Thursday, June 13
Act It Out: Scene Exploration with Patrice DeGraff Arenas – Separate Ticket Required
Presented by New York Film Academy
Lights, Camera, Acting! Step into the actor’s masterclass where you’ll learn scene study, audition skills, and the language of winning performances. Explore acting’s physicality and nuances, honing techniques through partner scenes. Dive into pre-selected scenes for immersive role-playing. Inspired by Adler, Meisner, and Chekhov, this class offers a comprehensive approach to acting.
Tickets: $50
SOLD OUT
Cadillac Lounge & Test Drives
Coffee & Cadillacs: Lights, Camera, Action!
Join Cadillac at the American Black Film Festival for “Coffee & Cadillacs: Lights, Camera, Action!” featuring world traveler Jessica Nabongo, fresh off her Parisian adventures with the Cadillac OPTIQ. Jessica is the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world. Her story is chronicled in her book, “The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World.” She will share her audacious journey, and attendees will receive a copy of her book.
Moderator: Juanita Slappy
Festival Registration Center
It’s All Location, Location, Location
Presented by Fulton Films
Film, TV and Digital producers, actors and directors are all descending in Atlanta/Fulton County to create projects thanks to the peach state’s affordable housing market, the government’s enticing film tax credits, and the year-round ideal climate. So how is it working out for some of the stars who now call the ATL home? Join the stars of the popular BET series “The OVAL” and a YouTube social sensation to hear why they chose to Live, Work, Play and Stay in Fulton County, GA, and why they encourage other creatives to do the same.
Moderator: Shaunya Chavis-Rucker
Panelists: Javon Johnson, Kaye Singleton, Rogirl
Navigating the Pathways to Representation
Presented by WME
This panel brings together the agent and manager perspectives from WME and Color Creative to provide insights and expertise to creatives and industry professionals. Our panelists will discuss the ecosystem of representation from their respective roles, the intersection of their services, and the importance of collaboration and advocating for their clients.
Moderator: Antonio Hairston
Panelists: Eric Darnell, Chelsea Dern, Ashley Calloway
Official Selection Screenings
UnPrisoned (Season 2 World Premiere) with Kerry Washington
Presented by Onyx Collective
Join the world premiere screening of the second season of Hulu’s heartfelt dramedy “UnPrisoned,” starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, followed by a fireside chat with executive producers Kerry Washington and Tracy McMillan. In season two, the Alexander family is still a mess. Paige’s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn’s anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional – OTHER than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a “family radical healing coach,” who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.
Panelists: Kerry Washington, Tracy McMillan
The Art of Collecting: A Journey into Black Art
Presented by Cadillac
Join us for a captivating conversation with Sol Aponte and Jennia Fredrique Aponte, the founders of Art Melanated, and Dawn Limerick, founder and president of The Greenwood Standard, as they explore the intricate and profound world of collecting art by artists of color. In this enriching talk, They will share their expertise, experiences, and passion for collecting Black art, offering a unique perspective on its cultural significance, artistic value, and the transformative power it holds.
Panelists: Sol Aponte, Jennia Fredrique Aponte, Dawn Limerick
NBCU LAUNCH Talks: The Art of Content Acquisitions at NBCUniversal
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
NBCU executives will demystify the acquisition process from pitch to final delivery, discuss the type of content they seek, and share best practices on pitching your projects. They will also provide insight into the company’s acquisitions strategy across its television and film portfolio, including Peacock and Universal Pictures. During the panel, the executives will also share how they secured projects such as “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” and “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.”
Panelists: Robert Baltazar, VP, TV Programming, DEI
Britney Williams, VP, Content Acquisition, NBCU Entertainment
Tony Ducret, Director, Development Universal Pictures
Money and Mindfulness: A Conversation with Nia Long
Presented by Ally Financial
Ally will host an intimate one-on-one conversation with beloved actress Nia Long, a visionary storyteller who has shattered barriers and transformed the landscape of television and/or film, telling not-so-often-told stories from the African American perspective.
Moderator: Jack Howard
Ratchet & Respectable live podcast hosted by Demetria L. Lucas with Scott Evans
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.
Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project: Director’s Showcase
Presented by Walmart
Three unique and profound films centered on Black fatherhood, screen as a part of the ABFF and Walmart initiative to celebrate Black fathers and amplify the presence of Black men in their families and communities. Q&A to follow.
After These Messages (25:52 min), written and directed by Khalid Abdulqaadir
Black Santa (10:03 min), written and directed by Travis Wood
It Takes A Village (13:36 min), written and directed by: Joshua Kissi
Moderator: DJ Vaughn
Lights, Camera, Access: A Director’s Journey
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery
Step into the world of cinematic mastery with our Director’s Craft Workshop, where imagination meets technique and creativity knows no bounds! Whether you’re a budding filmmaker looking to hone your skills or a seasoned director seeking fresh inspiration, our Director’s Craft Workshop is designed to ignite your passion for storytelling and elevate your craft to new heights. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will leave you empowered, inspired, and ready to take on the world of cinema like never before!
Moderator: Bevy Smith
Panelist: Rashaad Ernesto Green
Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black: An Exclusive First Look with film stars Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict
Presented by Amazon MGM Studios
Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black” follows Ava (Meagan Good), a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas (Cory Hardrict) abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for until fate intervenes, revealing Dallas’ wicked deeds that have trashed their marriage, and once upon a time sabotaged Ava’s destiny to be loved by her true soulmate. During this conversation, film stars Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict will sit down together to discuss the film, and to give an exclusive first look at the trailer for the first time, anywhere. The film will be released on Prime Video on July 11.
Moderator: Latasha Gillespie
Cadillac Presents: Music in Motion featuring Lucky Daye
A film score inspired experience celebrating Black Music in Film; featuring intimate performances from Grammy award winning and nominated artist, Lucky Daye.
Curated by Feel the SPACE
Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys
Courtesy of A&E Networks
The definitive documentary on Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol’ Dirty Bastard. The film explores how Russell Tyrone Jones created Ol’ Dirty Bastard, a Hip Hop alter ego superhero that would ultimately consume him. Featuring interviews with Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, family members, and more.
Moderator: Amira Lewally
Panelists: Jason Pollard (Director), Messiah Jacobs P.G.A. (Executive Producer), Icelene Jones (Talent & Executive Producer), Bar-Sun Jones “YDB” (Talent & Executive Producer)
Sonic Force: Storytelling Through Voice Acting
Presented by Meta
The voice of your project or brand, whether expressed through film, podcasts, TV, or social media reels, communicates your story. Bringing this voice to life ultimately falls to the content creator’s choice of the voice actor(s). With carefully guided direction, the voice actor becomes a powerful means for establishing your story concept from pitch to fundraising, to production and advertising. Daughters of Eve Media in conjunction with the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences will explore the ways filmmakers and content creators can enrich their storytelling—and leverage their marketing power—by fully envisioning the endgame before reaching the post-production phase and highlighting the critical value of diverse voices.
Moderators: Dr. Michele Prettyman and Terri Prettyman Bowles, Daughters of Eve Media
Panelists: Joan Baker, author of “Secrets of Voice-over Success,” and Emmy Award-winning producer Rudy Gaskins, founders of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, the Voice Arts Awards, and the That’s Voiceover Career Expo Dave Fennoy (Voice Arts Award winner known as the voice of Hulu, the NAACP Awards, and countless movie trailers and commercials).
UNCENSORED Live w/Trina
Presented by TV One
TV One’s hit show “Uncensored” explores the lives of some of today’s most notable personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. Experience the same raw and unfiltered storytelling in an exclusive “Uncensored” LIVE edition featuring rapper, producer, TV/radio personality, entrepreneur and now author Trina. As one of the most successful female Hip Hop artists in history, Trina.
Moderator: Chris Spencer
Opening Night: The Legendary White Party – Separate Ticket Required
Come join ABFF at M2 Miami for a night you won’t forget. Get ready to dance the night away in your all white attire surrounded by good vibes and great music from D.J. VYBZ.
Music: DJ VYBZ
Attire: All White
The Industry & Deco Pass grant pass holder admission.
$100 – Tickets are non-refundable.
