The Second Annual ABFF National Pop Up Tour Returns to Atlanta
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 21, 2026) – NICE CROWD, the company behind the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), today announced the programming slate for the upcoming ABFF Pop Up Tour in Atlanta taking place at AMC Madison Yards from Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, October 25, 2026. The second annual ABFF Pop Up Tour builds on the success of its inaugural national tour, extending the reach of ABFF beyond its flagship festival and meeting audiences where they are, in vibrant creative communities across the country. The 2026 Pop Up Tour is presented nationally by its Founding Sponsor Ally Financial.
ABFF Atlanta Pop Up Programming
More information and all event tickets available HERE
Screenwriting Masterclass
Presented by the New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Saturday, October 24, 11:00 am
Featured Instructor: Randall Dottin
ABFF Classic Cinema Series
Presented by AARP
Saturday, October 24, 2:00 pm
The ABFF Classic Cinema Series celebrates iconic, fan-favorite films that have shaped Black cinema and culture. Each presentation pairs a special screening with an intimate conversation featuring one of the artists who brought the film to life, offering fresh insight into its creation, legacy, and enduring influence. Featured film to be announced.
Special Event
Presented by STARZ
Saturday, October 24, 5:50 pm
2026 HBO Short Film Award Showcase and Talkback
Presented by HBO
Saturday, October 24, 8:45 pm
The 2026 HBO Short Film Showcase spotlights the five finalists from the 30th American Black Film Festival, selected from a pool of submissions. Together, these films reflect the vitality, humor, and complexity of contemporary Black storytelling.
The program features the following lineup: Spilled Milk (Written and Directed by Jared Leaf), We Had Fun (Written and Directed by Linda Lô), Facade (Written and Directed by Modupe Thompson), The Truth About Space (Written and Directed by Jeremiah Towolawi), and FLY (Written and Directed by Carlton Daniel Jr.). Talkback to follow with Modupe Thompson.
Three Colors: Pan-African Screening and Talkback
Sunday, October 25, 11:00 am
Winner of the 2026 ABFF Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, this powerful anthology draws inspiration from Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors trilogy and reimagines its framework through the colors of the Pan-African flag. Weaving together three compelling stories centered on liberation, unity, and prosperity, the film presents a moving portrait of identity, resilience, and the many dimensions of contemporary Black life. The acclaimed ensemble cast includes Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin, Peyton Alex Smith, Sibongile Mlambo, Stephen Bishop, and Kimrie Lewis.
Directors: Elijah Davis, Allison A. Waite, and Tyler Ocasio Holmes | Starring: Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin, Peyton Alex Smith, Sibongile Mlambo, Stephen Bishop, and Kimrie Lewis
Icons, Idols + Influencers
Sunday, October 11, 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Icons, Idols + Influencers is a live conversation series featuring celebrated figures, enduring legends, and next-generation voices shaping culture today. Each installment brings audiences closer to compelling personalities across film, television, music, sports, business, and social media for candid conversations about their journeys, defining moments, and impact.
Built to Last: Your Money Story, Your Legacy
Presented by Ally
Sunday, October 25, 2:30 pm
Your money story doesn’t start with a portfolio – it starts with what you’ve seen, what you’ve survived, and what you refused to accept. This conversation explores how the moves you make with your money today become the foundation you leave for everyone who comes after you. From the rise of Unrivaled – the women’s 3-on-3 league rewriting what’s possible for athletes on and off the court – to ABFF’s 30 years of betting on Black storytelling before the industry caught up, to Ally’s mission to close the wealth gap for good. Real talk about building wealth on your own terms, creating opportunity for the next generation, and making sure your legacy hits different.
Otra
Sunday, October 25, 5:15 pm
Winner of the Directing Award at the 2026 American Black Film Festival, Otra is a visually arresting Latino musical told in a single continuous shot. Blending romance, fantasy, and music, the film follows Javier, a heartbroken man who strikes a bargain with his guardian angel for one final chance to rewrite his love story before time runs out.
Starring Rome Flynn, María Gabriela de Faría, Dania Ramirez, and Armani Ortiz, Otra unfolds through soaring musical performances and unexpected emotional turns, offering an inventive and moving meditation on love, hope, and second chances.
Following the screening, director Armani Ortiz joins us for a conversation about the film’s ambitious creative vision and the making of this singular cinematic achievement.
Funny Feelings
Sunday, October 25, 9:00 pm
A sharp and engaging romantic comedy, Funny Feelings explores what happens when the chemistry behind a successful partnership becomes impossible to contain. Vena “Pretty Vee” Excell and Tristan “Mack” Wilds star as longtime performers whose irresistible “are-they-or-aren’t-they” dynamic has fueled a decade-long comedy empire.
When a career-defining special places their partnership, and the feelings they have never fully confronted, before a viral audience, the boundary between performance and reality begins to dissolve. Also starring Terri J. Vaughn, Funny Feelings balances wit, warmth, and emotional insight in a contemporary exploration of love, friendship, ambition, and the risks of finally telling the truth.
ABFF 2026 Nominee: Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature; Directing Award for Best Narrative Feature
ABFF POP UP TOUR
A national tour bringing ABFF programming and spirit to four key U.S. markets.
Presenting Sponsor: Ally Financial
- Washington, DC – September 25-27 | Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market
- New York – October 10–11 | AMC Lincoln Square
- Atlanta – October 24-25 | AMC Madison Yards
- Houston – November 7–8 | Regal Edwards Houston Marq’E
Additional details and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.nicecrowd.com and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.
ABFF Pop Up Atlanta sponsors and partners to date include Ally Financial (Founding & National Presenting), HBO® (National Presenting), AARP, STARZ (Official), and the New York Film Academy (Supporting).
About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier annual event dedicated to discovering emerging talent and shaping the future of film and television. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF is one of the entertainment industry’s leading gatherings, annually bringing together thousands of filmmakers, artists, executives, brands, and audiences to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and innovation. Through film screenings, premieres, conversations, networking, and cultural experiences, ABFF has become a destination where entertainment, culture, and commerce intersect, fostering meaningful connections and business opportunities while inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company’s mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com
More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop Up Tour: https://www.abffpopup.com/
Download images from the 2025 ABFF Pop Ups HERE.
Media Contacts:
The Lede Company
abff@ledecompany.com
