What's New for ABFF 2027
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The 2027 American Black Film Festival marks an exciting new chapter in ABFF’s 30-year history. With its move to Los Angeles, the festival introduces greater industry access, a connected festival footprint, new signature programming, and more personalized ways to experience ABFF. These enhancements advance the festival’s enduring commitment to artistic excellence, cultural significance, talent discovery, and meaningful industry access.
ABFF’s move to Los Angeles places the festival at the center of the global film and television industry, bringing attendees closer to the companies, decision-makers, and creative talent shaping entertainment. This proximity creates greater opportunities for discovery, professional development, networking, collaboration, and career advancement.
ABFF 2027 will unfold across iconic Los Angeles venues located minutes apart. Screenings will take place at AMC The Grove, industry programming at SLS Beverly Hills, sponsor activations and community experiences at the Original Farmers Market, and gala and marquee events at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Complimentary daytime shuttle service will connect the venues, creating a convenient and cohesive festival experience.
ABFF Digital Passes replace traditional festival passes, giving attendees greater flexibility and control. Passholders can reserve eligible screenings, conversations, and special events in advance, create personalized itineraries, and receive priority access before individual tickets become available.
Crossroads is a new noncompetitive film section welcoming creators of all backgrounds whose work explores the intersections of culture, identity, and community. While ABFF remains firmly centered on stories by and about people of African descent, Crossroads broadens the festival’s creative dialogue through distinctive perspectives and shared human experiences.
This new signature event brings leading studios, independent distributors, and streaming platforms together for a dynamic preview of the year ahead. Featuring trailers, exclusive footage, special announcements, and appearances by filmmakers and talent, ABFF First Look gives audiences an early look at highly anticipated projects and emerging creative voices.
A festival within the festival, ABFF Sports explores the intersection of sports, storytelling, entertainment, media, business, and culture. Through screenings, conversations, and special presentations, the program brings together athletes, filmmakers, executives, journalists, and cultural leaders to examine the stories and ideas shaping the world of sports.