Friday, June 14
Write Here, Write Now! A Mock Writers’ Room with Mike Gauyo & Amy Aniobi – Separate Ticket Required
Presented by HOORAE
Grab your key to the writers’ room! This mock writers’ room is a seat at the table for attendees to collaborate and learn the craft of writing a half-hour comedy pilot. Esteemed television writers Amy Aniobi and Mike Gauyo lead an interactive, engaging and comedic lesson in TV writing.
Tickets: $50
Festival Registration Center
Official Selection Screenings
Meet the Streaming Innovation Alliance
Presented by MPA
Meet the united voice of the streaming community – driving a new era of creativity, opportunity, diversity, value, and choice in home and mobile entertainment. SIA fights for smart policies that will continue to meet audiences where they are and propel streaming innovation forward. Alliance members include groundbreaking platforms providing opportunities and access to Black and historically marginalized content creators. Join John Gibson, Vice President for External and Multicultural Affairs at the Motion Picture Association for an engaging conversation with the creative forces behind alliance founding streamers AfroLandTV, AmericaNU, ForUsByUs Network, and VAULT Access. Delve into a world of diverse storytelling and learn how these platforms are reshaping the streaming landscape for independent content creators.
Moderator: John Gibson
Panelists: Omarr Salgado, AmericaNu; Michael Maponga, AfroLandTV; J. Alexander Martin, ForUsByUs Network; and Kenneth Gifford, VAULT Access
Inside the Making of CROSS: A Conversation with star Aldis Hodge & Showrunner/Executive Producer Ben Watkins
Presented by Amazon MGM Studios
Starring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a complex, twisted, pulse-pounding thriller created by showrunner Ben Watkins, based upon the characters from James Patterson’s best-selling Alex Cross book series. Alex Cross is a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, in order to identify—and ultimately capture—the murderers. As Alex and his partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), track this killer, a mysterious threat from Cross’ past appears, aiming to destroy what he’s done to keep his grieving family, career, and life together. Cross is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios, and Skydance Television. Cross will premiere exclusively on Prime Video later this year.
Moderator: Latasha Gillespie, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios’ Head of Global DEIA
2024 ABFF Social Media Ambassadors Meet-up
Cadillac Lounge & Test Drives
Court is Back in Session: Season Two of Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt”
Presented by Onyx Collective
Join “Reasonable Doubt” creator Raamla Mohamed and stars Emayatzy Corinealdi and McKinley Freeman as they unpack the shocking twists of Season One and reveal an exclusive sneak peek from the highly anticipated second season, premiering August 22 on Hulu. After trying to heal from her wounds from last season’s arduous trial and deadly affair, Jax Stewart is attempting to get her life back on track. That is until one of her closest friends reveals that she has killed her husband. Her friend is claiming self-defense, but an uncompromising prosecutor thinks otherwise. Needing all the help she can get, Jax brings in an ambitious defense attorney to lead the case, but things get tense very quickly. Can Jax defend her friend, save her marriage and protect her energy while being catapulted into the biggest case of her career? Or will she lose it all?
Panelists: Emayatzy Corinealdi (“Jax”), McKinley Freeman (“Lewis”), Raamla Mohamed (Creator/EP/Showrunner)
Pitch Perfect: Promoting Yourself & Connecting with Others
Presented by TV One
Join us for an insightful and fun discussion on the art of pitching yourself and making meaningful connections. In today’s competitive landscape, the ability to effectively promote your uniqueness and establish valuable, long-term relationships is essential for continued success. We will share practical tips, real-world experiences, and proven strategies to help you master the art of pitching and networking. From crafting an impactful elevator pitch to navigating networking events with confidence to pitching virtually, this discussion will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to stand out and forge meaningful connections in any setting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to enhance your networking skills or a newcomer eager to make a memorable impression, this panel promises valuable insights and actionable advice to propel your pitching and networking game to the next level!
Panelist: Austyn Biggers
Ratchet & Respectable live podcast hosted by Demetria L. Lucas with special guests.
Presented by Cadillac
Demetria L. Lucas, award-winning author, journalist, and media personality will host live recordings of her popular and critically acclaimed Ratchet & Respectable podcast where she connects with listeners seeking an informed and unfiltered analysis of pop culture and entertainment, political shenanigans, and modern relationship mishaps. Ratchet & Respectable is a mainstay in the iTunes Top 200 Society and Culture list. Stitcher recently recommended it as a “listen to learn” podcast, and Apple Podcasts honored Ratchet & Respectable as one to “Listen.Reflect” on. In 2021, The Tamron Hall Show called Ratchet & Respectable “one of America’s Favorite Podcasts”.
Creator Conversations with Issa Rae featuring Kenya Barris
The 2024 ABFF Creator Conversation with Issa Rae featuring Kenya Barris will take attendees on a journey through their processes and careers, including recent work such as Kenya Barris’ black-ish franchise, his feature directorial debut, You People, and producorial projects, Diarra From Detroit and The Vince Staples Show.
Insuring Your Future: Cocktails & Conversations
Presented by Northwestern Mutual
Join us for cocktails and conversations. Hear thought-provoking insights about tools that can help protect your income—and leave a legacy for your family when you pass. This panel discussion with Northwestern Mutual financial advisors Julian Pouncy, MBA and Mshon K. Pulliam, Sr. CLTC® will be followed by a complimentary happy hour and one-on-one advising. Let us help you build a legacy plan!
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Julian Pouncy and Mshon Pulliam Sr. are agents of NM.
Note: This event is for attendees 21 and older
Moderator: Monique Idlett
Panelists: Julian Pouncy, MBA, Mshon K. Pulliam, Sr. CLTC®
Friday Night Vibes Goes Off the Field with All American and All American: Homecoming
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Television Group presents an ALL-AMERICAN franchise takeover with cast members from ALL-AMERICAN and ALL-AMERICAN: HOMECOMING for an intimate conversation about celebrating and shaping Black culture through family, sports and education.
Host: Trey Magnum
Panelists: Daniel Ezra, Michael Evans Behling, Bre-Z, Geffri Maya, Cory Hardrict
Cadillac Presents: Music in Motion featuring Kirby
A film score inspired experience celebrating Black Music in Film; featuring intimate performance from rising star artist, KIRBY.
Curated by Feel the SPACE
Down in the Valley
Courtesy of STARZ
Down in the Valley, a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of “P-Valley,” set to air in 2024. The six-half-hour episode series hosted, and executive produced by Nicco Annan (“P-Valley”) will take viewers on a tantalizing tour of the Deep South, unveiling a complex South that is equal parts poignant, joyful, and magical.
Panelist: Nicco Annan
DISTILLED
Courtesy of Pronghorn
Be the first to experience DISTILLED an intimate docuseries that shines a light on the vibrant world of Black-owned spirits brands. In this first episode, we delve deep into the story of Delta Dirt Distillery, a family-owned craft distillery rooted in the fertile soil of the Arkansas Delta. Discover the passion, heritage, and innovation that drives these entrepreneurs, and learn how these elements are embodied in the unique flavors of their spirits. This world premiere screening will feature open bar cocktails throughout the event and a talkback with the producers and talent behind the series. The episode has a running time of 23 minutes, so please arrive on time to enjoy the full experience.
Note: This event is for attendees 21 and older
Moderator: Janell Snowden
Panelists: Erin J. Hall – Co-Founder of Pronghorn + Producer, Dan Sanborn – Co-Founder of Pronghorn, Travis McMichael – Producer, Harvey Williams – Co-Founder + CEO of Delta Dirt Distillery
Because They’re Funny @ ABFF Comedy Show Hosted by Chris Spencer
Emerging stand-up comedians Alfred Kainga, Anthony Oakes, Apple Brown Betty, Mason King, and Rashaun Reese take the stage in the annual ABFF comedy show.
(Simulcast) New World Center – Truist Pavilion
