A New Horizon: ABFF's Strategic Relocation to Los Angeles
A Quarter-Century Legacy in Miami Concludes as a New Era Begins in Los Angeles
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is embarking on a monumental shift, moving its main event to Los Angeles for its 31st annual gathering, scheduled for May 20-23, 2027. This transition concludes a 24-year residency in Miami, a period during which the festival cemented its reputation as a vital platform for Black filmmakers and talent.
Premier Venues Across Los Angeles to Host the Expanded Festival Experience
The upcoming festival in Los Angeles will utilize several prestigious locations throughout the city. Film enthusiasts can anticipate screenings at AMC’s Grove theater, while major events will unfold at the renowned Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Industry-focused sessions will be centralized at the sophisticated SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, and public activities and community engagements are planned for the lively Original Farmers Market.
Elevating Voices and Expanding Opportunities for Future Generations of Storytellers
Jeff Friday, the visionary founder of ABFF and CEO of NICE CROWD, emphasized the festival’s enduring mission. For over 30 years, ABFF has championed the belief that providing access can fundamentally alter career trajectories and that nurturing new talent fortifies the entire industry. The move to Los Angeles is seen as a crucial step in this ongoing endeavor, aiming to broaden possibilities and create richer opportunities for the next wave of storytellers.
Innovative Programming Additions to Enhance the Festival’s Offering
The 31st edition of ABFF will introduce several fresh programming elements. “ABFF First Look: The Studio Showcase” will provide a dedicated space for studios, independent creators, and streaming platforms to unveil upcoming projects. Additionally, “ABFF Sports” will explore the dynamic interplay between sports, media, and entertainment, while “Crossroads,” a non-competitive film section, will make its debut, inviting diverse perspectives and narratives.
Fostering Community and Connection in a New Creative Landscape
Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD, highlighted the core identity of ABFF, which has always been shaped by its community. As the festival looks to the future, the goal is to build upon this strong foundation, generating new avenues for filmmakers, audiences, industry leaders, and partners to connect. The relocation is designed to expand these connections while preserving the festival's unique spirit and sense of belonging that have historically defined ABFF.
A Call for Submissions: Diverse Categories Open to Global Talent
Submissions for the 31st ABFF are now officially open across various categories, encouraging a wide array of cinematic expressions. These include “U.S. Narrative Feature,” “International Narrative Feature,” “Documentary Feature,” and the new “Crossroads” section, which welcomes filmmakers from all backgrounds to explore themes of identity and community. “Episodic Series” and “Voices of Culture” (by invitation) also invite submissions, celebrating serialized narratives and short-form works that enrich cultural conversations.
Showcasing Emerging Creators Through Innovative Digital Storytelling
The festival also features “The ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project,” a non-competitive segment dedicated to vertical microdrama series by Black storytellers. This initiative aims to highlight emerging talent and innovative mobile-first storytelling, focusing on projects that demonstrate strong episodic momentum and emotional depth within a short-form format.
The Prestigious HBO® Short Film Award: A Pathway to the Academy Awards
Now in its 30th year, the HBO® Short Film Award remains a highlight of ABFF, serving as a critical platform for discovering and championing emerging filmmakers. Five finalists are chosen annually to present their work to a distinguished jury. As an Academy Award-qualifying honor, winning this award can lead to consideration in the Live Action Short Film category at the 100th Academy Awards®, subject to all Academy regulations. Details regarding submissions for this esteemed award will be announced at a later dat