American Black Film Festival – Unspool Hollywood

AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST COHORT OF ABFF 9:16 MICRODRAMA PROJECT SHOWCASE SELECTIONS

Eight standout vertical microdrama series to premiere on CODEBLACK during the 2026 festival

LOS ANGELES, CA — [May 4, 2026] — The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the first cohort of official selections for the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project Showcase, a new digital-first initiative designed to identify, showcase, and amplify outstanding vertical microdrama series. A second cohort of selections will be announced this fall.

The ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project Showcase serves as the Festival’s official platform for discovering and elevating emerging voices in vertical storytelling. Through curated selection and digital-first exhibition, the initiative connects creators with global audiences and meaningful industry visibility, positioning them at the forefront of the rapidly expanding vertical content ecosystem.

This inaugural cohort, powered by Hartbeat, will premiere on the CODEBLACK app during the 2026 American Black Film Festival, offering the festival audience exclusive access to a dynamic slate of short-form, mobile-first series.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how stories are being created and consumed, and vertical microdrama sits right at the center of that evolution,” said Jeff Friday, Cofounder & CEO of NICE CROWD and Founder of ABFF. “What’s exciting about this cohort is not just the creativity, but the intentionality, these are filmmakers who understand pacing, audience behavior, and the intimacy of the mobile screen. This initiative is about meeting that moment, giving these creators a global stage, and ensuring that as this format scales, creators of color are not just participating, but leading.”

The first cohort of official selections includes:

False Profit$

Logline: When America's youngest Black CEO is framed and sentenced to 19 years for a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme he didn't orchestrate, Malik Shepard transforms his prison time into a masterclass in financial forensics and systemic corruption — then wages a surgical war to dismantle the powerful faith-based empire that destroyed him.

United States | 11m
Director: Jai Harris
Writer: Jai Harris
Producers: Serene Samuel, Darion Taylor, Michael Sanders, Charles Smith, Ephren Taylor, Socorro Grandville, Pat Taylor
Cast: Malik TaylorTrailer: https://youtu.be/MJSlsNbxDhs?si=ZukAKKHqnV87tRl7

The King, The Affair and The Son Heir

Logline: King Jonga's celebrated heir carries a secret that could destroy a kingdom — written in blood, hidden in plain sight, and closing in with every stolen glance between his wife and his most trusted advisor.

South Africa | 9m
Director: Star Kganki MaphahleleWriter: Anathi Rubela & Mamello Makhetha
Producers: Flavia Motsisi
Cast: Othembele Nomgca, Khanyi Nokwe, Lebogang Mphahlele, Phathiswa Tonono, Wamke Cele, Gcina Mdikane

Faceplant

Logline: A desperate couple facing foreclosure discovers a mask that lets them hijack other people’s bodies, but each reckless use pulls them deeper into a dangerous game with consequences they can’t control.
United States | 13m
Director: Jean-Pierre Chapoteau
Writer: Jean-Pierre Chapoteau
Producers: Jean-Pierre Chapoteau, Jennifer Pessima, La'Shay Painter
Cast: Kennie Nicole, Bren Suttle

Blacked Out

Logline: After a blackout night she can’t remember, Jordan wakes up in an interrogation to learn her boyfriend is missing, forcing her to piece together the truth before she becomes the prime suspect.
United States | 13m
Director: Caleb Davis
Writer: Roni Davis
Producers: Jade Martin
Cast: Verina Banks, Daniel Augustin
Trailer: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWWvIMPEvwk/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Thick & Uninterrupted

Logline: A bold, curvy woman unapologetically embraces her confidence, desire, and power while navigating love and modern relationships in a world that constantly expects her to shrink.
United States, Nigeria | 12m
Director: Dominic Aikabeli
Writer: Dominic Aikabeli, Tajé Prest
Producers: Tajé Prest
Cast: Tajé Prest, Maxwell Nwokoye, Godfrey Okorafor, Kolawole Agboola, Frederick Honest
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCvIa7Lw_qM&list=PLb98sxlWomZOI3-tspB4eByvtLGPGmmwQ

Mechanical Pencil

Logline: A group of detention regulars turns their punishment into a creative playground, where desk beats, chaos, and imagination evolve into something bigger than themselves.
United States | 11m
Directors: Palmer Williams III, Amari K. Jones
Writers: Amari K. Jones, Myracle Sims, Justen Ross, JonAvery Worrell, Hurrikane, Dasan Frazier, Michael Bahsil, Destiny Knox, Kaylan Mary
Producers: Amari K. Jones
Cast: Justen Ross, Destiny Knox, Brandon Grimes, Dasan Frazier, JonAvery Worrell, Amari K. Jones, Michael Bahsil, Hurrikane, C Squared, Myracle Sims, Kaylan Mary, Skootah Pollock

Crimson Mirage

Logline: When a supernatural drug harvests human energy for an ancient operation, a detective searching for his missing sister and the scientist who unknowingly built the machine must join forces to dismantle the network before it swallows the city whole.
United States | 11m
Director: Courtney Arlett
Writer: Courtney Arlett
Producers: Courtney Arlett, Yolanda Haskett, Mario Haskett, Marc Thevenin, Ron Toussaint, Phedra Syndelle, Jasmine Sargent, Dï Thomas
Cast: Jason Louder; Katrina Riveria; Chantal Maurice; Zeus Luby; Karon Joseph Riley; Phedra Syndelle

A DIFFERENT KIND OF FOREVER

Logline: In LA’s interconnected dating scene, situationships, near misses, and messy sparks collide… proving there are a million ways this can go, and almost none of them are forever.
United States | 20m
Director: Alexis Rivera
Writer: Alexis Rivera
Producers: Alexis Rivera, Jamal Averett & Justin Jemerson
Cast: Akilah Walker, Maurice Hardwick, Juliah Cheree Taylor, Charles Grant-DeBose, Renae Anderson, Prince Odimegwu, Shakira Ja'nai Paye, Jemar Michael, Zimzon Zion, Justin Williams, Danika Edwards, Marqi Morgan, Alexis Rivera, POPE.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1099316920?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

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 (Official), CBS, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, AARP, L'Oréal Groupe, STARZ, ESPN (Supporting), Motion Picture Association, Uber (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 the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a premier destination for film and television storytelling. Widely regarded as a key pipeline for emerging talent, ABFF has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and creative voices. Each year, the festival brings together artists, industry leaders, and audiences from around the world for a five-day program of screenings, panels, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. The festival’s 30th anniversary edition will take place May 27–31, 2026, in Miami Beach.

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 its philosophy, 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 harnesses that energy to deliver culturally relevant experiences while generating measurable economic impact for its partners. Through expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD creates platforms that celebrate groundbreaking artists and innovators while connecting brands, media, and audiences in meaningful ways. www.nicecrowd.com

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

2026 American Black Film Festival Announces Showcase Film Sections Lineup With Projects Featuring Jill Scott, Glynn Turman, and Renée Elise Goldsberry

THE 2026 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SHOWCASE FILM SECTIONS LINEUP INCLUDING VOICES OF CULTURE, AFRICAN STORIES, AND AI x XR STORYTELLING SHOWCASE

Voices Of Culture to Feature Projects Starring Jill Scott, Glynn Turman, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tabitha Brown, and Russell Hornsby

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 1, 2026) – The 2026 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today the Non-Competitive Showcase Film Sections lineup including Voices Of Culture, African Stories, and AI x XR Storytelling Showcase. The 30th anniversary of ABFF will take place in Miami Beach May 27-31 under the theme “Homecoming.”

Voices Of Culture is a showcase of short films directed by persons of African descent. Curated by invitation only, this section highlights outstanding works that reflect the breadth of the global Black experience. The showcase features forty films from a variety of countries, including Rwanda, Belgium, Nevis, and Colombia, and features over fifteen World Premieres. Short films feature a variety of notable talent including Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tabitha Brown, Jabari Banks, and Russell Hornsby.

African Stories, a special non-competitive showcase spotlighting short films from Africa’s most dynamic emerging voices, celebrates the continent’s rich cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions, offering audiences a powerful window into the creativity shaping Africa’s diverse and rapidly evolving film communities. All five of the films included in the African Stories showcase are World or US premieres, with films represented across Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.

AI x XR Storytelling Showcase is a series of innovative works created through artificial intelligence and immersive technologies, curated in partnership with GRX Immersive Labs, which explore the future of storytelling by featuring bold new voices at the intersection of creativity and technology. The five films included in the AI x XR Storytelling Showcase are World or US Premieres and feature a variety of genres including Sci-Fi/Afrofuturism to Horror/Supernatural.

“As we celebrate 30 years of ABFF, this year’s showcase programming reflects both the breadth of storytelling today and where it’s headed,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “African Stories introduces distinct voices from across the continent, all premiering their work on our stage, while the AI x XR Storytelling Showcase explores how emerging technologies are reshaping the creative process. Voices of Culture brings together a wide range of perspectives from around the world. Together, these sections underscore ABFF’s continued commitment to championing new voices, expanding access to global audiences, and serving as a platform for discovery and what’s next in storytelling.”

VOICES OF CULTURE

A non-competitive showcase of short films directed by persons of African descent. Curated by invitation only, this section highlights outstanding works that reflect the breadth of the global Black experience.

The Day You Find Your Name

At the height of the Black Panther movement, a pregnant Afeni Shakur must defend herself against 189 felony charges in a trial that threatens her freedom and her unborn child’s future.

USA | 15m
Director: Dominique R. Draper
Writer: Dominique R. Draper
Producers:
Cast: Journey Carter, Mitchell Edwards
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1165898884/6e9e4b5d89?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Penny in the Sky *World Premiere

When a man contemplating his life decides to put his fate into a coin toss, he's interrupted by the sudden appearance of a woman there to end her life as well.
USA | 20m
Director: Drew Allyn & Alexis Wilson
Writer: Drew Allyn
Producers: Cee Wright
Cast: Benjamin Earl Turner, Ryn Stafford

If only you knew *World Premiere

A woman confronting her father about his absence.
USA | 20m
Director: Safiyah Chiniere
Writer: Safiyah Chiniere
Producers: Safiyah Chiniere, Rox Campbell
Cast: Ashley Hernandez, Adrian Luke Sinclair, Steve Attie

Crossroads

A wrongfully fired financier and a guarded lawyer connect unexpectedly on a blind date, turning a night of bad news into something more.
USA | 19m
Director: Horane Henry
Writer: Shari Brown
Producers: Victorious De Costa, Rasheen "Raye" Donaldson
Cast: Okema T. Moore, Rory Clarke, Saint Thompson, Horace Henry, Donnadeen Rowe-Henry
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1104489333/98d2c2a220?fl=tl&fe=ec

Bid

During a Thanksgiving dinner an eager grad student attempted to reconnect with family through a game of Spades, the only obstacle is her mother.
USA | 10m
Director: Matthew Price
Writer: Matthew Price
Producers: Chelsea Stardust, Alex Coulter, Matthew Price
Cast: Phylicia Wissa, Nikko Austen Smith, Tim Russ, Teri Gamble, Sheroid Evans, Jeffrey Reddick
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1126095802?fl=ip&fe=ec

Fairytales *World Premiere

On their wedding day, a young bride’s monstrous powers are exposed during a violent police encounter, forcing her and her husband to flee through a city that now sees her as a threat— finding brief refuge at her loving father’s secluded home, until the outside world catches up and turns sanctuary into battleground.
USA | 12m
Director: Tiffani Holland
Writer: Tiffani Holland
Producers: Christopher Gleaton, Tiffani Holland
Cast: Paulina Singer, Brian Reese, Steven Strickland
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1183961483

Peace by Piece *World Premiere

When a so-called actor from the future travels back in time to study the ordinary man he will play in a movie, we all want to know... why him?
USA | 11m
Director: Jordan K. Paul
Writer: Jordan K. Paul
Producers: Bria O'Brien, Sam Van Dyke, and Jordan K. Paul
Cast: Jordan Paul, Dante Rossi
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/jordankpaul/pxptrailer?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Touching *World Premiere

A young girl must protect her baby sister when a sleepover with their cousin becomes a nightmare.
USA | 11m
Director: Lauryn Charliah Allums
Writer: Lauryn Charliah Allums
Producers: Jasmin Prophete, Jasiah Denise Washington, Aiyannah Tasker-Lewis
Cast: Rose De La Cruz, Alexandria Grice, Antoinette Allison, Nakia Borgella, David Perry

I Got My Brother

Two brothers reflect on their candid and often humorous memories of surviving the foster care system and prison, realizing along the way that their path to healing has always been each other.
USA | 17m
Director: Victor Gabriel
Producers: Rachel Earnest
Cast: Jarrett Harper, Baylon Harper

500 Seconds To Tell You

Before a catastrophe ends life on Earth, a young man struggles to put his feelings for his best friend into words.
USA | 11m
Director: Gerard Clarke
Writer: Gerard & Rashielle Clarke
Producers: Gerard Clarke, Rashielle Clarke, Saham Hosseini, Asha Alaji-Sharif
Cast: Jared Jackson, Asha Alaji-Sharif

Iku Aka (Knocking on the Door)

On the eve of her Iku Aka, Chinelo’s joyful Igbo marriage celebration is upended by a long-hidden family secret, forcing her to choose whether tradition will guide her or her jailer.
USA | 12m
Director: Tiffany Lotanna Onyejekwe
Writer: Tiffany Lotanna Onyejekwe
Executive Producers: Epiphany Ciers, Onyii Ogomaka, Tiffany Onyejekwe | Producer: Asari Aibangebee
Cast: Jessica Otse, Dorothy Chinenyenwa, Francis C. Edemobi, Prince Ezerumaka, Ella Nwokedi

Woman Land

Two young Somali sisters in Minneapolis have to balance rebellion with their reputations when their secret matchmaking business attracts a client a little too close to home.
USA | 10m
Director: Yasmin Yassin
Writer: Yasmin Yassin, M.A. Lepage
Producers: Yasmin Yassin, Filsan Said, Nolan Morice
Cast: Hodan Hassan, Nadira Hussein, Beera Luula, Abdurahman Muhumed

Buttercup Pudding Pie *World Premiere

Looky here: A daddy runs outta gas on the way to his baby girl’s birthday, then everything goes sideways.
USA | 15m
Director: Keith Powell
Writer: Keith Powell
Producers: Keith Powell, Venkatesh Potula
Cast: Burl Moseley, John Earl Jelks, Milton TJ Taylor, Talya Klein
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1114719451?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Please Return Your Cart *World Premiere

A former soldier turned shopping cart attendant, resigned to a life on the sidelines, is challenged by a vibrant consultant to embrace his greatest fear - a second chance at love.
USA | 14m
Director: Kendra Jo
Writer: Kendra Jo
Producers: Andrew St Juste, Color Creative
Cast: Russell Hornsby, Kimrie Lewis, Jabari Banks, Ratoya Banks, Tabitha Brown
Trailer: https://youtu.be/uJ1NEAvBKn8

Mini Me *World Premiere

In the pursuit of an open cast call at the height of hurricane season, a Jamaican-American family learns to voice their pent-up grief.
USA | 18m
Director: a. b. oddman
Writer: a. b. oddman
Producers: Redd Coltrane, Kaylee Hayes, Thyais Walsh
Cast: Symone Holmes, Kyrie McAlpin, Thyais Walsh, Taylor Crawford
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1179777669?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Cutoff

Chester connects with his nephew Quincy on the day of his baptism. Their relationship ruffles feathers, and Chester reconsiders his next steps in the boy’s life.
USA | 9m
Director: Jalen Rayno
Writer: Jalen Rayno
Producers: Ethan Elkins
Cast: C.P Walker, Eli Romelus, Kamajhia Williams

Keep My Brother

"Keep My Brother" tells the poignant story of Ava, who struggles to balance her family, career, and health while caring for her younger brother, Darryl, during his severe manic episode.
USA | 11m
Director: Sharona D'Ornellas
Writer: Sharona D'Ornellas
Producers: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sharona D'Ornellas, Cat Del Re, Jessy Greer
Cast: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Darryl Dunning II, Daniel J Watts
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1107191130?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Age Of Quorum

A young man's New Year's Eve takes a dramatic turn as the night transforms into an adversary he must conquer to survive.
UK | 14m
Director: Yomi Ayeni
Writer: Yomi Ayeni
Producers: Laurelle Jones
Cast: Ade Femzo, Rhys Quilley, Justice Ezi, Mack Muggleton
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1120647727?fl=pl&fe=sh

Vengeance Is All I Have *World Premiere

An enraged young man infiltrates a picturesque suburban home with revenge on his mind, but his determination begins to falter when he discovers a connection with his younger half-brother.
USA | 17m
Director: Christian Osagiede
Writer: Christian Osagiede
Producers: Kaylin Stanford
Cast: Patrick Walker, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Trent Allen Davis, Elizabeth Dantus

Echoes Beneath The Hill

On the verge of the genocide against the minority Tutsi. Jeanne, 10, a daredevil girl, is searching for her pet goat.

Rwanda;Belgium | 17m
Director: Aime Octave
Writer: Aime Octave & Manon Poelman
Producers: Nora Essalama, Lead Producer | Aime Octave Ishimwe, Ass. Producer
Cast: Uwihirwe Francine, Cyiza Bolce, Gakwaya Celestin, Uwimana Clementine

Oh Happy Day!

Over the course of Easter week, a young boy struggles to impress his crush.
USA | 12m
Director: Ivan Rome
Writer: Ivan Rome
Producers: Leah Simone Scott, Brianna Jones Appiah
Cast: Kaden Taylor, Blossom Cole, Chantal Maurice, Ann Nesby, Alfred Lamar, Syer Blu Wilson
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1179935848?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Ella

Ella sings her love songs--scatting through her darkest notes.
USA | 18m
Director: Nikki Taylor-Roberts
Writer: Nikki Taylor-Roberts, Anthea Piscarik
Producers: Meleisha J. Edwards, JT Thames, Sophia Watson
Cast: Jill Scott, Destinee Rae

The Checklist *World Premiere

When a mother rediscovers a forgotten checklist from her past, she’s inspired to reclaim her adventurous spirit—pulling her skeptical daughter into a journey of self-discovery, nostalgia, and unexpected reconnection.
USA | 13m
Director: Jasmine T.Q. McLaurin
Writer: Kay Rich
Producers: Emma Jackson, Kay Rich, Tarra Denise Jackson, Linda Richardson-Gardner, Angie Blackwell
Cast: Karole Foreman, Tarra Denise Jackson, Shaun Bedgood, Emma J
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1116492717?fl=pl&fe=sh

Couples Skate *World Premiere

A night at the roller rink reveals the cracks in a relationship.
USA | 11m
Director: Kaliya Warren
Writer: Kaliya Warren
Producers: Magen Ashley Young, Roan Bibby, Hughes William Thompson, Kaliya Warren
Cast: Jordan Coleman, Myko Olivier
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1032497650/1e8961e0cb

AFUFU

When a live-in housekeeper accidentally breaks a valuable item, her decision to hide her transgression from her employers has devastating consequences.
USA | 18m
Director: Ellie Foumbi
Writer: Ellie Foumbi
Producers: Leo Blumberg-Woll; Jesy Odio
Cast: Babetida Sadjo; Saffron Burrows; Tate Donovan; Vivian Olyphant

This Is Private

A stripper cunningly decides to use her private dances as therapy sessions in order to prevail in her collegiate psychology class.
USA | 14m
Director: LeAndre Thomas
Writer: LeAndre Thomas
Producers: Caitlyn Durkin
Cast: Birgundi Baker, Joseph Rye, Wendy Feign, Matthew Baetz, Skip Howland, S.B. Grey, William Romano-Pugh

JOHN *World Premiere

Facing discrimination, a black female lawyer disguises herself as a white man to navigate with more privilege.
USA | 17m
Director: Amirah Adem
Writer: Amirah Adem
Producers: Yennefer Fang, Nellie Luna, Tosin Omolola
Cast: Samantha Marie Ware, David Shatraw, Spencer Neville, Lisagaye Tomlinson
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1101400085/83946ba905?fl=pl&fe=vl

Intergalactic Ingenue

On the night he’s supposed to integrate with his Hive-mind alien girlfriend, James, a man with deep commitment issues, discovers his ex is also dating the same Hivemind.
USA | 20m
Director: Nathan Deshawn Bouie
Writer: Nathan Deshawn Bouie
Producers: Ami Coulibaly, Quinn Murphy, Jayla Hodge
Cast: Jai’Reeh Demond, Akira Jackson, Mckayla Fontanez

Trailer: https://youtu.be/aedq36s0IlY

The Last Wish

When an unsettling visitor disrupts her fragile new life, a 70-year-old widow is compelled to face her greatest fear, water, forcing her into a battle with both her past and her own mortality.
Canada | 15m
Director: Kimberley Ann Surin
Writer: Kimberley Ann Surin
Producers: Kimberley Ann Surin, Véronique Charbonneau
Cast: Marie-Aimée Cadet, Naïla Louidort, Nayla Mongeon-Levesque
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1110767661

HOMEbirth *World Premiere

As her due date nears, a first-time mother meticulously plans the perfect home birth, only to confront a haunting truth many Black women know too well- that doing everything right still may not be enough to survive.
USA | 17m
Directors: Carra Patterson, Korey Jackson
Writer: Carra Patterson
Producers: Carra Patterson, Korey Jackson
Cast: Carra Patterson, Ruffin Prentiss III, Ngozi Anyanwu

TIGUERONAS

After ending an abusive relationship with her narcissistic boyfriend, Aaliyah and her friends hatch a bold plan for revenge on a girls’ night out, igniting a journey of self-empowerment and sisterhood.
USA | 14m
Director: Imani Celeste
Writer: Imani Celeste
Producers: Imani Celeste, Flor de Oro Tejada
Cast: Daniella Denisse Macre Rodríguez, Imani Brammer, Mariyea, Victoria Lino, Malik Tyree Sneed

EL TIGUERE

In the Bronx, an Afro-Dominican father nurtures an underground mobile food garden while searches for a way to rebuild his relationship with his estranged son.
USA | 20m
Director: Andrew J. Rodriguez
Writer: Andrew J. Rodriguez
Producers: Yuki Maekawa-Ledbetter
Cast: Elvis Nolasco as Joaquin & Ansi Rodrigues as Junior
Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=hWQ4ZEYIBuI&pp=ygUSZWwgdGlndWVyZSB0cmFpbGVy0gcJCdMKAYcqIYzv

Killer Of Men *World Premiere

Set in the antebellum American South, an enslaved prize fighter faces a choice between life and freedom after attending the burial of the man he was forced to kill.
USA | 13m
Director: Jordan Betine
Writer: Jordan Betine; Kiera Bratton-Lewis
Producers: Jordan Betine; Ruoxiao Li
Cast: Erik Orjiako, Sandra McDaniels
Trailer: https://youtu.be/v5iWPSAVtjA

P. V. *World Premiere

Plagued by the physical and emotional tolls of endometriosis and HPV, Kaleigh’s relentless quest for empathy drives her to desperate measures.
USA | 17m
Director: Kiah Clingman
Writer: Kiah Clingman, CJ Sykes
Producers: Kiah Clingman, Alex Woodruff, Abijeet Achar, Pink Maxwell, Breanna O'Conner, Sue-Ellen Chitunya, Taylor Polidore Williams, Marcella Arthur, Rennard West, CJ Sykes, Annie Jacob, Amer-Marie Woods
Cast: Taylor Polidore Williams, Vince Swann, Stephen Ruffin, Allen Burns, Jessica Fontaine

Beach Day

In a world where one woman’s death means the end of everything, a man sets out on a surreal journey to ask her permission to die before she does.
USA | 11m
Director: Brandon XIV
Writer: Brandon XIV
Producers: Brandon XIV, Shane Snow, Sylvia Brindis, Jess Black
Cast: Richard David, Aja Monet, Sekou Andrews, and LaChanze
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1118985169

Pan Gyul

On the island of Nevis, a determined young girl challenges tradition and her mother’s opposition to learn the steel pan, hoping to connect with her celebrated musician father and claim her own voice.
Nevis, West Indies | 15m
Director: Juliette Jeffers
Writer: Juliette Jeffers
Producers: Juliette Jeffers, Damaris DiVito, Dawn Bridgewater, Carole Copeland and Thomas Austin Sinclair Bridgewater
Cast: Juliette Jeffers, Winston Crooke and Hadassah Daniels
Trailer: https://youtu.be/HQLVSiOFwiY?si=MJmRLhr0OSnoy_KI

Yellow Pages *World Premiere

When a little girl, dreaming of becoming a comedian, begins using the Yellow Pages to test out her jokes, she unknowingly brightens the life of someone who needs it most.
USA | 15m
Director: Simone Thomas-Rowe
Writer: Simone Thomas-Rowe
Producers: Devin Saddler, Simone Thomas-Rowe, Elodie Ghonda
Cast: Cadence Reese, Damien Leake, Danielle Banks, Mingjie Zhai, Sandra Walters

BERTHA *World Premiere

A woman must be more stubborn than a goat to find her freedom.
Colombia | 13m
Director: Laura Asprilla Carrillo
Writer: Laura Asprilla Carrillo
Producers: Laura Asprilla Carrillo
Cast: Barbara Perea
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1151390510

When They’re Gone *World Premiere

After an abrupt encounter at a graveyard, two elderly men form an unexpected bond over the grief and love of their late wives.
USA | 14m
Directors: Ragan Henderson, Lauryn Darden
Writer: Lauryn Darden
Producers: Gabriyèl Barlatier, Elizabeth Kurtz; Executive Producers: Glynn Turman, Marni Rosenzweig, Brian Kurtz, Janice Barlatier-Tawfiq, Leon Henderson Jr., Ana Verde, Taylor Wildenhaus, Brenda Robinson, Jenifer Westphal, Loy A. Webb, and Delta Dirt Distillery
Cast: Glynn Turman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Trailer: https://youtu.be/lBRea1iWmjU

Fragments of Joy *World Premiere

Taking his Alzheimer addled mother on a weekend jaunt to NYC in hopes of jogging her memory, an alcoholic son has to walk a fine line between frustration and responsibility.
USA | 15m
Director: Andre Royo
Writer: Andre Royo
Producers: Darren Dean, Ante Novakovic, Sabine Ocaña, Isabella Cooper
Cast: Andre Royo, Maria Broom

AFRICAN STORIES

A non-competitive showcase of short films from Africa’s most dynamic new voices. Curated to highlight the continent’s rich cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions, the program offers a unique window into the creativity driving Africa’s diverse and growing film communities.

ROGERS *US Premiere

From the tale of "Old Roger is dead and gone to his grave" stems a young family who goes to spend a holiday weekend with relatives, and ignorantly awakens an unforgiven but insidious entity that rains terror, bringing their bloodline to the brink of hell.
Nigeria | 19m
Director: Daniel Ehimen
Writer: Daniel Ehimen & Aaliyah Salia
Producers: Daniel Ehimen, Oladayo Oladejo, Omoyeni Sholabomi Disu
Cast: Yusrah Ayinde, Joseph Imoikor, Demi Banwo, Princess Obuseh, Ayo Binta Mogaji, Kunle Coker, Francis Oyinlola Bakare
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1102923797

Bam Bam *US Premiere

When a gifted but withdrawn teenager falls for a classmate, his AI best friend pushes him toward love, forcing him to confront the self-doubt that has shaped his life.
Nigeria | 17m
Director: Tolulope Itegboje
Writer: Tolulope Itegboje
Producers: Oge Obasi, Tolulope Itegboje
Cast: Kelechi Udegbe, Ambrose Nwoga
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1113905841?fl=ip&fe=ec

The Break-In *World Premiere

A routine break-in spirals when tensions inside a crew of small-time thieves force one member to question the future he's been chasing.
South Africa | 14m
Director: Sizwe Kubeka
Writer: Sizwe Kubeka
Producers: Masibulele Mtonjeni
Cast: Malusi Ngxubungela, Patrick Sithole, Akhile Mjanyelwa

Our Brother *US Premiere

A grieving family faces loss and imminent departures while tensions rise as the matriarch cares for her eldest autistic son. The intricate threads binding them are tested.
Kenya | 15m
Director: Shandra Apondi
Writer: Shandra Apondi, Kofi Ntiforo, Norris Kabembe
Producers: Celine Onditi, Shandra Apondi
Cast: Beatrice Kamuyu, Brian Furaha, Ivy Collette Nafula, Agwingi Adingo
Trailer: https://youtu.be/sYJuUOTvNnA?si=xNL0HbNP1n-xMWb5

Amon *World Premiere

As a boy responds to letters for his illiterate grandmother, he is confronted with one of news of her failing health -- he must make the decision to disclose the truth or keep the letter's contents to himself.
United States | 6m
Director: Chloé-Eloïse Mallet
Writer: Chloé-Eloïse Mallet
Producers: Jiayang Liu, Chloé-Eloïse Mallet
Cast: Lamine Goita, Maimounay Lemailloux

AI x XR STORYTELLING SHOWCASE

A non-competitive showcase of innovative works created through artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. Curated in partnership with GRX Immersive Labs, the program explores the future of storytelling by featuring bold new voices at the intersection of creativity and technology.

The Haunting of RiverFalls *World Premiere

When a matriarch witch of a powerful Black lineage teaches her daughter to cross into the spirit world, a forbidden ritual goes wrong—and a demonic entity follows the girl back, threatening to destroy their bloodline forever.
United States | 7m
Director: Aaron Avont Johnson
Writer: Aaron Avont Johnson
Producers: Aaron Johnson, Takela Johnson, Dasha Johnson
Cast: Aaron Johnson

FAME FARM *World Premiere

The future ain’t what it used to be.
United States | 9m
Director: Whoingodsname
Writer: Whoingodsname
Producers: Kharmony Fortune
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1103270500

Cowbone *World Premiere

When a Jamaican excavator operator is left in the Jamaican jungle alone, he knocks down the wrong tree and discovers that some roots are better left buried.
United States | 2m
Director: Alexander Newman Hall
Writer: Alexander Newman Hall
Producers: Alexander Newman Hall

The B Side: The Future is Past *US Premiere

When visitors from the sky descend on a terror-haunted Jim Crow community, one young Black girl understands what the adults cannot - salvation has arrived, and it chose her.
United States | 6m
Director: Kimberly Offord
Writer: Kimberly Offord
Producers: Kimberly Offord
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1184935594/4b8154999e?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Eat The Rich *World Premiere

After the middle class is quietly “optimized” out of existence, a starving Dracula pivots to a new menu—wealthy professionals who are about to learn that money doesn’t buy immunity, just a later appointment.
United States | 6m
Director: Tiffani Lee Joseph
Writer: Tiffani Lee Joseph
Producers: Tiffani Lee Joseph
Trailer: https://youtu.be/IPq4BjCxNRU?si=_pYRuGr_heb8Mt2t

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About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

About NICE CROWD

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

ABFF 2026 Announces HBO Short Film Award Finalists

HBO SHORT FILM AWARD SHOWCASE FINALISTS

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 23, 2026) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has officially unveiled the five finalists for the prestigious HBO Short Film Award Showcase, now in its 29th year, a cornerstone of the festival’s landmark 30th Anniversary "Homecoming" edition (May 27-31 in Miami Beach). This year’s lineup is led by the genre-bending Spilled Milk, produced by Oscar-winner Jordan Peele and starring J. Alphonse Nicholson (P-Valley) and Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi. Rounding out the high-wattage slate are world premieres featuring Arsema Thomas (Queen Charlotte), Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn (Small Axe), and Jeremy Villas, highlighting a compelling range of storytelling from psychological folklore to ballet- driven drama. Celebrating three decades of discovering cinematic talent, the HBO Short Film Award remains a vital pipeline for emerging filmmakers.

Winners will be announced during the “Best of ABFF Awards” on Saturday, May 30. The ceremony will culminate with the presentation of the HBO Short Film Award.

Past finalists and winners of ABFF’s prestigious HBO Short Film Award has helped launch the careers of some of the most successful filmmakers, such as:

Ryan Coogler (2011 HBO Short Film Award Winner - Fig),

Reinaldo Marcus Green (2013 HBO Short Film Award Finalist - Stone Cars),

Rashaad Ernesto Green (2008 HBO Short Film Award Winner - Premature),

Frank E. Flowers (2003 HBO Short Film Award Winner - Swallow),

Steven Caple, Jr. (2013 HBO Short Film Award Winner - A Different Tree)

“As we mark 30 years of the American Black Film Festival, we’re honored to continue our longstanding partnership with HBO in presenting the HBO Short Film Award Showcase,” said NICE CROWD Founder and CEO, Jeff Friday. “This program has been instrumental in launching the careers of groundbreaking filmmakers, and this year’s finalists carry that legacy forward with bold, compelling work. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the continued impact of this collaboration.”

“ABFF’s 30th anniversary and our 29 year partnership highlight the power of investing in emerging storytellers,” says Dennis Williams, SVP, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery. ”Storytellers like Steven Caple Jr., Reinaldo Marcus Green, and Christine Swanson, all past winners of this award, went on to remarkable careers. Most notably, HBO Short Film Award alum Ryan Coogler now holds record setting Oscar nominations for a film created within our studio family. These journeys reflect the meaningful runway this award is intended to provide for bold new voices. Together, ABFF, WBD, and HBO continue to build a pipeline that opens doors, elevates talent, and expands the possibilities of storytelling.”

The full feature and documentary lineup as well as the HBO Short Film Award Showcase for the 2026 American Black Film Festival is listed below and at https://www.abff.com/miami/press-room/press-releases/.

HBO Short Film Award Showcase Finalists

Title: Spilled Milk

Logline: What really happened to all those deadbeat dads who went to the store to get milk? A father’s innocent errand leads him to an encounter with an enigmatic figure called ‘The Milk Man,’ where things quickly go sour.

United States | 13mDirector: Jared Leaf
Writer: Jared Leaf
Producers: Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Jamal M. Watson, Kesila Childers, Kacie Lehner, Dana Gills
Cast: J. Alphonse Nicholson, Jerry O’Connell, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Brandon Perea, Rodney Van Johnson, Bashir Taylor

Title: Facade
Logline: A brilliant yet closed-off architect must learn to open up after confronting her past and the plot of land where her childhood home once stood.

United States | 13m
Director: Modupe Thompson
Writer: Modupe Thompson
Producers: Kristen Vaganos, Claire Gostin, Modupe Thompson
Cast: Arsema Thomas, Matthew Elam, Grace Amaku, Camryn Kim

Title: The Truth About Space
Logline: A young man is released from prison and has to face up to the lie that his estranged daughter has been led to believe – that he was in space.

United Kingdom | 14m
Director: Jeremiah Towolawi
Writer: Jeremiah Towolawi
Producers: Emily Radakovic
Cast: Jordan Kouamé, Olivia-Rose Colliard, Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn

Title: We Had Fun
Logline: On Christmas Eve in Bordeaux, two young children left unsupervised by their older brother discover snow for the first time, a wonder that quickly turns into danger.
France | 19m
Director: Linda Lô
Writer: Linda Lô
Producers: Didar Domehri
Cast: Bybianna Vimpi, Demba Diaw, Alseni Bathily

Title: FLY
Logline: When a ballet company holds auditions for a competitive apprenticeship, a perfection-driven dancer has their world upended by a rival who rekindles their love for the craft.
United States | 14m

Writer: Carlton Daniel Jr.

Producers: Carlton Daniel Jr.

Cast: Jeremy Villas, Maxfield Haynes

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 (Official), CBS, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, AARP, L'Oréal Groupe, STARZ, ESPN (Supporting), Motion Picture Association, Uber (Contributing), Nielsen, Fulton Films GA (Associate), Variety, LA Times, Getty Images (Media).

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About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

About NICE CROWD

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

Download Film Key Art & Images HERE

Media Contacts:

abff@ledecompany.com

AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 30TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMMING LINEUP, REGINA KING, CHLOE BAILEY, COCO JONES AND TAYE DIGGS AMONG PARTICIPANTS; SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS INCLUDE “THE BRITTNEY GRINER STORY” AND “MEETING THE MOMENT” STARRING OLYMPIAN NOAH LYLES

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 16, 2026) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its 2026 programming lineup featuring conversations and panels with industry leading directors, producers, and talent, including Chloe Baily, Coco Jones, Taye Diggs, and Iyanla Vanzant, among others. The lineup features a dynamic slate of conversations, panels and Spotlight screenings, including “The Brittney Griner Story” from ESPN and “Meeting the Moment,” featuring Olympian Noah Lyles, produced by T Brand Studios and L’Oréal Groupe. Festival ambassador and Oscar®, Golden Globe®, and Emmy® Award-winning actress, director, and producer Regina King will participate in a special Legacy Talk honoring her career and marking her return to the festival. The 30th anniversary of ABFF will take place in Miami Beach May 27-31 under the theme “Homecoming.”

“Reaching our 30th anniversary is a profound milestone, not just for the festival, but for the entire creative community we’ve championed over the last three decades,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. "Our 'Homecoming' theme this year is a celebration of that journey—welcoming back legends like our ambassador Regina King while introducing a new generation of powerhouses like Chloe Bailey and Noah Lyles. This lineup reflects ABFF's unwavering commitment to being a premier stage for bold storytelling and the industry leaders shaping its future.”

Screening highlights also include “Basement People,” directed by Christine Swanson, followed by a Q&A, courtesy of The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF, and the previously announced Opening Night premiere of Peacock’s Strung. The film, directed by Malcolm D. Lee, starring Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop and Coco Jones, will also hold the “Peacock’s Strung: From Script to Screen” panel the following day, presented by Comcast NBCU.

Panels and conversations include “Celebration of Black Television Panel” presented by Netflix, “Storytellers Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouses Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals,” presented by Amazon MGM Studios, “The Final Game: Inside the Legacy of All American” presented by WBD, “Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Look at Season Five of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan,’” presented by STARZ, “Vertical Money: A Distributor’s Truth About the Microdrama Game” presented by Hartbeat | Blktopia, and “Iyanla Vanzant: Behind The Inside Fix. Moderated by CNN’s Abby Phillip,” presented by OWN.

In addition, Zainab Johnson and Tisha Campbell will perform as part of the Hey Ladies Comedy Experience. The Opening Night Party will return, along with the festival’s signature Legendary White Party.

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

All live events will take place across key venues in Miami Beach, including the New World Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, and O Cinema.

The full 2026 ABFF programming schedule to date appears below. For additional details, visit www.ABFF.com.

SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS

Opening Night Film - Strung, courtesy of Peacock

Sponsored by Comcast NBCU

Wednesday, May 27, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

From director Malcolm D. Lee, a talented violinist takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family. As she becomes entangled in their opulent world, unsettling secrets begin to surface, forcing her to question her safety, her dreams, and even her sanity.

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, Starring Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop and Coco Jones"
“The Brittney Griner Story”

Sponsored by ESPN

Friday, May 29, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1

A towering figure and presence both on and off the court, few have risen as far and fast in the game of basketball as Brittney Griner. But as she reached new heights, a minor mistake at home threw her into a cruel imprisonment abroad – turning her from a globally respected player to the geopolitical pawn of an adversarial nation. “The Brittney Griner Story” follows a tumultuous path to sports stardom that culminates in the incarceration at the hands of a repressive dictatorship, the fortitude and perseverance of her family and friends to force her release, and following that release, her renewed lease on life and new perspective on the freedom her home country provides. Talkback to follow with director, Alexandria Stapleton.

Directed by: Alexandria Stapleton

Panelists: Alexandria Stapleton

Moderated by: TBC

*An ABFF Sports Program

Basement People and Q&A, courtesy of The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF

Sponsored by The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF

Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am - 11:45 am

O Cinema

Synopsis: Seven-year-old Tina is left in the care of her extended family after a traumatic event exposes the fault lines of a volatile household. Sensitive and emotionally fragile, she navigates a home ruled by control, neglect, and barely contained rage. As tensions escalate into violence, Tina retreats into the basement, seeking refuge from the chaos above.

There, she finds an unlikely sanctuary with her reclusive uncle Keith, a man the family has long dismissed as unstable and unfit for the world upstairs. In the quiet isolation of the basement, Tina experiences something she has been denied throughout the house: safety without judgment. As the family struggles to restore order aboveground, Tina must decide where she truly belongs.

Basement People is an intimate portrait of childhood sensitivity, inherited trauma, and the unexpected places where protection and belonging can be found.

Credits: Directed by Christine Swanson

*Free Community Event

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

Sponsored by STARZ

Saturday, May 30, 4:30 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.

Panelists: Pending

Meeting the Moment: A Documentary from L’Oréal Groupe and T Brand

Sponsored by L’Oréal Groupe

Saturday, May 30; 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm

New World Center - Truist Hall

What’s the secret behind the Olympian Noah Lyles’s record-breaking sprints? How do star lucha libre wrestlers Persephone and La Catalina prepare their game face ahead of a match? And how does the FC Barcelona soccer player Jules Koundé achieve greatness through routine?

“Meeting the Moment” is a documentary narrated by the basketball legend Sue Bird that follows four athletes as they prepare for a major sports competition, revealing how physical training, mental fortitude and self-care rituals make up their winning formula.

*An ABFF Sports Program

PANELS & CONVERSATIONS

Peacock’s Strung: From Script to Screen

Sponsored by Comcast NBCU

Thursday, May 28, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

Join the filmmakers and cast of Strung for a conversation about the making of the film and the story at its center: a talented musician whose opportunity pulls her into an unfamiliar and exclusive world. From shaping complex, layered roles to creating a world that feels both opulent and unsettling, the panel will unpack the storytelling choices that bring this gripping narrative to life.

Panelists: Malcolm D. Lee (Director/Producer), Dominique Telson (Producer), Chloe Bailey (“Laila Calloway“), Lynn Whitfield (“Audra Jelani“), Lucien Laviscount (“Marcus Walker“), and Coco Jones (“Jasmine”)

Moderated by: TBC

NBCU LAUNCH Talks: Crafting A TV Writing Career

Sponsored by Comcast NBCU

Thursday, May 28, 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

New World Center - Truist Hall

Join NBCU LAUNCH for a conversation with prolific producers and program alumni Felicia Pride (Bel-Air, A Different World) and Niceole Levy (Found, The Recruit), as they discuss pivotal moments that have shaped their writing careers, the elements of producing a successful show, and tips on navigating the current entertainment landscape.

Panelists: Felicia Pride, Niceole Levy

Moderated by: Jeanne Mau, EVP, TV Programming Inclusion (NBCUniversal LAUNCH)

A Conversation with Regina King

Sponsored by American Airlines

Thursday, May 28, 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

As part of ABFF’s 30th Anniversary celebration, American Airlines presents a special Legacy Talk honoring the career of Regina King, marking her return to the festival. This intimate conversation traces her journey across film and television—from breakout roles to her Academy Award-winning work and evolution as a director and cultural force.

Accompanied by a curated selection of clips, the discussion explores longevity in Hollywood, creative risk-taking, and the responsibility of legacy. Both celebratory and reflective, the session positions Regina King as a blueprint for artistic excellence and lasting impact.

HIGH TEA, BEYOND THE GATES — An Immersive Panel Experience

Sponsored by CBS

Thursday, May 28, 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm

New World Center - Truist Hall

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!

Panelists: Pending

Crunchyroll Presents: Black Fandom and Anime

Sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment

Friday, May 29, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

New World Center - Truist Hall

Anime and Black culture have had a special relationship since the medium first hit American shores. Everything from hip hop to fashion to Black film and television can see some influences from the likes of Dragon Ball, Naruto, and recent viral sensation Gachiakuta. Moderated by LeAlec Murray, award-winning co-host of The Anime Effect: A Crunchyroll Podcast, and joined by beloved voice actors Zeno Robinson and Kenneisha Thompson, this panel will explore the evolution of Black anime fandom, how Black creatives have used anime to draw inspiration for their art, and how anime has shaped pop culture in Black America

Panelists: Zeno Robinson, Kenneisha Williams

Moderated by: LeAlec Murray

DC as a Creative Capital — Pathways to Production and Power

Sponsored by Motion Picture Association

Friday, May 29, 10:30 am - 11:45 am

Miami Beach Convention Center - Screening Room #1

Washington, DC is more than the nation’s capital; it sits at the heart of the largest concentration of Black wealth in the country — the DMV region (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia). That economic power, combined with cultural influence and institutional infrastructure, uniquely positions the region as the next creative culture capital.

This session will examine how regional markets leverage policy, tax incentives, workforce development, and public-private collaboration to build sustainable creative economies that expand access and opportunity for Black storytellers. Rather than focusing solely on inspiration, the discussion centers on implementation: how cities compete for production, how workforce pipelines are intentionally built, and how industry leaders identify and invest in emerging creative hubs.

Panelists: LaToya Foster (Director, DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME)), Priscilla Clarke (President and CEO, Clarke PR Global, LLC), Cameron Lawson (Founder, Allegory Productions and “The Opening Scene” Podcast), Richie Skye (Digital Brand Influencer – Bravo TV, OWN, Warner Bros. Discovery, YouTube and more)

Moderated by: John Gibson (Vice President, Public Affairs and Industry Relations, Motion Picture Association)

Vertical Money: A Distributor’s Truth About the Microdrama Game

Sponsored by Hartbeat | Blktopia

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

New World Center - Truist Hall

Microdramas are the fastest-growing format in mobile entertainment, with platforms expanding rapidly and Hollywood taking notice, but the business behind vertical storytelling remains unclear to many creators. In this fireside chat, Debose and Peters offer a candid, distribution-side perspective on platform economics, content ownership, and audience monetization, breaking down who truly benefits in this evolving space. This conversation moves beyond hype to provide practical insight into what separates creators who build sustainable careers from those who don’t.

Panelists: Laveena Peters (Founder, Ceeit), James Debose (Head of Platforms, Hartbeat) (moderator)

Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television Panel

Sponsored by Netflix

Friday, May 29, 2:15 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.

Panelists: Pending

BOB Talks

Sponsored by Walmart

Friday, May 29, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

New World Center - Truist Hall

BOB Talks, short for Black Owned Brands, is a signature live conversation series spotlighting innovative founders and dynamic brands at the intersection of entrepreneurship, culture, and storytelling. It brings together influential voices, creatives, and a highly engaged audience for candid conversations on the realities of building a business- from navigating challenges to achieving success. The series offers practical insights and inspiration for the next wave of entrepreneurs. This structured panel will feature Rod Johnson, Chief Values Officer of Blk & Bold, and Arsha Jones, CEO and founder of Capital City Mambo Sauce. Moderated by NICE CROWD President and Co-founder, Nicole Friday.

Panelists: Rod Johnson, Co-Founder & Chief Values Officer, BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages; Arsha Jones, Co-Founder & CEO, Capital City; Desiree Rogers, CEO, BLK/OPL

Moderated by: Nicole Friday, Co-Founder & President, NICE CROWD

Living Fully, Leading Forward: Taye Diggs on Longevity, Resilience, and Purpose

Sponsored by AARP

Friday, May 29, 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

Join us for an intimate fireside chat with acclaimed actor Taye Diggs as he reflects on career longevity, financial planning, and building lasting success in the entertainment industry. From his breakout film debut in How Stella Got Her Groove Back opposite Angela Bassett to navigating decades in Hollywood, Diggs shares firsthand insights on managing career transitions, finances, and personal health. This candid conversation explores what it takes to stay relevant, financially secure, and thrive over the long term—offering valuable, cross generational lessons for creatives and professionals alike.

Featuring: Taye Diggs

Moderated by: TBC

Storytellers Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouses Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals

Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios

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

New World Center - Truist Hall

Join us for an engaging conversation with accomplished showrunners and producers who bring Amazon MGM Studios Original titles 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. Panelists will share specific examples from their work on Amazon MGM Studios Originals, discussing triumphs, lessons learned, and what's to come for Prime Video customers.

In the Director’s Chair: The Making of GOAT with Tyree Dillihay

Sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment

Saturday, May 30, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

New World Center - Truist Hall

In this inspiring conversation, director Tyree Dillihay reflects on his 7.5 year journey to bring his directorial debut, GOAT, to life at Sony Pictures Animation. Produced by four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Rodney Rothman, Adam Rosenberg, and Erick Peyton, the animated film features a standout voice cast including Caleb McLaughlin and Gabrielle Union and represents a bold step forward in animated storytelling. Dillihay will explore the creative decision-making, cultural perspective, and collaborative leadership required to bring the project to life – from guiding story and shaping performances to aligning hundreds of artists and technicians behind one cohesive vision. Attendees will gain practical insight into the animation production process and leave inspired to chart their own path in the entertainment industry.

Panelist: Tyree Dillihay

Moderated by: Jon Gist, Vice President, Global Intersectional Marketing, Sony Pictures Entertainment

AI x XR Storytelling Showcase

Saturday, May 30; 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

Miami Beach Convention Center Screening Room 1

The AI x XR Storytelling Showcase at the American Black Film Festival features a curated selection of AI-driven films that explore how emerging tools are transforming the filmmaking process and expanding creative possibilities. Presented in partnership with GRX Immersive Labs and moderated by Alton Glass and King Willonius, the session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the workflows, tools, and techniques shaping this new era of storytelling. It also examines how these innovations are extending beyond film into immersive and interactive experiences.

Panelists: Alton Glass (moderator), Willonius Hatcher

The Final Game: Inside the Legacy of All American

Sponsored by Warner Bros. Television

Saturday, May 30, 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

Warner Bros. Television presents The Final Game: Inside the Legacy of All American. Join executive producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll and stars Michael Evans Behling, Greta Onieogou, Bre-Z, and Kareem Grimes as they huddle up for a special conversation to revisit the biggest moments that defined the series - while looking ahead to the powerful final season.

Panelists: Nkechi Okoro Carroll (Executive Producer), Michael Evans Behling, Greta Onieogou, Bre-Z, Kareem Grimes

Iyanla Vanzant: Behind The Inside Fix. Moderated by CNN’s Abby Phillip

Sponsored by OWN

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

New World Center - Truist Hall

A soul-stirring fireside chat featuring Iyanla Vanzant, moderated by CNN's Abby Phillip, exploring the cultural and intergenerational impact of Vanzant’s work and the power of storytelling to inspire personal and collective healing.

Panelists: Iyanla Vanzant, Abby Phillip (moderator)

ENTERTAINMENT & NETWORKING

Best of the ABFF Awards

Saturday, May 30; 10:00 am - 11:30 am

New World Center - Performance Hall

Hosted by Dondre Whitfield

Opening Night Party
Sponsored by American Airlines
Wednesday, May 27; 10:00 pm
The Bass Museum

Hey Ladies Comedy Experience

Friday, May 29; 9:30 pm

New World Center - Performance Hall

A night of bold, unapologetic stand-up, headlined by Zainab Johnson and featuring Tisha Campbell.

The Legendary White Party Legacy Edition

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

M2 Nightclub
Hosted by Terrence J

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Screening Under the Stars, Brown Sugar

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

New World Center Wall

Join us for an evening screening of the beloved 2002 hip-hop–inspired classic starring Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs. Bring a blanket and enjoy.

Miami Beach Black Cultural Heritage Tour

Saturday, May 30; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

We’re going behind the scenes for exclusive access to historic landmarks, standing on the same ground where Ali trained to be "The Greatest", and honoring the legendary sirens and soul stars who commanded this city with their presence. The journey ends with a social at a Black-owned spot to break bread and connect with the folks keeping the culture alive today.

Booking Link

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), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Eli Lilly and Company (Official), Netflix, CBS, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, AARP, L'Oréal Groupe, STARZ, ESPN (Supporting), Motion Picture Association, Uber (Contributing), Nielsen, Fulton Films GA (Associate), Variety, LA Times, Getty Images (Media).

To receive ABFF notifications by email, sign up HERE!

About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

About NICE CROWD

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

ABFF 2026 Announces 30th Anniversary Slate Featuring Jamie Foxx, Coco Jones & More

THE 2026 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (ABFF) UNVEILS 30th ANNIVERSARY SLATE

JAMIE FOXX, COURTNEY B. VANCE, JESSE WILLIAMS, COCO JONES, MARSAI MARTIN, LORETTA DEVINE TO PREMIERE FILMS

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 8, 2026) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its lineup of competitive film section features that will premiere at its 30th annual edition. This year’s milestone anniversary of ABFF with the celebratory theme “Homecoming,” returns to Miami Beach from May 27-31, 2026, honoring three decades of discovery and creative excellence.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry, showcasing bold storytelling and amplifying new creative voices on a global stage. The 2026 festival will host 16 World Premieres across Narrative Features, Documentary Features, and Series sections, with films representing more than 10 countries, including the U.S., France, Brazil, Italy, Cameroon, Canada, the U.K., and Nigeria. Audiences can look forward to a powerful selection of narrative and documentary features, with stories exploring immigration and deportation, global identity, political history and dictatorship, sports, music, and cultural legacy, and more.

Winners of the films in competition will be announced during the “Best of ABFF Awards” on Saturday, May 30.

“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the American Black Film Festival, this year’s slate reflects the spirit of homecoming—honoring the stories and creative vision that have shaped our legacy while welcoming a new generation of filmmakers,” said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. “This milestone year brings together a compelling range of films from around the world. We’re proud to provide a platform where both emerging and established storytellers can connect with audiences, showcase their work, and help shape the future of cinema.”

U.S. NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION

A juried section of feature-length films directed by, or written and produced by, persons of African descent. Selected films are eligible for Jury Awards, including the Grand Jury Prize for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, as well as honors for Directing, Screenwriting, and Performance.

The films selected for this section are:

Grand Jury Prize – U.S. Narrative Feature

Funny Feelings / U.S.A. (Director: Rhonda Baraka, Screenwriter: Je’Don Holloway-Talley, Producers: Roderick McClure, Joshua Ferrell, Morgan McClure) — A decade after building a comedy empire on their electric “are-they-or-aren’t-they” chemistry, two performers are forced to confront their unresolved feelings when a career-defining special unravels their act—and their truth—on a viral stage. Cast: Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell, Tristan “Mack” Wilds, Terri J. Vaughn. World Premiere.

Otra / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Armani Ortiz, Producers: Asante White, Deance Wyatt, Daniel Etzioni, Chike Ubu, Maurice Harkless) — After a failed marriage proposal leaves him questioning love, Javier strikes a deal with his Guardian Angel to win back the woman of his dreams before his untimely death claims him for good — in this new-age, one-shot Latino musical. Cast: Rome Flynn, María Gabriela De Faría, Dania Ramírez, Aria Celeste Castillo, Armani Ortiz. World Premiere.

Southside Kev / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Jamel Furlow, Producers: Samuel C. Morrison, James Furlow, Charlene Coleman, KK Rosemond, Shatek King) — A misguided teenager in South Jamaica, Queens, struggles to earn respect in the streets without losing the innocence that still defines him. Cast: Nathan Lewis, Alpachino Howard, Naomi Taylor, Brandon Chastang. World Premiere.

The Fridge / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Solvan Slick Naim, Screenwriter: Lane Williamson, Producers: Datari Turner, Marsai Martin, Jamie Foxx) — A tough, queer teenager leaves Brooklyn for the first time to spend the summer with her estranged, struggling composer father in Los Angeles. The two are forced to reconnect over a used refrigerator that nearly upends their father-daughter relationship in the process. Cast: Marsai Martin, Courtney B. Vance. World Premiere.

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) — A triptych of Black stories that correlate with the colors of the Pan-African flag: RED (Liberation), A collegiate football star scrambles to save his career after a devastating injury fractures his sense of self-worth; BLACK (Unity), a Ghanaian single mother loses her job and faces deportation as an unlikely group of heroes rally around her; GREEN (Prosperity), the lead of a struggling Black sitcom questions the cost of success as the network forces the show into racist caricature to boost ratings. Cast: Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin, Peyton Alex Smith, Sibongile Mlambo, Stephen Bishop, Kimrie Lewis.

U.S. NARRATIVE FEATURE SHOWCASE

A curated section of independent feature-length films highlighting new voices and distinctive storytelling from creators of African descent. The films selected for this section are:

Montmartre / U.S.A., France (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Leon Hendrix III, Producers: Ito Aghayere, Maurice D. Hendrix, Jill Officer) — Disillusioned with her disconnected life, Jo visits the storied French district of Montmartre, where she falls for Toussaint, an eloquent tour guide, and their romance entwines Black history, art and love, reconnecting Jo to her long-lost passion for life. Cast: Jesse Williams, Ito Aghayere, Melanie Nicholls-King, Deborah Lukumuena, Firmine Richard.

Voices: The Musical / U.S.A. (Director: Deantè Gray, Screenwriters: Sam Buckner III, Charlie T. Savage, Producers: Sam Buckner III, Ski-ter Jones, Charlie T. Savage, Brandon Lee Ward, Aya Washington) — When a rising soul duo overdose just hours before their big break, a desperate bellhop and his closest friends seize the chance of a lifetime, only to discover that the price of fame is blood. Cast: Francis C. Edemobi, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raèl Ba, Pedro Louis, Joe Maye. World Premiere.

Hoop Street / U.S.A. (Director: Princeton James, Screenwriter: Teresa Dickerson, Producers: Meleisha Edwards, Teresa Dickerson, Jordan Danelz, Mark Williams) — Barred from his high school basketball team due to his temper, a hot-head, street-baller battles demons from his past and present to earn a spot on a summer league team and his last shot at a college basketball scholarship. Cast: Benjamin Holmes, Jeremiah Roberts, Kenneth Farmer. U.S. Premiere.

A Story About You / U.S.A. (Director: Joseph E. Austin II, Screenwriter: Denise Yolén, Producers: Denise Yolén, Joseph E. Austin II, Jeremy Harris) — A man is forced to come to terms with his past as he navigates his week with various love interests. Cast: Shannon Wallace, Pernell Walker, Denise Yolén, Shiree Nicholas Christopher, Adwoa Duncan-Williams, Monique Lindsey.

Sr. / U.S.A. (Director: Toroes Thomas Jr., Screenwriters: Toroes Thomas Jr., Blayre Pichon, Producers: Blayre Pichon, Sean Banks) — After a struggling father takes his two kids on the run from social services, he tries to shield them from their harsh reality with a promise of the beach, but as his son Junior patiently waits for him to keep that promise, he’s forced to grow up early and challenge his father’s demons to get his family to their happy place. Cast: Micaiah Jones, Donnell Jones, Jade Telesford, Melan Perez.

93 ‘til / U.S.A. (Director and Screenwriter: Alterik Miller, Producers: Alterik Miller, Richard Lee Noel, Petey McGee, Alicia Turner, LaRoyce Hawkins, Sophia Lucia Parola) — Two struggling Philadelphia artists meet at a job fair and spend one perfect day falling in love—no phones, no filters, just presence—before a toxic ex and a violent robbery tear them apart, forcing them to search the city to find each other again and choose love despite uncertainty. Cast: Petey McGee, Sophia Lucia Parola, LaRoyce Hawkins, Keith Arthur Bolden, Kris D. Lofton, Taryn Delanie Smith, Jason C. Louder. World Premiere.

Waking Up Horny / U.S.A. (Director and Screenwriter: Michael Arcell, Producers: Barry Brewer, Wendy Wang, Annalea Fiachi) — When a successful but emotionally guarded psychologist spirals through a chaotic string of sexual misadventures, she must confront the battle between desire, self-worth, and the version of love she keeps avoiding. Cast: Brandi Denise, Angell Conwell, Brandon Joseph. World Premiere.

Homage / U.S.A. (Director and Producer: Miles Mussenden, Screenwriter and Producer: Dianne Diaz, Producers: Samantha Van Sickle, Kristen Nothstein) — A reformed street figure risks everything when he tries to help an old friend fresh out of prison, only to discover that some debts don’t disappear; they come back to collect. Cast: Miles Mussenden, Majah Hype, Nadirah Shakir-Ramseur, Kameron Washington, Noah Jay Wood. World Premiere.

THAT’S HER / U.S.A. (Director: Nina Lee, Screenwriters: Dewayne Colley, Tiffany Yancey, Nina Lee, Producers: Stephen “Dr.” Love, Dewayne Colley) — When a corporate-climbing playboy falls in love with a girl-next-door office temp and with a high-powered executive, he must choose between love and leveling up. Cast: Kountry Wayne, Coco Jones, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Loretta Devine, Charity Jordan, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Tabitha Brown. World Premiere.

Bust! / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Richie Kamtchoum, Producers: Greg Oden, Sherwyn Santos, Danny April, Cindy Kamtchoum, Monique Henry) — A former professional basketball player attempts a comeback through a fledgling sportswear company. Cast: Richie Kamtchoum, Casey Lawrence, Liam Harrington, Brittany Erica, DeJeanette Horne, Karen Smith, Richard Garifo, Bernard Clark.

ATHENA A.I. / U.S.A. (Director and Producer: Corey Grant, Screenwriters: Lanett Tachel, Brian Kelsey, Craig Motlong, Producers: Lanett Tachel, Phaedra Harris, Chris Beal, Carol Shine, Brian Pratt) — In 2035, in a seemingly perfected America, an exclusive dinner party turns deadly when its co-host, an unreleased A.I. named ATHENA, hijacks the night and forces guests into a series of games they must survive rather than play. Cast: Lanett Tachel, Redaric Williams, Marissa Shankar, Andrew J. Katers, Anjianna Grasso, Marvin Ryan, Stephen P. Nemphos. World Premiere.

INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION

A juried section of feature-length films from international filmmakers, highlighting bold storytelling and diverse global perspectives. Selected works are eligible for the Grand Jury Prize for Best International Narrative Feature. The films selected for this section are:

Garden of Silences / Brazil, Italy (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Henrique Dantas, Producers: Eliane Ferreira, Alessandro Borrelli) — After years in Italy, Tuã, a Black oncologist, returns to Brazil to confront his family's past marked by the dictatorship, navigating loss, silence, and memory in a journey of reconciliation and belonging. Cast: Fabrício Boliveira, Helena Ignez, Luiz Pepeu, Federica De Benedittis. World Premiere.

Lights Out / Cameroon (Director: Enah Johnscott, Screenwriter: Nfua Buh Melvin, Producers: Carista Asonganyi, Nfua Buh Melvin) — Every memory is a clue or a curse. Cast: Wale Ojo, Shaffy Bello, Ngongang Elizabeth Wandji, Syndy Emade, Libota MacDonald. U.S. Premiere.

Seahorse / Canada (Director and Screenwriter: Aisha Evelyna, Producer: Natalie Remplakowski) — A sous chef’s pursuit of stability is tested by the return of her estranged father, now living on the streets of Toronto. Cast: Aisha Evelyna, Joseph Marcell, Ruth Goodwin, Brett Donahue, Alden Adair.

Small Gods / U.K. (Director: Asher Rosen, Screenwriters: Asher Rosen, Luke Reilly, Cimpaye Florence Mariserena, Bizimana Hussain, Producers: Andreas Raold, Jack Pollington, Shema Faustin) — A landless single mother meets a charismatic street performer, discovering newfound hope for the future of her young son. Cast: Cimpaye Florence Mariserena, Bizimana Hussain, Turinayo Jotham. U.S. Premiere.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION (U.S. & INTERNATIONAL)
A juried section of feature-length documentaries showcasing powerful nonfiction storytelling centered on the global Black experience, encompassing real-world stories, cultural history, and contemporary issues. Selected works are eligible for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature. The films selected for this section are:

Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story / U.S.A., U.K. (Director: Yemi Bamiro, Producers: Joanna Boateng, Lizzie Gillett, Ian Bonhôte, Andrew Calof) — The story of Kwame Brathwaite, the virtually unknown Harlem photographer and activist who helped popularize the iconic "Black is Beautiful" movement across a 60-year, 500,000-photo career devoted to celebrating African American joy and beauty.. Cast: Kwame Brathwaite, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz.

The Foolishness of God: A Forgiveness Journey with Desmond Tutu / U.S.A. (Director and Producer: Karen Hayes, Producer: Rana Kazkaz) — An African American activist travels across continents with Desmond Tutu to confront the limits of justice and discovers that the path to political and personal change begins with an unexpected plea: forgive. Cast: Desmond Tutu. World Premiere.

Cycles of Resilience: A Journey Through Austin's Black History / U.S.A. (Director: Ya’Ke Smith, Producers: Lauren Vunderink, Talib Abdullahi) — On Black History Bike Ride's 6th annual Juneteenth Ride, led by Talib Abdullahi, hundreds of cyclists bike together to learn under-told stories of Black history in Austin, Texas. Cast: Talib Abdullahi. World Premiere.

ALTADENA – Rising From The Ashes / U.S.A. (Director and Producer: Ethan Lader, Producers: Zaire Calvin, Samantha Stokes) — After the Eaton Fire reduces Altadena, CA, a historically Black town and California’s first Black middle-class community, to ash, three childhood friends confront loss, legacy, and lead their community’s fight to rebuild. Cast: Zaire Calvin, Ben Crump, Darren Lloyd, Elic Mahone. World Premiere.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE SHOWCASE
A curated section of feature-length documentaries showcasing bold, distinctive nonfiction storytelling from both new and established filmmakers of African descent. The films selected for this section are:

Beyond / U.S.A. (Directors and Producers: Asia Johnson, Michael Kleiman) — At Sing Sing prison, a group of incarcerated men organize and prepare for a TED-style event, featuring personal narratives and ideas for changing the prison system. Cast: Robert Clegg, Paul Cortez, Paul Davidson.

TRESPASS / U.S.A. (Director and Producer: Kim Watson, Producers: Salim Akil, Natalie Hill, Tasha Smith) — Blending his poetic narration with arresting cinematography and street photography, Kim Watson’s documentary TRESPASS captures five years inside Los Angeles’ unhoused communities—revealing the resilience, dignity, and humanity of those forced to the margins of the American Dream.

BEYOND THE RIM - THE HEART OF D'TIGRESS / Nigeria, U.S.A. (Director: Adesua Okosun, Producers: Deniese Davis, Vinay Vaswani, Enyi Omeruah) — Against impossible odds, D'Tigress transforms from underdogs to unstoppable, becoming the first African team to reach an Olympic quarterfinal. Cast: Rena Wakama. World Premiere.

SERIES COMPETITION
A juried section of episodic storytelling from emerging and established creators working across television and digital platforms, highlighting bold, distinctive voices. Selected works are eligible for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Episodic Series. The series selected for this section are:

Law’s World: Lipstick Bandit / U.S.A. (Creator, Writer, and Director: Law Artis, Producers: Danae Grandison, Law Artis) — A sassy pansexual sex blogger prepares for a high-profile house tour, but his plans are derailed by his narcissistic bestie, determined to retrieve something she claims is irreplaceable. Cast: Law Scott, Nikki.

Love Song / U.S.A. (Creator, Writer, and Director: Nofisat “Love Nafi” Almaroof, Producers: Mohamed Williams, Okema T. Moore, Agnes Erskine, Nadia Sasso) — A married music producer’s morning commute takes a turn when he runs into a former flame, forcing him to choose between family, creative passion, and a love he left behind. Cast: Mohamed Williams, Okema T. Moore, Simone Posey, Adrian Arthur, Montana Monroe Jenkins, Ava Barnett, Taylen Washington. World Premiere.

The Comic Shop / U.S.A. (Creator and Writer: Cheyenne Ewulu, Director: Jalen Blot, Producers: Simone Kirlew, Victor Lord, Cheyenne Ewulu) — Under the regular threat of eviction and the looming competition of a big box store, a quirky group of friends strive to keep their comic store afloat by any ridiculous means necessary. Cast: Cheyenne Ewulu, Zeno Robinson, Grayson Niles, Shanae Cole, Hayley Law.

Ti Blan / U.S.A. (Creator and Writer: Noah Petion Laforest, Director: Dwight Ellis Jr., Producers: Sydney Crawford, Noah Petion Laforest) — After being sent to live with his estranged grandmother, a troubled Haitian-American teen must navigate family expectations, unfamiliar culture, and the burden of a struggling family restaurant, while a looming debt threatens the new path he’s fighting to forge. Cast: Matthew Fabien, Marie Henry, Chantal Jean-Pierre, Pascal Michel, Portland Thomas, Wayne Vielot, Mark Logan, Clifford Michel, Corey Hibbert.

AWOL / U.S.A. (Creator, Writer, and Director: Christian Henley, Producers: Christian Henley, Josh Patterson, Joachim Gautier) — Set to the backdrop of a failing Special-Education high school, new recruit, Christian, is faced with fixing much more than the students if he wishes to be successful. Cast: Christian Henley, KaSandre L. Kirby, Maya Shimoji, Eve Danzeisen, Matthew Von Der Ahe.

Takes A Village / U.S.A. (Creator, Writer, and Director: LaDarius “Dee” Torrey, Producers: Letia Solomon, Khari Johnson, LaDarius Torrey) — Takes A Village follows 17-year-old Zeke, a top student and Division I prospect, whose path out of his Mississippi Gulf Coast town is threatened by an unexpected pregnancy, family decline, and the pull of the streets—forcing him to choose between survival and escape. Cast: Xavier Mills, Tanyell Quian, Champ Johnson.

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 (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, American Airlines (Major), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official), Netflix, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, L'Oréal Groupe, STARZ (Supporting), Motion Picture Association, Uber (Contributing), Nielsen, Fulton Films GA (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 the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a premier destination for film and television storytelling. Widely regarded as a key pipeline for emerging talent, ABFF has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and creative voices. Each year, the festival brings together artists, industry leaders, and audiences from around the world for a five-day program of screenings, panels, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. The festival’s 30th anniversary edition will take place May 27–31, 2026, in Miami Beach.

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 its philosophy, 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 harnesses that energy to deliver culturally relevant experiences while generating measurable economic impact for its partners. Through expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD creates platforms that celebrate groundbreaking artists and innovators while connecting brands, media, and audiences in meaningful ways. www.nicecrowd.com

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

MALCOLM D. LEE’S STRUNG, STARRING CHLOE BAILEY AND LYNN WHITFIELD, SET AS OPENING NIGHT PREMIERE FOR THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL’S MILESTONE 30th ANNUAL EDITION

LOS ANGELES, (March 26, 2026) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced that its 30th annual edition will Peacock and Blumhouse's thriller Strung, directed by Malcolm D. Lee. The film stars Chloe Bailey as a talented violinist whose prestigious new role as a music tutor for an enigmatic, elite family spirals into a psychological battle for her safety and sanity. Featuring an ensemble cast including Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, and Coco Jones, Strung will make its world premiere at the festival before debuting on Peacock on June 26, 2026. This year’s milestone edition of ABFF with the celebratory theme “Homecoming,” returns to Miami Beach from May 27-31, 2026, honoring three decades of discovery and creative excellence.

“As we celebrate 30 years of the American Black Film Festival, having Malcolm D. Lee return with his latest project, Strung, feels especially right for this moment,” said Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD and Producer of ABFF. “Malcolm has been part of the ABFF journey, and his return under our ‘Homecoming’ theme feels truly full circle. It’s a special way to open the festival in Miami Beach as we mark this milestone.”

Written by Alan McElroy, Strung is produced by Peachtree & Vine, Blumhouse, in association with Blackmaled Productions, with Tyler Perry, Jason Blum, Tim Palen, Malcolm D. Lee, Dominique Telson, p.g.a. as Producers; Philip Waley, Shaun S. Sutton, Alan McElroy, Giselle Johnson-Morris serve as Executive Producers.

In addition to the previously announced appointment of Oscar®, Golden Globe®, and Emmy® Award winner Regina King as this year’s Festival Ambassador, ABFF is expanding its footprint with the launch of the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to identify and amplify outstanding vertical content from creators of color.

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 (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, American Airlines (Major), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official), Netflix, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor And Convention Authority, Hartbeat, L'Oréal Groupe (Supporting), Motion Picture Association (Contributing), Nielsen, Fulton Films GA (Associate), Variety, LA Times, Getty Images (Media).

To receive ABFF notifications by email, sign up HERE!

About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier festival dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing film and television content created by and about people of African descent. Widely regarded as the industry’s leading pipeline for emerging Black storytellers, ABFF has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and creative voices. Each year, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry executives, and audiences from around the world for a five-day celebration of storytelling, culture, and career advancement through screenings, panels, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. The festival’s 30th anniversary edition will take place May 27–31, 2026, in Miami Beach.

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 its philosophy, 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 harnesses that energy to deliver culturally relevant experiences while generating measurable economic impact for its partners. Through expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD creates platforms that celebrate groundbreaking artists and innovators while connecting brands, media, and audiences in meaningful ways. www.nicecrowd.com

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

American Black Film Festival Launches Global Online Masterclass Series to Empower the Next Generation of Storytellers

LOS ANGELES, CA — [March 16, 2026] — Building on nearly three decades as the entertainment industry’s premier pipeline for Black talent, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the launch of the ABFF Masterclass Series, a new year-round online learning platform designed to give emerging creatives direct access to some of the industry’s most accomplished directors, producers, and executives.

The inaugural session of the series, programmed in association with New York Film Academy (NYFA), will take place on March 26, 2026, featuring “Crafting Standout Screenplays,” led by producer and screenwriter Carolyn McDonald. This 75-minute program will cover the basics of a 3-act feature screenplay, along with elements that offer participants tools to enhance their screenwriting skills to create signature works that stand out. For more information and to register, please click the link HERE.

The ABFF Masterclass Series launches in response to growing global demand for high-quality, accessible professional development within the entertainment industry. Designed as a quarterly online webinar program, the series will feature leading filmmakers, executives, and creative leaders sharing insights into both the craft and business of storytelling.

Hosted live via Zoom, the program will provide participants with expert-led conversations on directing, producing, film finance, screenwriting, acting, AI-driven storytelling, and emerging creative technologies. Each session combines professional instruction, real-world case studies, and interactive Q&A, creating a dynamic learning environment for the next generation of storytellers.

“For nearly 30 years, ABFF has served as a premier discovery platform for new voices in film and television,” said Nicole Friday, Co-Founder & President of NICE CROWD. “The Masterclass Series is a natural evolution of that mission. By extending our reach beyond the annual festival, we are helping bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity by bringing the industry’s playbook directly to storytellers—no matter where they are in the world.”

The 2026 Masterclass curriculum will explore the full spectrum of today’s entertainment landscape, equipping creators with practical insights into both the creative and business sides of the industry. Key topic areas will include:

- The Director’s Chair: Crafting a creative vision for film and television.
- The Business of Indie Film: Financing, packaging, and distribution strategies.
- Script to Screen: Advanced screenwriting and story development.
- The Digital Frontier: Navigating AI, XR, and emerging storytelling technologies.
- Career Navigation: Acting craft and the business of talent.

The launch of the Masterclass Series also comes as the American Black Film Festival approaches its landmark 30th anniversary, which will be celebrated May 27–31, 2026, in Miami Beach. Since its founding in 1997, ABFF has played a critical role in launching the careers of filmmakers and actors whose work has helped shape contemporary film and television.

Delivered in a virtual format, the Masterclass Series connects emerging storytellers with industry expertise while fostering a global community navigating the evolving landscape of independent and studio production.

About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

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 its philosophy, 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 harnesses that energy to deliver culturally relevant experiences while generating measurable economic impact for its partners. Through expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD creates platforms that celebrate groundbreaking artists and innovators while connecting brands, media, and audiences in meaningful ways. www.nicecrowd.com

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