The Second Annual ABFF National Pop Up Tour Returns to New York City
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 14, 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 New York City taking place at AMC Lincoln Square 13 from Saturday, October 10 – Sunday, October 11, 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 New York City Pop Up Programming
Screenwriting Masterclass
Sponsored by the New York Film Academy (NYFA)
Saturday, October 10, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
The Rise: The New MoneyBall
Sponsored by Ally Financial
Saturday, October 10, 2:00 pm – 3:15 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.
Three Colors: Pan-African Screening and Talkback
Saturday, October 10, 4:45 pm – 7:05 pm
Experience the winner of the 2026 ABFF Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature. Inspired by Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors Trilogy, this powerful anthology reimagines the concept through the colors of the Pan-African flag, weaving together three compelling stories of liberation, unity, and prosperity. Featuring an acclaimed ensemble cast including Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin, and Peyton Alex Smith, the film offers a moving portrait of identity, resilience, and the many dimensions of contemporary Black life. Talkback to follow with co-director Elijah Davis.
Starring: Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin, Peyton Alex Smith, Sibongile Mlambo, Stephen Bishop, Kimrie Lewis
ABFF 2026 Winner: Grand Jury Prize – Best Narrative Feature; Performance Award – U.S. Narrative Feature (for Bashir Salahuddin)
2026 HBO Short Film Award Showcase
Sponsored by HBO
Saturday, October 10, 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The 2026 HBO Short Film Showcase spotlights the five finalists from the 30th American Black Film Festival, selected from a pool of thousands. 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.).
New York Stories, Everywhere Short Film Showcase and Talkback
Sunday, October 11, 11:00 am – 12:35 pm
The filmmakers in this showcase tell stories that unfold anywhere while sharing a common connection to New York. Featuring filmmakers who are from or currently live in the city, this program celebrates the diverse voices, bold perspectives, and creative energy that continue to make New York a home for exceptional storytelling.
The program features the following lineup: TIGUERONAS (Written and Directed by Imani Celeste), Fairytales (Written and Directed by Tiffani Holland), Mini Me (Written and Directed by a. b. oddman), Keep My Brother (Written and Directed by Sharona D’Ornellas), EL TIGUERE (Written and Directed by Andrew J. Rodriguez), and USER (Written and Directed by Ellis Friday).
Talkback to follow with Tiffani Holland, Allison Oddman, Sharona D’Ornellas, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Ellis Friday.
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.
Beyond Screening
Sunday, October 11, 4:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Inside one of America’s most notorious maximum-security prisons, a group of incarcerated men prepare to take the stage for a powerful TED-style event that challenges perceptions and sparks dialogue. With unprecedented access to Sing Sing Correctional Facility, this inspiring documentary follows their journey from auditions to the spotlight as they share deeply personal stories of accountability, healing, and hope. An intimate portrait of resilience and the transformative power of storytelling, the film offers a moving look at redemption and the possibility of change, both within prison walls and beyond.
Otra Screening
Sunday, October 11, 8:00 pm – 10:15 pm
Experience the magic of Otra, winner of the Directing Award at the 2026 American Black Film Festival, a visually stunning one-shot Latino musical that blends romance, fantasy, and unforgettable music. Starring Rome Flynn, María Gabriela de Faría, Dania Ramirez, and Armani Ortiz, the film follows Javier, a heartbroken man who is granted one final chance to rewrite his love story after striking a deal with his guardian angel before time runs out. Filled with soaring musical performances and emotional twists, Otra is a celebration of love, hope, and second chances unlike anything you’ve seen before.
ABFF 2026 Winner: Grand Jury Prize – Directing Award
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 sponsors and partners to date include Ally Financial (Founding & National Presenting) and HBO® (National Presenting).
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
