Spotlight Screenings
Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s Showcase
Presented by Walmart
ABFF and Walmart have partnered for the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s Showcase, a competition celebrating Black fatherhood through independent filmmaking. Three directors are chosen to receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to screen their films during the 2025 festival.
Directors: Okema T. Moore (Laundry), Aji Bass (Freshman. Again.), Ian Phillips (Reconciliation)
Moderated by: Dr. Brandon Frame (The Black Man Can)
STARZ: Come Play in Our World
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Presented by Starz
Magic City: An American Fantasy: The Legacy of a Cultural Powerhouse (Talkback to Follow)
Join executive producers Cole Brown and Jermaine Dupri for an exclusive screening of the premiere episode of STARZ’s all-new docuseries, “Magic City: An American Fantasy.” Following the screening, Cole and Jermaine dive deep into the global phenomenon and cultural institution of Magic City, the famed Atlanta strip club, during a moderated Q&A.
Panelists: Cole Brown (Creator and Executive Producer), Jermaine Dupri (Executive Producer)
Moderated by: Jemele Hill
“Exploring the Impact of BMF on Culture, Music, and Fashion”
Clips and Conversation with Da’Vinchi, Derryck “Big Tank” and Keia Bounds as they explore the influence of BMF on culture, including BMF’s impact on music, and the fashion in the series that brings the story to life. “BMF” Premieres June 6 on STARZ.
Panelists: Da’Vinchi (Terry “Big T” Flenory), Keia Bounds (Costume Designer), Derryck Tank Thornton (Music Supervisor)
Moderated by: Kelley Carter (Journalist)
Seen & Heard (Talkback to Follow)
Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery/HBO
From executive producer Issa Rae, Seen and Heard is a two-part documentary that travels through time, creating a kaleidoscopic portrait of Black talent being “seen,” to Black creatives being “heard,” shaping today’s Golden Age of Black television.
Panelists: Giselle Bailey (Director, Producer), Phil Bertelsen (Director, Producer)
Moderated by: Kimberlin Bolton (Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery)
Old Gray Mare (Talkback to Follow)
Courtesy of Tyler Perry Studios
Dementia is something many families face — an unwelcome shadow that slips in quietly as our loved ones age. We tell ourselves it’s normal when they forget names or misplace keys. Just part of getting older. But when Steven and Robin stop by Eileen’s house after returning from a relaxing cruise, their lives will never be the same. This time, it’s not just forgotten groceries or a misplaced phone. After this, they’ll wish they could forget…
Panelists: Courtney Glaude (Writer/Director), Charnelle Brown, Devale Ellis, Antoinetta Stalling
Moderator: Josh Smith
Edge of Daybreak
Courtesy of A&E Networks
We are thrilled to present Edge of Daybreak, a compelling short film directed by the award-winning Dawn Porter. The film chronicles the extraordinary story of a group of inmates who defied the odds to create a timeless piece of art.
Introduced by: Amira Lewally (Supervising Producer, A&E)
Come Together (Talkback to Follow)
Courtesy of BLAAC
Come Together: Art’s Power for Change is a documentary series exploring how art fuels cultural shifts and social progress. The pilot revisits Dirty Laundry (2006), a groundbreaking comedy that redefined narratives around identity, family, and belonging. Through laughter, heart, and an all-star cast, the film showed how storytelling can challenge norms and change minds. Join director Nathan Hale Williams and a cast member for a talkback following the screening.
Talkback with: Nathan Hale Williams (Director)