The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is back for its 27th year, and it’s better than ever. From June 14-18, 2023, Miami Beach will welcome Black culture aficionados and film fans for five days of in-person film and TV screenings, filmmaker talks, exclusive parties and more. The film festivities will continue online, with additional virtual events taking place June 20-30 on ABFF Play.

What Is the American Black Film Festival?

Created in 1997 to recognize the talent of Black creatives, the annual event showcases film and TV content by and about people of African descent. Some of the most recognizable names in Hollywood have used the platform provided by the American Black Film Festival, including Kerry Washington, Ryan Coogler and Issa Rae. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a film enthusiast, the American Black Film Festival’s selection of events will be sure to keep you in the know about the entertainment industry’s remarkable Black talent.

Event details below are for the 2022 festival.

See ABFF’s lineup of features, documentaries and web series for 2022.

American Black Film Festival Selections

Opening Night Film: “CIVIL”

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

The festival launches with “CIVIL” as the opening night film. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren (“The Show,” “Becoming,” “After Maria”), “CIVIL” is an intimate Netflix documentary that chronicles the life of trailblazing civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented the families of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and many others who were victims of racism. The movie will also be released on Netflix on Juneteenth (June 19).

Spotlight Screening: “Down with the King”

Thursday, June 16, 2022

“Down with the King,” directed by Diego Ongaro, follows a disillusioned rap star named Money Merc who decides to leave his music career behind to pursue a simple life of farming. That is, until his manager Paul hurries to the countryside to try and convince him to stay in the music industry.

Spotlight Screening: “Stranger Next Door”

Friday, June 17, 2022

“Stranger Next Door,” directed by Emmy Award-winning director Victoria Rowell, centers on actress Vicky Jeudy ("Orange Is the New Black") as Rochelle Sellers, a recently divorced and medically retired police officer. As Rochelle cares for her ailing father, a handsome stranger moves in next door bringing untold secrets with him. The film is scheduled to premiere on TV One in 2022.

Hidden Gem: “Rap Sh!t”

Saturday, June 18, 2022

The ABFF also highlights TV and streaming series, including the notable HBO series “Rap Sh!t,” which follows two estranged high-school friends who reunite to form a rap group. An added bonus: The show is set in Miami. Written and executive produced by Issa Rae, “Rap Sh!t” also includes Yung Miami and JT, the Miami duo of popular rap group City Girls, as co-executive producers.

Spotlight Screening: “After Jackie”

Saturday, June 18, 2022 & Sunday, June 19, 2022

“After Jackie” centers on the frequently overlooked experiences of the second wave of Black baseball players such as Bill White, Curt Flood and Bob Gibson, who entered Major League Baseball after Jackie Robinson. The two-hour documentary includes LeBron James as an executive producer and will screen at the ABFF before its premiere on The History Channel.

ABFF Community Day

Sunday, June 19, 2022

ABFF, in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau presents a free curated family day of entertainment and fun.“ABFF Community Day” festivities include a 1:00 pm spotlight screening of "After Jackie" and an immersive Comic Book Sneak Peak & Interactive Creative Session that combines art, storytelling, music and merchandise.

Feature Competitions at the American Black Film Festival

In addition to screening films and television series from major networks and streaming platforms, ABFF also presents the content of up-and-coming Black creatives in the entertainment industry. The festival holds a number of competitions that feature documentaries, narratives, web series and short films made by Black creators in the U.S. and abroad. Be sure to catch these official selections, screening at Regal South Beach, throughout the American Black Film Festival lineup, from Thursday, June 16 through Saturday, June 18.

Where Will the American Black Film Festival Take Place?

In-person events for the American Black Film Festival will occur throughout Miami Beach. Key locations for many of the events include The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, New World Center, Regal South Beach and the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (located in Historic Overtown). A complete program guide and schedule can be found on the American Black Film Festival website.

How Can I Purchase Passes for the American Black Film Festival?

Though pre-registration for the American Black Film Festival has closed, passes can be purchased on the official festival website starting June 15. There are four pricing tiers ($125, $345, $495 and $1,445) with varying benefits – providing everything from movie passes to all-access entry and VIP perks such as industry master classes and an invitation to the exclusive filmmaker reception.

How Can I Access the Virtual Events at the American Black Film Festival?

If you’re looking to keep the film and TV festivities rolling after the in-person events, then check out the virtual component of the American Black Film Festival, which will take place June 20-30. Be sure to register for ABFF Play to access online content.

By: Maika Moulite | May 23, 2022