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.
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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/
