American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

Experience the world's premier event for Black filmmakers, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), when it returns to Miami Beach May 27-31, 2026. The ABFF is a transformative force that has elevated Black voices, nurtured emerging talent and reshaped industry narratives about Black culture. The ABFF is renowned for fostering a dynamic global community of creatives, empowering Black artists and spotlighting a diverse array of entertainment content created by and for individuals of African descent.

Whether you're a local with a front-row seat to Miami's artistic scene or a visitor seeking an unforgettable experience, the ABFF will give you a new perspective into the heart and soul of Black creativity. An event like no other, the festival brings together enthusiasts of Black culture alongside industry executives and content creators from across the globe for five days filled with screenings, engaging talk events, exclusive parties and invaluable networking opportunities.

What to Expect at ABFF

Enjoy five days celebrating all things Black cinema with film premieres, celebrity talks, industry master classes, exclusive parties, high-powered networking and more alongside more than 7,000 people, including artists, executives and film fans. From glamorous red carpets buzzing with excitement, insightful conversations and master classes on filmmaking secrets to exclusive parties, this event has something for everyone. Mix and mingle with filmmakers, directors, actors and fellow movie lovers as you foster diversity and inclusion in the film and television industry. Explore the full schedule of events.

Read on for this past year's Festival Schedule & Highlights

Gala Event

Saturday, June 14, 7:30-9 p.m.
New World Center

This exclusive passholder event at the New World Center in South Beach will feature an intimate discussion with celebrated actors Nia Long and Larenz Tate about the iconic love story “Love Jones” (1997). The cult classic celebrates Black love, culture and grooving music. Long and Tate, the stars of the film, will discuss it all while the movie’s soundtrack sets the mood.

Industry Master Classes

Learn from industry leaders in master classes designed to enhance the preparedness of aspiring actors and storytellers. All events will take place at New York Film Academy (NYFA) Miami on Lincoln Road in South Beach.

Wednesday, June 11, 3-5 p.m.

Florida-based film and TV producer Luisa Ibañez will leverage her expertise in content development and award-winning productions to instruct workshop participants about “Producing Stories for Global Audiences on a Restricted Budget.”

Thursday, June 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Miami native Patrice DeGraff Arenas has a long list of theater credits and is currently a NYFA Miami instructor. Arenas will return to ABFF to teach aspiring actors the keys to nailing a scene in, “Act it Out: Scene Exploration.”

Friday, June 13, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

TV producer, author and NYFA instructor Miguel Parga will engage the audience with an exploration of scripts, camera language and art direction in “Making Choices as a Director.”

Saturday, June 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Acclaimed film producer, NYFA Screenwriting Department Chair and 2022 ABFF Award-winner Randall Dottin will help storytellers advance their writing skills in “The Art of Emotional Writing: Engaging Audiences.”

The Legendary White Party

Saturday, June 14, 10:30 p.m.-3:00 a.m.

In celebration of Black culture and the film industry, put on your favorite white attire and attend The Legendary White Party at M2, one of South Beach’s hottest nightclubs. Expect a fun, energetic crowd and great music.

Grab Your Tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on what kind of festival experience you want and whether you secure early bird tickets or regular admission. Early bird movie passes start at $110, while the Deco Pass grants access to most events for $630 and up.

There are five admission options. Passholder options range from the all-inclusive Industry level to the discounted Deco for attendees born January 1, 1995, and later. For more-limited access, Splash and Movie options are available.

The Industry level entitles the passholder to exclusive benefits unavailable to other passholders, including priority entry to nearly all events and a coveted Founder’s gift. This level also includes the opening night pre-reception; reserved seating for the opening and closing night tributes; and full access to the online festival.

Passholders at the Deco and Deco Under 29 levels receive seating at the opening- and closing-night events and share 11 other benefits with Industry level passholders, including the opening night party, the HBO Short Film Award Showcase, the Best of the ABFF awards presentation, and admission to panels, conversations, official screenings and indie screenings.

Splash passholders get admission to the ABFF Awards, panels and conversations, and official selections and indie screenings. Movie passholders get entry to official selections and indie screenings.

The NYFA master classes are not included in any ticket package and must be purchased separately.

Arrive early for all events. Doors open 30 minutes early, with lines forming before that.

Celebrating 29 Years of ABFF

Founded in 1997, the ABFF has championed Black talent by showcasing works by and about Black people, providing a crucial platform for emerging creatives. Over the past 29 years, ABFF has grown into a cornerstone of Black storytelling, becoming what it calls "the world's largest community of Black film and TV enthusiasts.” It attracts over 7,000 live attendees each year.

Today, ABFF celebrates Black talent in front of and behind the camera by fostering careers for actors, producers, directors and comedians. By providing a platform that celebrates diverse stories, ABFF has allowed many of today's most successful Black creatives to hone their skills and gain valuable exposure, making ABFF one of the leading pipelines for Black artists. ABFF is proudly sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

More details about premieres, screenings and festival parties will be released closer to the event.

By: Tremene Triplett | April 18, 2025