, co-creator and executive producer Tani Marole, and director Mario Van Peebles; alongside Michelle Buteau, creator, executive producer and lead star of Survival of the Thickest and the series showrunner and EP Amy Aniobi; as well as stars from Beauty in Black, Crystle Stewart and Taylor Polidore Williams.

“Thirty years in, what excites us most is that ABFF continues to evolve while staying true to why we started,” said Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD. “This year’s lineup brings together storytellers, creators, athletes, executives, and cultural voices who are shaping conversations across entertainment and beyond. From honoring legacy to spotlighting what’s next, the programming reflects the energy, influence, and creative community that has always been at the heart of ABFF.”

The programming lineup complements previously announced selections, including narrative and documentary feature films, exclusive screenings and world premieres, sneak peeks and red-carpet premieres.

This year’s milestone anniversary of ABFF with the celebratory theme “Homecoming,” returns to Miami Beach from May 27-31, 2026. All live events will take place across key venues in Miami Beach, including the New World Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, and O Cinema.

For additional details, visit www.ABFF.com.

NEW PANELS, PANELISTS & FILM ADDITIONS:

From Story to Impact: Black Queer Stories and Allyship Driving Culture and Change

Sponsored by GLAAD

Thursday, May 28, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

Black queer storytelling has always been a force for visibility, truth, and cultural change, especially in the ongoing fight to end HIV stigma. This dynamic conversation brings together talent, creators, and industry leaders to explore how film, television, and digital media can challenge harmful narratives, humanize HIV experiences, and expand what audiences understand about identity, care, community, and allyship.

Built First: How Legacy Is Created A Conversation with Dawn Staley

Sponsored by Ally Financial
Thursday, May 28, 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

Legacy is built when you go first – before permission, before proof, before anyone else sees what you see. This fireside chat brings together three powerful examples of going first: Dawn Staley's championship legacy as an Olympian, Hall of Famer, and head coach who's built her career on her own terms. ABFF's 30-year commitment to Black cinema when the industry wouldn't make space. And Ally's early leadership in women's sports and financial wellness before it became a trend. We'll explore the courage to move first, the clarity to stay aligned, and the conviction to create lasting impact – because legacy isn't built when it's easy; it's built when you're the only one who believes it's possible.

Panelists: Dawn Staley

Moderated by: Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness, Ally Financial

HIGH TEA, BEYOND THE GATES — An Immersive Panel Experience

Sponsored by CBS

Thursday, May 28, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

New World Center - Truist Pavilion

Join the creative team and cast of Beyond the Gates for an intimate conversation over high tea, celebrating the stories, characters, and cultural impact of the groundbreaking series. In this immersive panel, attendees will hear firsthand from the talent behind the show as they discuss the inspiration behind the drama, the collaboration that brings it to life, and the importance of powerful, multi-generational storytelling in daytime television. Set in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, this special event invites guests to get dressed up and connect with the voices shaping one of television’s most talked-about new series—complete with thoughtfully curated light bites and refreshments to enjoy throughout the evening.

*NEW Panelists: Clifton Davis (Vernon Dupree in Beyond the Gates), Daphnée Duplaix (Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson in Beyond the Gates), Sheila Ducksworth (President of CBS STUDIOS/NAACP Venture; Executive Producer of Beyond the Gates)

Moderated by: Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Executive Vice President, Content Engagement, Partnerships & Strategy, Paramount, TV Media

"From Stage to Screen: Aleshea Harris on Directing Is God Is"

Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios

Friday, May 29, 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1

Join award-winning playwright and first-time feature director Aleshea Harris as she sits down for an intimate conversation about bringing her acclaimed play Is God Is to the screen. Harris will share the creative challenges and revelations of her directorial debut, exploring how she translated the raw, mythic energy of her Obie Award-winning stage work into a cinematic experience. From preserving theatrical boldness to discovering new visual storytelling possibilities, Harris will offer candid insight into the art of theater-to-screen adaptation—and what it means to carry a singular artistic voice into an entirely new medium.

Panelists: Aleshea Harris

Moderator: TBD

Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television Panel

Sponsored by Netflix

Friday, May 29, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

Netflix will host a special Celebration of Black Television panel spotlighting the creative excellence of storytellers on and off the screen. Featuring powerhouse voices from Netflix’s upcoming 2026 slate, the conversation will explore the craft, culture, and community shaping a new era of Black television from writers’ rooms and directors’ chairs to unforgettable on screen performances.

*NEW* Panelists: Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest, Creator, EP and Lead Actress), Amy Aniobi (Survival of the Thickest, EP and Showrunner), Courtney Kemp (Nemesis, Showrunner/Creator/ EP ), Mario Van Peebles (Nemesis, Director), Tani Marole (Nemesis, Co-Creator/EP), Crystle Stewart (Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Actress), Taylor Polidore Williams (Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Actress), Debbie Allen (A Different World, EP, Director, Actress), Felicia Pride (A Different World, Showrunner, EP, Writer), Maleah Joi Moon (A Different World, Actress)

Moderated by: Nina Parker

10 Years of Collecting and Preserving Black Film at NMAAHC

Sponsored by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Friday, May 29; 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm

New World Center - Truist Hall

This panel discusses the continued importance of seeing Black people in moving images and the role museums play in safekeeping stories of Black history and culture. As the museum approaches its 10-year anniversary, the panelists highlight the efforts of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) over the years to collect, digitize, and preserve the beauty of Black life as captured on film, video, and sound.

Panelists: LaCharles Ward, Ph.D., Supervisory Curator of Photography and Film and Director of the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts, National Museum of African American History and Culture; Ina Archer, Media Conservation and Digitization Specialist, National Museum of African American History and Culture; Dr. Terri Francis, Associate Professor of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami

Storyteller Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouse Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals

Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios

Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

New World Center - Truist Pavilion

Join us for an engaging conversation with accomplished showrunner and producer Ben Watkins, who brings Amazon MGM Studios Original titles like CROSS and upcoming biopic series THE GREATEST to life. This candid discussion will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making, problem-solving, and creative collaboration that defines successful television and film production. Ben will share specific examples from his work on Amazon MGM Studios Originals, discussing triumphs, lessons learned, and what’s to come for Prime Video customers.

*NEW Panelist: Ben Watkins

Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Lookat Season Five of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan”

Sponsored by STARZ

Saturday, May 30, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1

Join stars from the fifth and final season of STARZ’s original series “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” for an exclusive preview event. Through curated clips and a moderated discussion, guests will experience the Southside through a new lens—exploring Kanan’s evolution, rising family tensions, and the high-stakes drama ahead. Be among the first to discover what’s in store for Season Five, premiering June 12 on STARZ.

NEW* Panelists: Mekai Curtis & London Brown; additional panelists forthcoming.

Thought She Was The One *World Premiere

Saturday, May 30 | 6:45 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1

Logline: The movie follows a group of friends on their annual getaway, where unexpected revelations challenge their friendships and views on life.

USA | 1h 36m

Director: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr.

Writers: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr., Malcolm "Champ" Heaggans

Producers: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr., Yaneley Arty, Vanzil Burke, Victor Burke, Thuy-An Julien, Terrence J., Matt Jones, Ta'Nisha Cameron

Cast: Clifford “TIP” Harris, Jr., Terrence J., Tyler Chronicles, DomiNque Perry, Christopher Meyer, Kelly Davis, Brittany S. Hall, KaMillion

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1190821799?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

BRANDED ACTIVATIONS:

Ally Cinematic Lounge

Presented By Ally Financial

Wednesday, May 27: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Thursday, May 28 - Saturday, May 30: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center - Floor 2

The Ally Cinematic Lounge is an editorial escape designed for guests to pause, play, and tap into their personal legacy. Inside the Miami-inspired cinematic lounge, attendees can craft a “golden ticket” personal legacy statement, capture the moment with branded photos, and enjoy a brief moment of respite in a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Guests can also jump into financial legacy trivia, then visit the Legacy Bar for fun, premium giveaways, adding an interactive, lighthearted layer to the experience. The lounge brings together reflection, play, and Miami inspired ease, inviting guests to create, connect, and celebrate their legacy through every touchpoint of the experience.

Beauty Scene, featuring The Doux Block Party

Presented By Walmart
Miami Beach Convention Center - Floor 2

Beauty Scene powered by Walmart is your destination for all things haircare. Stop by the expo booth for expert tips, styling tricks, and product education with The Doux, the beloved textured haircare brand known for bold formulas and salon-quality results. Guests can experience hands-on product demos, discover new ways to care for and style their hair, and take home samples to try for themselves. Whether you’re looking to refresh your routine, learn from the pros, or find your next haircare must-have, Beauty Scene brings inspiration, expertise, and Walmart beauty favorites together in one interactive experience.

Welcome Home

Presented By the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

Wednesday, May 27 12:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Thursday, May 28 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Friday, May 29 10:00 am - 6:30 pm and 8:00-9:00 pm

Saturday, May 30 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center - Floor 2

We're bringing our home, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to Miami. As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we mark this historic moment by opening our doors and inviting you in.

For the weekend, our space is more than a booth. It's a living room; a place rooted in the warmth, culture, and storytelling that have always defined the Black home experience. A space where you can sit, stay a while, and feel exactly where you belong.

Step inside and experience:
A curated gathering place designed to spark real conversation and authentic connection

Explore museum content and significant cultural moments

Be a part of living history with a unique portrait experience.

Your Lexus Culinary Experience Awaits

Presented By Lexus

Friday, May 29, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

New World Center - Lawn

Step into a curated Lexus experience where luxury, innovation, and culinary come together.

Friday afternoon, guests are invited to Taste the Moment presented by Lexus, featuring the custom Monogram GX – an interactive experience where custom pizzas are baked and served directly from the SUV’s cargo space, blending creativity with elevated hospitality.

Frame Your Moment with Lexus

Presented By Lexus

Saturday, May 30, 10:30 pm - 3:00 am

M2 Nightclub

On Saturday evening at M2 Miami, guests are invited to step into The Lexus Snap Studio, a premium photo experience designed to capture share-worthy moments. Featuring a professionally styled setup where guests can capture and share images that reflect their personal style.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), Ally Financial, Amazon MGM Studios, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, American Airlines (Major), Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Eli Lilly and Company, Lexus (Official), CBS, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, AARP, L'Oréal Groupe, STARZ, ESPN, GLAAD (Supporting), Motion Picture Association, Uber, Bounce (Contributing), Nielsen, Fulton Films GA, The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF, William Morris Endeavor (Associate), Variety, LA Times, Getty Images (Media).

Additional details and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.nicecrowd.com and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

To receive ABFF notifications by email, sign up HERE!

About ABFF

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier annual event dedicated to empowering emerging talent and showcasing film and television content by and about people of African descent. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF has evolved into a leading talent discovery platform, attracting a global community of creators, executives, and fans. Each June, the festival draws more than 7,000 attendees to Miami Beach for five days of screenings, panels, networking, and cultural experiences. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, ABFF continues to serve as both a launchpad for talent and a cultural hub amplifying the diverse intersections of culture and achievement.

About NICE CROWD

NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company’s mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com

More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com/miami/