ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project Showcase
The ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project Showcase is the American Black Film Festival’s official platform for identifying, showcasing, and amplifying outstanding vertical microdrama series made by creators of color. Through curated selection and digital-first exhibition, the Project connects creators with global audiences and industry visibility, positioning them within the rapidly expanding vertical storytelling economy. The Microdrama Official Selections will screen for the duration of the festival exclusively on the Codeblack app.
Blacked Out
USA | 13 min
After a blackout night she can’t remember, Jordan wakes up in an interrogation to learn her boyfriend is missing, forcing her to piece together the truth before she becomes the prime suspect.
Director: Caleb Davis | Writer: Roni Davis | Producers: Jade Martin | Cast: Verina Banks, Daniel Augustin
Crimson Mirage
USA | 11 min
When a supernatural drug harvests human energy for an ancient operation, a detective searching for his missing sister and the scientist who unknowingly built the machine must join forces to dismantle the network before it swallows the city whole.
Director: Courtney Arlett | Writer: Courtney Arlett | Producers: Courtney Arlett, Yolanda Haskett, Mario Haskett, Marc Thevenin, Ron Toussaint, Phedra Syndelle, Jasmine Sargent, Dï Thomas | Cast: Jason Louder; Katrina Riveria; Chantal Maurice; Zeus Luby; Karon Joseph Riley; Phedra Syndelle
A DIFFERENT KIND OF FOREVER
USA | 20 min
In LA’s interconnected dating scene, situationships, near misses, and messy sparks collide… proving there are a million ways this can go, and almost none of them are forever.
Director: Alexis Rivera | Writer: Alexis Rivera | Producers: Alexis Rivera, Jamal Averett & Justin Jemerson | Cast: Akilah Walker, Maurice Hardwick, Juliah Cheree Taylor, Charles Grant-DeBose, Renae Anderson, Prince Odimegwu, Shakira Ja’nai Paye, Jemar Michael, Zimzon Zion, Justin Williams, Danika Edwards, Marqi Morgan, Alexis Rivera, POPE
Faceplant
USA | 13 min
A desperate couple facing foreclosure discovers a mask that lets them hijack other people’s bodies, but each reckless use pulls them deeper into a dangerous game with consequences they can’t control.
Director: Jean-Pierre Chapoteau | Writer: Jean-Pierre Chapoteau | Producers: Jean-Pierre Chapoteau, Jennifer Pessima, La’Shay Painter | Cast: Kennie Nicole, Bren Suttle
False Profit$
USA | 11 min
When America’s youngest Black CEO is framed and sentenced to 19 years for a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme he didn’t orchestrate, Malik Shepard transforms his prison time into a masterclass in financial forensics and systemic corruption — then wages a surgical war to dismantle the powerful faith-based empire that destroyed him.
Director: Jai Harris | Writer: Jai Harris | Producers: Serene Samuel, Darion Taylor, Michael Sanders, Charles Smith, Ephren Taylor, Socorro Grandville, Pat Taylor | Cast: Malik Taylor
The King, The Affair and The Son Heir
SOUTH AFRICA | 9 min
King Jonga’s celebrated heir carries a secret that could destroy a kingdom — written in blood, hidden in plain sight, and closing in with every stolen glance between his wife and his most trusted advisor.
Director: Star Kganki Maphahlele | Writer: Anathi Rubela & Mamello Makhetha | Producers: Flavia Motsisi | Cast: Othembele Nomgca, Khanyi Nokwe, Lebogang Mphahlele, Phathiswa Tonono, Wamke Cele, Gcina Mdikane
Mechanical Pencil
USA | 11 min
A group of detention regulars turns their punishment into a creative playground, where desk beats, chaos, and imagination evolve into something bigger than themselves.
Directors: Palmer Williams III, Amari K. Jones | Writers: Amari K. Jones, Myracle Sims, Justen Ross, JonAvery Worrell, Hurrikane, Dasan Frazier, Michael Bahsil, Destiny Knox, Kaylan Mary | Producers: Amari K. Jones | Cast: Justen Ross, Destiny Knox, Brandon Grimes, Dasan Frazier, JonAvery Worrell, Amari K. Jones, Michael Bahsil, Hurrikane, C Squared, Myracle Sims, Kaylan Mary, Skootah Pollock
Thick & Uninterrupted
USA/NIGERIA | 12 min
A bold, curvy woman unapologetically embraces her confidence, desire, and power while navigating love and modern relationships in a world that constantly expects her to shrink.
Director: Dominic Aikabeli | Writer: Dominic Aikabeli, Tajé Prest | Producers: Tajé Prest | Cast: Tajé Prest, Maxwell Nwokoye, Godfrey Okorafor, Kolawole Agboola, Frederick Honest