PRESS RELEASES

American Black Film Festival Producers to Launch a New Comedy Event — Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival Hosted By Events DC

(February 27, 2023) – ABFF Ventures LLC today announced the launch of Because They’re Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival, a three-day event showcasing comedic talent within BIPOC communities. A spinoff of the American Black Film Festival, BTF will propel a new generation of stand-up comedians to stardom and showcase content in the comedy genre. The festival, programmed for comedy fans and industry professionals alike, will take place October 6-8, 2023, at The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC. Events DC, the premier host of conventions, sports, entertainment and cultural events in the nation’s capital, is the festival’s presenting partner.

American Black Film Festival Honors Announces 2023 Honorees

(February 13, 2023) – The 5th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors today announced the honorees of its annual awards ceremony that recognize excellence in the motion picture and television industry. The awards and recipients are: Excellence in the Arts Award (Female) – Emmy-winning SAG and Golden Globe-nominated actor, director and producer Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere, Scandal); Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) – two-time Emmy Award-winner Courtney B. Vance (People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, 61st Street); Industry Leadership Award, MACRO Founder and CEO Charles D. King; and Renaissance Award – eight-time GRAMMY nominated artist, producer and actor Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Hidden Figures). ABFF Honors 2023 Classic Cinema Award recipient is the 1997 drama Eve’s Bayou celebrating its 25th anniversary.

American Black Film Festival Honors Returns in 2023 to Celebrate Excellence in Hollywood

(December 14, 2022) – ABFF Ventures LLC today announced American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors will be held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 5, with two-time Emmy-nominated writer, actor and comedian Deon Cole returning as host. ABFF’s annual award season gala honors Black artists who have made significant contributions to the motion picture and television industry, as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

Emmy®-Winning Writer, Producer and Actor Lena Waithe to Serve as 2023 American Black Film Festival Ambassador

(November 2, 2022) – ABFF Ventures LLC today announced Emmy Award®-winning writer, creator, actor and founder of Hillman Grad Lena Waithe will serve as the ambassador for the 2023 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). As ambassador, Waithe, who has been an influential advocate for under-represented storytellers in Hollywood, will help bring awareness to ABFF’s mission of showcasing Black talent and discovering new voices and will collaborate with the festival for one-of-a-kind moments.

The American Black Film Festival Presents Business of Entertainment Conversation Series in Partnership with the City of Miami Beach

(October 3, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), in partnership with the City of Miami Beach, will present the second installment of its biannual Business of Entertainment Conversation Series on Thursday, October 13, 2022, 6 p.m., at O Cinema South Beach located at 1130 Washington Avenue.

American Black Film Festival Will Return to Miami Beach June 14-18, 2023, for Its 27th Year

(September 20, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the 27th annual event will be held in Miami Beach June 14-18, followed by a virtual segment streaming on ABFF PLAY June 19-25, 2023. Submissions for the upcoming festival are now open in three categories: narrative features, documentary features and web series.

American Black Film Festival Announces Lineup for Returning International Screening Series in London

(September 14, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) – the leading event in the U.S. showcasing Black creative talent – today revealed its lineup of premieres, features, short films, panels, master classes and networking events for ABFF Global, its international screening series. Programmed in partnership with S.O.U.L. Fest, a UK film organization, ABFF Global is the second installment of the London series taking place September 16-18, 2022, at the British Film Institute (BFI) and the Garden Cinema.

The American Black Film Festival’s International Screening Series Returns to the UK

(July 26, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), premier platform in the U.S. showcasing films and series of Black Americans, travels to the U.K. September 16-18, 2022, for its international screening series. Presented by ABFF Ventures LLC and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) in association with the British-based S.O.U.L. Fest, a film festival serving Black audiences, this second installment of the ABFF Global series will feature screenings, panel discussions and networking with London-based content creatives.

The 2022 American Black Film Festival Announces Best of the ABFF Awards

(June 27, 2022) – The 2022 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the Best of the ABFF Award winners. The spirited and inspirational presentation hosted by three-time Emmy-nominated actor and author Dondré Whitfield was an on-point wrap to the exhilarating five-day festival with producer/director/actress Issa Rae the Festival Ambassador.

Issa Rae, Chanté Adams, Yahya Abdul- Mateen II, Kenya Barris, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ben Crump, Michael Ealy, DeVon Franklin, Kasi Lemmons, Judge Greg Mathis, LisaRaye McCoy, Kyla Pratt, Trevante Rhodes, Kendrick Sampson, Robin Thede, Judge Lynn Toler, Susan Kelechi Watson, Salli Richardson Whitfield And More Topline Programming Slate For 2022 American Black Film Festival

(June 7, 2022) – The first hybrid edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 26th year, will feature a robust slate of speakers including Kenya Barris, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Trevante Rhodes, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kyla Pratt, Judge Greg Mathis, Naturi Naughton, DeVon Franklin and 2022 Festival Ambassador Issa Rae who will provide opening night welcome remarks and close out the festival with new series Rap Sh!t, as well as panels ranging from the business of Hollywood to spotlights on new films and television series.

The American Black Film Festival and The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Join to Present ABFF’s Annual Community Day Showcase

(June 6, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) today announced its Annual Community Day Showcase lineup for the 2022 ABFF. The joint annual Community Day Showcase will be held Sunday, June 19 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Historic Lyric Theater, 819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami.

American Black Film Festival Reveals 2022 Spotlight Screenings Lineup

(May 18, 2022) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its lineup of 12 spotlight screenings from its studio and network partners. The screenings include premieres and previews of feature films, documentaries and episodic series. Regarded as the preeminent showcase for quality Black content, the festival will take place live in Miami Beach June 15-19 and continues virtually June 20–30 on ABFF PLAY, https://abffplay.com/, the festival’s custom-designed online platform.

Award-Winning Actress, Director, Writer, Producer and Multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® Nominee Issa Rae to Serve As 2022 American Black Film Festival Ambassador

(May 2, 2022) – ABFF Ventures LLC today announced that multi-hyphenate star Issa Rae (Insecure) will serve as festival ambassador for the 2022 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The festival, widely recognized as a leading platform for Black content creators, returns live to Miami Beach June 15-19 followed by virtual events from June 20-30 on ABFF PLAY, https://abffplay.com/ the festival’s custom-designed online platform.

The American Black Film Festival Announces 2022 Feature, Documentary and Web Series Lineup

(April 27, 2022) – The 2022 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its lineup of narrative and documentary features, and web series. This year’s festival format returns as a hybrid with live events June 15-19 in Miami, Fl., followed by virtual panels and screenings June 20-30 on the festival’s custom-built online platform ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

The American Black Film Festival Offers Studios Year-Round Opportunity to Reach Festival Audiences with Expansion of Its Content Platform ABFF PLAY

(March 23, 2022) – ABFF Ventures LLC, producer of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), today announced that its custom-built online platform, ABFF PLAY, has broadened the company’s global footprint offering studios the opportunity to reach beyond the annual film festival to showcase content targeted to Black audiences.

Finalists Announced for the 2021 American Black Film Festival’s Annual HBO^® Short Film Competition

(September 24, 2021) – HBO announced today their selection of finalists who will compete in ABFF’s 24th annual HBO^® Short Film Competition. The 25th milestone festival will be hosted on ABFF PLAY, its custom-built online platform from November 3-28. Continuing with the festival’s tradition, the online global event will include a line-up of independent films, network and studio previews and talk events.

American Black Film Festival Announces Producer Will Packer as Its Jury President for 25th Anniversary Festival

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 30, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC., announced today that film producer Will Packer (‘Girls Trip,’ ‘Ride Along’) will serve as the Jury President for the 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). This year, the ABFF will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a new festival format – a hybrid event, with live events in Miami Beach, November 3-7, followed by a week of virtual events on abffplay.com November 8-14.

American Black Film Festival Ventures Appoints IMG to Develop and Market Cohesive Sponsorship Offering

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 17, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC. today announced an exclusive commercial partnership with IMG, a global leader in events, media, fashion and sports, that will see IMG sell sponsorship for the entertainment company’s portfolio of annual events.

American Black Film Festival to Celebrate Milestone 25th Anniversary with In-Person and Virtual Programming to Reach a Global Audience

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 10, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC., announced today that it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) with a return to Miami Beach from November 3-7, and virtually for seven days thereafter, November 8-14 on ABFF PLAY (www.abffplay.com), its streaming platform.

ABFF Launches New Comedy Festival to Showcase Up and Coming Multicultural Comedians and Comedy Writers

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 28, 2021) – ABFF Ventures LLC., announced the launch of ABFF Comedy Festival, a new event dedicated to supporting emerging Black and Brown comedians and comedy writers. Kenya Barris (“Black-ish,” “Grown-ish,” “Black AF”) will serve as the ABFF Comedy Festival event Ambassador.

American Black Film Festival and IMDb Presents New Digital Series – Hollywood Homecoming – Launching In February 2021

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 14, 2021) – American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced a new series, Hollywood Homecoming, in collaboration with IMDb, the world’s most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows, and celebrities. The new series will bring together the director and cast and pay homage to iconic films that showcase Black humanity and provide balanced portrayals of the African American experience. Hollywood Homecoming will premiere during Black History Month, with the quintessential Black romantic comedy, The Best Man.

Tune In The American Black Film Festival Presents “Remembering Chadwick Boseman Film Retrospective”

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 29, 2020) – In celebration of his inspiring career, The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) brings together Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of three iconic African American heroes–Jackie Robinson in 42 (WarnerBros.), James Brown in Get On Up (Universal Pictures), and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (Open Road Films)–for viewing in one place. “The Remembering Chadwick Boseman Film Retrospective” will be available on demand for free October 3 and 4 at www.abffplay.com.

2020 American Black Film Festival Wraps with Celebration of Winning Films and Filmmakers via ‘The Best of The ABFF Awards’

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 31, 2020) – The 24th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), which took place August 21 – 30 virtually via the newly launched ABFF PLAY platform, wrapped ten days of festivities with ‘The Best of the ABFF Awards,’ hosted by Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker with a simulcast on IMDb (www.imdb.com). Presenters included: Lee Daniels (The United States vs. Billie Holiday), Laz Alonso (The Boys), Bevy Smith (BEVELATIONS), Logan Browning (Dear White People), Sinqua Walls (American Soul), La La Anthony (Power) and Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods).

Pay-Per-View Streaming Service and Digital Movie Theater Showcasing Black and Brown Content Next Venture for American Black Film Festival Founder

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 20, 2020) – A showcase for Black and Brown content, culture and creativity, ABFF PLAY is a new pay-per-view streaming service and digital movie theater platform from American Black Film Festival (ABFF) creator/producers Jeff and Nicole Friday, under the auspices of their newly formed company Streamland USA LLC. It will launch as the platform host for the first online edition of ABFF, August 21, 2020 at abffplay.com.

Stacey Abrams, Kenya Barris, Mary J. Blige, Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, Barry Jenkins, Gabrielle Union, Lena Waithe And More Topline Programming Slate For 2020 American Black Film Festival

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 6, 2020) – The first virtual edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 24th year, will feature a robust slate of speakers including Stacey Abrams, Kenya Barris, Mary J. Blige, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Barry Jenkins, Gabrielle Union and Lena Waithe, as well as panels ranging from the business of Hollywood to spotlights on new films and television series. The festival will offer a mix of live and on demand content from August 21st to 30th at abff.com.

American Black Film Festival Announces Film Slate for 2020 Virtual Festival

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 23, 2020) – With a record number of entries, ABFF Ventures LLC., today revealed its slate of films in competition for the 24 th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) scheduled to take place online August 21-30th at abff.com. ABFF also announced that IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows and celebrities, will simulcast The Best of the ABFF Awards Ceremony on its homepage on August 30th, closing night of the Festival.

American Black Film Festival Goes Virtual

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 11, 2020) – ABFF Ventures LLC., today announced that the 24th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will take place online August 21-30, 2020 at abff.com. The ABFF Online Edition will continue the tradition of the live festival, featuring the best of independent black cinema, studio premieres, conversations and panels, business of entertainment seminars, along with virtual networking events.

American Black Film Festival Postponed due to Coronavirus

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 24, 2020) – ABFF Ventures LLC., today announced that it has postponed the 2020 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The 24th annual event scheduled to take place June 17 – 21 in Miami Beach has been rescheduled for October 21-25, 2020.

Mary J. Blige to Serve as 2020 American Black Film Festival Ambassador

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 3, 2020) – ABFF Ventures LLC., today announced iconic Grammy Award® winning and Academy Award^® nominated singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist Mary J. Blige as the ambassador for the 2020 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), which will be held in Miami Beach June 17 – 21, 2020. As ambassador, Blige will help bring media awareness to the ABFF’s mission and its 24-year legacy, as well as headline a one-on-one conversation during the Center Stage Talk series on Thursday, June 18th. The discussion will spotlight Blige’s music career, her transition into film and television and her life’s journey as one of the most successful artists of all time.

Academy Award^® Winner Jamie Foxx to Receive “Excellence In The Arts” Award at American Black Film Festival Honors

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 5, 2020) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors today announced Academy Award^® winner Jamie Foxx (“Ray,” “Just Mercy,” “Django Unchained”) as the recipient of the Excellence in the Arts Award, which honors a contemporary artist whose stellar work has received critical acclaim.

American Black Film Festival Honors to Recognize Achievements of Hollywood Trailblazers Louis Gossett, Jr., Lena Waithe

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 7, 2020) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today the recipients of two of their most prominent awards – Hollywood Legacy Award and Industry Renaissance Award – which each honor outstanding accomplishments in film and television. Academy Award^® winner Louis Gossett, Jr. (“Watchmen,” “An Officer and a Gentleman”) will be honored with the Hollywood Legacy Award for his contributions to the entertainment industry.