The Second Annual ABFF National Pop Up Tour Makes Its Houston Debut
LOS ANGELES, CA (September 4, 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 Houston taking place at Regal Edwards Houston Marq’E from Saturday, November 7 – Sunday, November 8, 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 Houston Pop Up Programming
More information and all event tickets available HERE
Screenwriting Masterclass
Presented by the New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Saturday, November 7, 11:00 am
This screenwriting master class offers practical guidance on the fundamentals of screenwriting and the creative process. Participants will explore how to develop compelling story ideas, build memorable characters, structure a screenplay, and translate their creative vision to the page. The session will provide participants with valuable insights, tools, and techniques to take their craft to the next level. Featuring NYFA instructor Randall Dottin.
The Rise: The New MoneyBall
Presented by Ally Financial
Saturday, November 7, 2:00 pm
Hello Sunshine, and Ally present The Rise, a five-part documentary series tracing the momentum, power, and undeniable rise of women’s professional sports. This is more than a hot streak — it’s a long-overdue shift, built by the athletes, leaders, and changemakers who’ve been putting in the work long before the spotlight caught up. Episode two, The New Moneyball, captures the record-breaking seasons, bold vision, and game-changing voices proving women’s sports aren’t just having a moment — they’re changing the future and building a legacy.
Special Event
Presented by STARZ
Saturday, November 7, 4:45 pm
2026 HBO Short Film Award Showcase and Talkback
Presented by HBO
Saturday, November 7, 7:30 pm
The 2026 HBO Short Film Showcase spotlights 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 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.
Following the screening, Facade filmmaker Modupe Thompson will join us for a conversation about her work and creative journey.
Three Colors: Pan-African Screening and Talkback
Sunday, November 8, 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. Talkback to follow with co-director Elijah Davis.
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
ABFF 2026 Awards: Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature; Performance Award, U.S. Narrative Feature, Bashir Salahuddin
Making Movies Happen: Film Incentives in Texas and Houston
Presented by Houston First
Sunday, November 8, 2:45 pm
Film incentives have become an increasingly important tool for attracting productions, creating jobs, and building sustainable film and television industries. This panel will bring together industry leaders to discuss how incentive programs work, what filmmakers and producers need to know to take advantage of them, and the impact they can have on local economies and production communities. The conversation will focus specifically on the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) and the Houston Feature Film Incentive Program (HFFIP), exploring how state and local incentives can work together to make Texas—and Houston in particular—a competitive and production-friendly destination for feature films and other moving-image projects. Featuring Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President, Tourism and Industry Relations
Idols, Icons + Influencers with Larenz Tate
Sunday, November 8, 5:30 pm
Icons, Idols + Influencers is a live conversation series featuring celebrated figures and influential voices shaping culture across entertainment, sports, business, and beyond.
Acclaimed actor and producer Larenz Tate joins us for an intimate conversation reflecting on his remarkable career, creative journey, and enduring impact on film and television. From his recent role in Michael to the highly anticipated Don’t Ever Wonder, starring alongside Nia Long, Tate will reflect on the defining moments that have shaped his career, his longevity in the industry, and what’s ahead.
Funny Feelings
Sunday, November 8, 8:00 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. Following the screening, the filmmakers will join us for a conversation about the film’s themes, insights, and the film’s creative vision.
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 Houston sponsors and partners to date include Ally Financial (Founding & National Presenting), HBO® (National Presenting), STARZ, Houston First, JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria (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
