ABFF 2027 Festival FAQs
1. What is ABFF?
Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier global platform for storytelling in film, television, and digital content. Each year, the festival brings together filmmakers, actors, executives, industry professionals, and audiences to celebrate new voices, cultural conversations, and creative excellence.
2. When and where is ABFF 2027?
ABFF will take place May 20–23, 2027, at venues throughout the Los Angeles area, including AMC The Grove, SLS Beverly Hills, The Original Farmers Market, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Venues are subject to change. Please consult the official festival schedule for the confirmed location of each event.
3. Who attends ABFF?
ABFF welcomes filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, executives, students, content creators, media professionals, industry leaders, and film lovers from around the world.
4. Do I have to work in entertainment to attend?
No. ABFF is open to everyone. While some networking events and programs are designed specifically for entertainment professionals, many screenings, conversations, and special events are open to all attendees.
5. Who is eligible to submit a film?
Eligibility requirements vary by festival section. Filmmakers should review the official submission guidelines for the specific requirements of each competitive and noncompetitive section. Crossroads is open to filmmakers of all backgrounds whose work explores distinctive perspectives, experiences, communities, resilience, belonging, and shared human experiences. All projects must meet the applicable submission guidelines.
6. Is ABFF family-friendly?
Many screenings and events are appropriate for families. However, some programs may contain mature subject matter or be intended for adult audiences. Parents and guardians should review individual event descriptions and use their discretion.
7. What organization operates the ABFF?
ABFF is produced by NICE CROWD, a live-events company specializing in entertainment, and premium live and digital experiences. The company is led by its co-founders, Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday.
1. What is a Digital Pass?
Beginning in 2027, Digital Passes will replace traditional festival passes. Depending on the pass type, benefits may include advance reservations, rush-line access, festival transportation, hospitality benefits, and more.
2. Why did ABFF replace traditional festival passes?
The Digital Pass system provides a more convenient and flexible festival experience, allowing attendees to reserve the events they want to attend, spend less time waiting in lines, and manage their festival access through their ABFF account.
3. What Digital Passes are available?
ABFF offers several Digital Pass options designed for different festival experiences:
- Industry Pass
- Power Pass
- Essentials Pass
- Day Passes for 21, 22, or 23
Benefits and reservation privileges vary by pass type.
4. Do I need a Digital Pass to attend ABFF?
No. Individual tickets will be available for select screenings and events. However, Industry, Power, Essentials, and Day Pass holders receive access to reservations before individual tickets become available, providing earlier access to high-demand programming.
5. Can I purchase individual tickets?
Yes. Individual tickets for select screenings and events will become available beginning April 19, after the Digital Pass reservation windows have opened, subject to availability.
6. Will any festival films be available online?
Yes. Eligible Digital Pass holders may stream a curated selection of participating festival films on demand through the ABFF Virtual Festival platform from May 20–23. Film selection is subject to filmmaker participation and applicable streaming rights.
7. How do reservations work?
Industry, Power, Essentials, and Day Pass holders can reserve eligible events through the ABFF Reservation Portal once their reservation window opens. The number and type of reservations available depend on the pass purchased. Reservations can be viewed and managed through the attendee’s ABFF account.
8. When do reservations open?
Reservations open in stages based on Digital Pass type:
- Industry Pass - April 12
- Power Pass - April 14
- Essentials and Day Passes - April 16
- Individual Tickets - April 19
Pass holders will receive instructions by email before their reservation window opens. Reservations are first-come, first-served and subject to availability.
9. Can I change my reservations?
Yes. Reservations may be modified or canceled through the ABFF Reservation Portal until three hours before the scheduled start time, subject to availability.
10. Can I reserve additional events later?
Yes. If reservations are canceled or additional inventory becomes available, eligible pass holders may reserve additional events, subject to availability and their pass limits
11. Can I attend multiple events in one day?
Yes. You may attend multiple events in one day, provided the event times do not overlap and you have a confirmed reservation, valid individual ticket, or eligible rush-line admission.
12. What happens if I reserve an event but do not attend?
If you do not attend or cancel your reservation at least three hours before the event, it will be recorded as a no-show. Two no-shows may result in suspension of advance reservation privileges for the remainder of the festival.
Guests whose privileges are suspended may still purchase available individual tickets and may use rush-line admission only if included with their pass.
13. What happens if I do not use all of my reservations?
Unused reservation benefits expire at the conclusion of the festival and cannot be transferred, exchanged, credited, or refunded.
14. Can I transfer my Digital Pass?
No. Digital Passes are non-transferable and may be used only by the registered pass holder. Please see the Digital Pass Terms and Conditions for additional information.
15. Are purchases refundable?
Digital Passes purchased on or before April 19, 2027, are eligible for a refund only when requested within 48 hours of purchase. After the 48-hour period—and for all Digital Passes purchased after April 19—all sales are final.
Individual tickets, including tickets purchased through the rush line, are non-refundable. Please see the Digital Pass Terms and Conditions for additional information.
16. Which Digital Passes include rush-line access?
Rush-line access is exclusively included with Industry and Power Passes.
The Essentials and Day Passes do not include rush-line access.
1. How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled event. Reserved admission is held until 15 minutes before the event begins. After that time, unclaimed seats may be released to the official rush line, and late admission is not guaranteed.
2. Is my reservation guaranteed?
Yes, provided you arrive before the 15-minute seating cutoff and comply with festival and venue policies. After the cutoff, your seat may be released to the rush line.
3. Is seating reserved?
No. Unless otherwise indicated, seating is general admission within each ticket category. Specific seats cannot be selected or reserved.
4. Can I arrive after a program begins?
Late seating is not guaranteed and may not be permitted for certain events. Policies vary by event and venue.
5. How does the rush line work at an event?
Guests with confirmed reservations are admitted first. If seats remain available, Sponsor, Industry, and Power passholders may be admitted in line order. Rush-line admission is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
1. When will the festival schedule be announced?
The festival program and event schedule will be announced in stages leading up to ABFF. Updates will be posted on the ABFF website and shared through our email and social media channels.
2. What types of programming will ABFF offer?
Programming will include narrative and documentary films, short films, episodic projects, panel discussions, masterclasses, Celebrity Conversations, networking events, and Signature Evening Events. The final program is subject to change.
3. Are all festival programs open to every attendee?
No. Access varies by event and Digital Pass type.
4. Will filmmakers participate in screenings?
Select screenings may include filmmaker introductions, post-screening conversations, or audience Q&As. Participation will be identified in the official event listing when confirmed and is subject to change.
5. Will special guests attend?
Yes. ABFF regularly welcomes acclaimed actors, filmmakers, executives, and industry leaders. Confirmed guests will be announced leading up to the festival and are subject to change. A Digital Pass, reservation, or ticket does not guarantee the appearance of any particular guest.
6. Can attendees vote for their favorite films?
Yes. Attendees may participate in Fan Favorite voting for eligible films they attend. Voting instructions will be provided through the attendee’s ABFF account or at the screening.
1. Where are festival events held?
Festival events take place across Los Angeles, with primary venues including:
- SLS Beverly Hills - Panel discussions, master classes, and networking mixers
- AMC The Grove - Independent films and spotlight screenings
- The Original Farmers Market - Sponsor exhibits and brand activations
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures - Opening and Closing Night Galas
Venues are subject to change. Please consult the official festival schedule for the confirmed location of each event.
2. Is parking available?
Public parking is available at or near festival venues. Availability and parking fees vary by location and are not included with Digital Passes or individual tickets.
3. Is festival shuttle transportation available?
Yes. Complimentary festival shuttle transportation is included at no additional charge with Industry, Power, Essentials, and Day Passes. Service is scheduled to operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. between SLS Beverly Hills and The Grove/Original Farmers Market. Final routes, pickup locations, and schedules will be announced closer to the festival. Shuttle seating is subject to availability. Final routes, pickup locations, and schedules will be announced closer to the festival. Guests should plan separate transportation to Signature Evening Events at the Academy Museum unless otherwise announced.
4. Should I rent a car?
A rental car is not necessary for most attendees. Rideshare services and festival shuttles are generally the most convenient ways to travel between primary festival venues.
5. What should I wear?
Smart-casual attire is appropriate for most daytime events. Opening Night, Closing Night, and select evening events are generally dressier, although formal attire is not required unless specifically noted in the event listing.
Coming Soon
1. How do I submit my project?
Film submissions are accepted through the official ABFF FilmFreeway page during the published submission period. Submission deadlines, fees, eligibility requirements and guidelines are available on FilmFreeway.
2. What types of projects are eligible?
ABFF accepts narrative features, documentary features, episodic projects, and short films that meet the requirements outlined in the official submission guidelines.
3. When will selections be announced?
Notification dates are listed in the official submission guidelines. Selected filmmakers will be notified directly before the festival program is publicly announced.
1. How can I volunteer?
Volunteer applications will be announced on the ABFF website and social media channels. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival and join the ABFF mailing list for updates.
1. How can my company become a sponsor?
ABFF offers sponsorship opportunities for brands, studios, and organizations interested in partnering with the festival. To learn more about available opportunities, please visit the Sponsorship section of our website or complete the sponsorship inquiry form to connect with our Partnerships team.
1. Still have questions?
We're here to help. If you cannot find the answer you’re looking for, please email info@nicecrowd.com, and a member of the ABFF team will be happy to assist you.