The American Black Film Festival (ABFFF) will be hosting their 19th annual showcase of black films and screenings in New York City next week.
Each year, the event is dedicated to exposing unique film and television ideas and projects by and about people of African descent. Founder Jeff Friday envisioned the ABFF as a vehicle to promote diversity in the film and television industry. Today it is widely recognized as a major conduit for bringing new Black talent to the forefront, both in front of and behind the camera. The festival is considered the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and TV enthusiasts, last year drawing an attendance of approximately 19,000
From its beginning, over the years the ABFF has provided a platform for more than 800 narrative feature films, documentaries, shorts and Web originals, offering a constant means to prize and inspire artistic excellence.
Alumni success stories range from veteran producer Will Packer (Ride Along) to young auteur Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station)–testimony to the festival’s mission to introduce and connect talented newcomers to the industry at large.
In addition to film screenings, each year the ABFF presents over 30 exciting events and networking activities designed to educate, nurture career development and inspire festival attendees.
The festival traditionally opens with a Hollywood movie premiere, followed by independent film screenings, master classes, panels, celebrity talks, entertainment and talent contests co-programmed with leading media companies (HBO, Nickelodeon, Comcast/NBCUniversal). In 2015, the ABFF is expanding its program to showcase more television-related content. Activities will include a writers lab, case studies of popular television shows and TV expo.
The festival is held for 4 days from June 11th to June 14th at the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan.
