New Initiative Identifies, Elevates, And Amplifies Mobile-First Episodic Series By Creators Of Color
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 22, 2026) – The 30th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today that the festival is expanding its programming with the launch of the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project, a new digital-first initiative designed to identify, showcase, and amplify outstanding vertical microdrama series by creators of color.
Microdramas are short-form, vertical episodic video series built for mobile-first consumption and optimized for popular social media platforms and emerging apps. Typically running one to two minutes per episode, microdramas rely on fast pacing, heightened emotion, and cliffhanger storytelling to drive binge viewing and repeat engagement.
The ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project positions ABFF at the forefront of this emerging sector by creating a dedicated platform to surface new voices, connect creators with global audiences, and expand access to opportunity within the fast-growing vertical content ecosystem.
“Vertical storytelling is redefining how audiences discover and consume scripted content,” said Jeff Friday, Cofounder & CEO of NICE CROWD and Founder of ABFF. “With the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project, we are extending ABFF’s mission into this next frontier and ensuring creators of color are not only represented, but leading the evolution of this format and participating in the economic upside of this rapidly expanding market.”
A select group of standout microdrama series will be chosen through a competitive review process evaluated by industry professionals, including creative executives, producers, and leaders across digital, film, and emerging media. Selected projects will be named Official Selections of the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project
Official Selections will receive curated digital-first exhibition across ABFF platforms and integrated visibility within the 2026 American Black Film Festival, providing creators with meaningful exposure, industry recognition, and audience discovery opportunities.
Creators retain full ownership and creative control of their work while benefiting from increased visibility, professional validation, and access to the broader ABFF ecosystem. For submission information and eligibility requirements, please visit the ABFF website, linked HERE.
ABFF sponsors to date include Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO (Founding), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), Ally Financial (Presenting), American Airlines, City of Miami Beach (Major), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official), Netflix, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (Supporting), Motion Picture Association (Contributing) and Variety, LA Times (Media).
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.
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About ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier annual event dedicated to empowering emerging talent and showcasing film and television content by and about people of African descent. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF has evolved into a leading talent discovery platform, attracting a global community of creators, executives, and fans. Each June, the festival draws more than 7,000 attendees to Miami Beach for five days of screenings, panels, networking, and cultural experiences. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, ABFF continues to serve as both a launchpad for talent and a cultural hub amplifying the diverse intersections of culture and achievement.
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): https://www.abff.com/miami/
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