American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

Dive into the 28th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) from June 12-16 in the heart of Miami Beach, where five days of Hollywood screenings, celebrity conversations and networking events will celebrate all things Black cinema. The ABFF is renowned for fostering a dynamic global community of creatives by showcasing film and television content created by and about people of the African diaspora. Whether you're a local with a front-row seat to Miami's artistic scene or a tourist seeking an unforgettable experience, the ABFF will immerse you in the heart and soul of Black creativity. Continue the festivities during the virtual segment of the festival June 17-24 on ABFF Play to watch films from the U.S. and internationally on your screen.

What to Expect at ABFF

Imagine this: Red carpets buzzing with the excitement of premieres, insightful conversations with celebrities that spark inspiration, master classes that unlock filmmaking secrets and exclusive parties where creativity fills the air. Mix and mingle with filmmakers, directors, actors and fellow movie lovers who share your passion for Black films during the five-day festival.

Festival registration and brand expos will be open daily at 10 a.m., with master classes starting at the same time. Dive into panel discussions and independent film screenings starting at 11 a.m. every day. The first day of the festival ends on a high note with the much-anticipated Opening Night Film, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

For a memorable after-dark experience, the festival wraps up each evening with red carpets and special events, like The Legendary White Party on Wednesday to kick off the festival, the HBO Short Film Award Showcase on Thursday and the inaugural Because They're Funny comedy show on Friday. On Saturday morning, there’s the Best of the ABFF Awards presentation at 10:30 a.m., spotlighting ABFF’s narrative and documentary features competition submissions and featuring meaningful dialogue from leading and emerging filmmakers.

After jam-packed days filled with cinematic innovation, get excited for the grand finale with the premiere of the Closing Night Film on Saturday night, which will be announced soon. Wrap up the final evening at the festival with ABFF’s Closing Night Gala and dance the night away among the stars.

Grab Your Tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on what type of festival adventure you want and whether you secure early bird tickets or regular admission. Early bird movie passes start at $110, while the Splash Pass grants access to most events for $340 and up. Looking for an exclusive VIP experience? The Deco Pass and Industry Pass offer premium access to events and networking opportunities.

Issa Rae Named ABFF Creative Director

Award-winning actress, writer and producer Issa Rae is the creative director for the 2024 festival. Rae, an advocate for Black voices, plans to bring bold choices, fresh perspectives and a celebration of Black excellence to the festival’s lineup. ABFF was one of the first major festivals to showcase Rae’s early work, which helped propel her career. Rae also served as ABFF’s Ambassador in 2022.

Renowned for her wit and creative vision, Rae is one of the creative forces behind the Peabody-winning and Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated comedy series “Insecure” and the award-winning web series and New York Times best-selling book “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” Rae also starred in major movies like “Barbie” and “American Fiction” and voiced Jessica Drew in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” The multi-hyphenate entrepreneur also champions equitable representation through her company, HOORAE Media, which amplifies diverse stories in film, TV and music.

Now, Rae is shaping the entire festival program to continue amplifying underrepresented voices as she infuses the cultural event with the power of Black narratives.

Celebrating 28 Years of ABFF

Founded in 1997, ABFF has championed Black talent by showcasing works by and about Black people, providing a crucial platform for emerging creatives. Over the past 28 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.” Held annually in Miami Beach, ABFF attracts over 5,000 live attendees each year and 35,000 virtual participants on its ABFF Play platform. More than just a film festival, ABFF is a powerful force for inclusion and empowerment in Hollywood and beyond.

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 (GMCVB).

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

By: Zebrina Edgerton-Maloy | February 15, 2024