About the 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, the festival was conceived to strengthen the independent film community through resource sharing, education, and artistic collaboration.

From its trailblazing start as a destination film festival, ABFF has evolved into Hollywood’s leading talent discovery platform for people of African descent. Today, it attracts a global community of creators, executives, and enthusiasts. Featuring a dynamic mix of film screenings, panel discussions, master classes, networking events, and lifestyle experiences, the five-day festival in Miami Beach draws more than 7,000 attendees annually, amplifying underrepresented voices in Hollywood and beyond.

Over the years, ABFF’s programming has expanded beyond film and television to present a broader reflection of culture — including technology, music, comedy, business, finance, sports, health, and wellness. This holistic approach positions ABFF as not only a festival but also a cultural hub celebrating the intersections of creativity, innovation, and achievement across disciplines.

Originally launched in Acapulco, Mexico as the Acapulco Black Film Festival, the event later relocated to Miami, where it grew into a vital cultural institution with global reach. For three decades, ABFF has served as a launchpad for countless actors, writers, and directors—many of whom were previously unknown—reshaping the narratives of film and television. Its dedication to inclusivity and fostering new talent has cemented its legacy, with its cultural significance recognized by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which has preserved ABFF’s photographs and archives in its permanent collection.

In 2026, ABFF celebrates its 30th anniversary under the theme “Homecoming” — a tribute to the festival’s rich legacy and the global community it has cultivated over three decades. This milestone event will honor the past while looking toward the future, reaffirming ABFF’s role as the premier destination for discovering and elevating diverse talent in Hollywood and beyond.

The 30th annual ABFF will take place in Miami Beach, May 27-31, 2026.