LOS ANGELES, (June 7, 2022)<\/strong> – The first hybrid edition of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 26th year, will feature a robust slate of speakers including Kenya Barris, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Trevante Rhodes, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kyla Pratt, Judge Greg Mathis, Naturi Naughton, DeVon Franklin<\/strong> and 2022 Festival Ambassador Issa Rae<\/strong> who will provide opening night welcome remarks and close out the festival with new series Rap Sh!t<\/em><\/strong>, as well as panels ranging from the business of Hollywood to spotlights on new films and television series. Regarded as one of the \u201cnation\u2019s largest community of Black film and television enthusiasts,\u201d the festival will be held live June 15-19 and continue virtually June 20\u201330 on its custom-designed online platform ABFF PLAY https:\/\/abffplay.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are thrilled to have the support of the industry with so much content targeted towards Black audiences. For 26 years, we have provided a platform for Black creatives to deliver provocative conversations and compelling entertainment to our community. This year\u2019s ABFF will be no different with our live and virtual programming,\u201d said Nicole Friday<\/strong>, President and General Manager, ABFF Ventures LLC.<\/p>\n Highlights include, The Leading Man<\/strong> panel sponsored by Cadillac will bring some of today\u2019s most sought-after actors Michael Ealy (Fatale<\/em>), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II<\/strong> (Candyman<\/em>) and Trevante Rhodes<\/strong> (Moonlight<\/em>) to the stage for a revealing discussion about their roles in Hollywood and how they have become leading men, moderated by Malinda Williams<\/strong> (The Wood<\/em>); a conversation with trailblazing filmmakers Gina Prince-Bythewood<\/strong> (The Woman King<\/em>), Kasi Lemmons<\/strong> (I Wanna Dance With Somebody<\/em>) and Nicole Brown (President of TriStar Pictures<\/em>) in Fierce Female Filmmakers of TriStar Pictures<\/strong> sit down to talk about their upcoming releases and a sneak peak of the films; Prime Video will present an intimate discussion on how Black women are leading the charge in creating content for all audiences to love in Leading from Within<\/strong>. The hit Peacock Original series Bel-Air:<\/em><\/strong> will showcase Clips and Conversations<\/strong> with the Co-Showrunner\/Executive Producer Rasheed Newson<\/strong> and cast Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola<\/strong>, and Jordan L. Jones<\/strong>; NBCUniversal will present Bust Down in Laughter<\/em><\/strong> with NBCU\u2019s Comedy Crew<\/em><\/strong> with Sam Jay, Langston Kerman, Jak Knight<\/strong> and Chris Redd<\/strong> from Peacock\u2019s \u201cBust Down\u201d and Nicole Byer, Phil Augusta Jackson<\/strong> and Carl Tart<\/strong> from NBC\u2019s \u201cGrand Crew;\u201d and in celebration of the final season of This Is Us<\/em><\/strong>, actress\/writer Susan Kelechi Watson<\/strong>, writer\/producer Eboni Freeman<\/strong>, and producer Christiana Hooks<\/strong> will give the audience a behind the scenes look at the episode, \u201cOur Little Island Girl: Part Two.\u201d During the Black Experience on Xfinity panel, series creator Andrea Lewis<\/strong>, Beauty Expert Kahlana Barfield Brown<\/strong>, natural hair entrepreneur Whitney White<\/strong> (aka@Naptural85) and producer CJ Faison<\/strong> will highlight Black women and their overall effect on the beauty industry in the upcoming docuseries The Black Beauty Effect<\/em><\/strong>; renowned filmmaker Ayoka Chenzira<\/strong> honors a beloved independent film advocate in A Champion of Independent Black Film: Celebrating the Legacy of Michelle Materre<\/em><\/strong>; a peak into Bounce\u2019s Original series, Johnson<\/em><\/strong> and Finding Happy<\/em><\/strong>, with Clips and Conversation panels featuring the cast and producers; so you want to be a showrunner?; learn how from Robin Thede<\/strong> (Black Lady Sketch Show), Rikki Hughes<\/strong> (Dave Chappelle Sticks & Stones<\/em>) and Randy Huggins<\/strong> (BMF<\/em>) in Life of a Showrunner<\/strong> delivered by UPS. Prudential Financial brings their Cocktails, Conversations and Financial Facts with LisaRaye McCoy<\/strong>. Disney+ and NatGeo\u2019s Drs. Ferguson<\/strong> and Hodges<\/strong> of hit series, Critter Fixers<\/em><\/strong> will offer the best tips to care for your pets during their Clips and Conversation<\/strong>. The Motion Picture Association (MPA)<\/strong> will discuss a finance plan for filmmakers\u2019 creative content in Funding Your Story: The Nuts & Bolts of Film Finance<\/strong>; and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences\u2019<\/strong> leadership will discuss the Academy\u2019s outreach outside of Oscar Sunday.<\/p>\n Not-to-be-missed events include, the 25th HBO Short Film Award Showcase<\/strong> hosted by Bevy Smith<\/strong> featuring five short films from emerging filmmakers who compete for the prestigious award; the ABFF Comedy Wings showcase<\/strong> hosted by Aida Rodriquez<\/strong>, and; The \u201cBest of the ABFF Awards\u201d<\/strong> where the 2022 independent film awards and talent contest winners will be presented.<\/p>\n ABFF\u2019s talent discovery programs find emerging talent and introduce them to the entertainment industry. Included on this year\u2019s lineup is the return of ALLBLK\u2019s Shoot Your Shot Casting Call<\/strong> featuring the honorable Judge Lynn Toler<\/strong> (Commit or Quit<\/em>) and the Warner Bros. Discovery Writers Competition<\/strong>. The live festival culminates with its annual ABFF Greater Miami Community Day<\/strong> in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor\u2019s Bureau as part of its commitment to inform, educate and provide opportunities to the local community about the entertainment industry. Community Day is free to South Florida residents. <\/p>\n Previously announced, the festival will open with the Netflix documentary CIVIL<\/em><\/strong>, an intimate verit\u00e9 look at the life of maverick civil rights attorney Ben Crump<\/strong> directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren<\/strong> and produced by Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams<\/strong> and Lauren Cioffi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n All live events are held in and around South Beach including The Regal South Beach, the New World Center Performance Hall, the Bass Museum and the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theatre.<\/p>\n As part of its virtual talk series events, the lineup includes Life as Entrepreneurs<\/strong> about what it takes to build a family brand with Gia Casey<\/strong> and DJ Envy<\/strong> presented by Morgan Stanley, and; an intimate conversation with the cast of the new docuseries on E!, Mathis Family Matters<\/strong> featuring Judge Greg Mathis<\/strong>. Universal\u2019s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department will celebrate its five-year anniversary with Universal GTDI\u2019s Five Years of Creative Impact<\/strong>. Lionsgate and Starz bring their Black executives for a Gate-Opening: Black Exec Round Table<\/strong>.<\/p>\n As previously announced the full feature, documentary and web series and spotlight screenings lineup is available here https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/2022-screenings\/narrative-features\/<\/a>. All virtual events are available on ABFF PLAY.<\/p>\n Following is the schedule of 2022 ABFF talk series events to date. For times, locations, and the latest information visit, www.ABFF.com<\/a><\/p>\n Live Events<\/strong><\/p>\n Thursday, June 16, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n The NFT Masterclass for Creative<\/strong> Leading From Within<\/strong> The Black Beauty Effect Panel<\/strong> Funding Your Story: The Nuts & Bolts of Film Finance<\/strong> Bel-Air: Clips & Conversations<\/strong> Bust Down in Laughter with NBCU\u2019s Comedy Crew<\/strong> Shoot Your Shot<\/strong> 25th Annual HBO Short Film Award Showcase<\/strong> Friday, June 17, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n Masterclass: Legal Aspects of Indie Filmmaking<\/strong> Johnson<\/em>: Clips & Conversations<\/strong> Finding Happy: Clips & Conversations<\/strong> A Champion of Independent Black Film: Celebrating the Legacy of Michelle Materre<\/strong> Fierce Female Filmmakers of TriStar Pictures<\/strong> Flipping the Script: Defining your own Path to Success presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Equity and Inclusion<\/strong> \u201cThis Is Us\u201d: From Script to Screen<\/strong> Life Of A Showrunner<\/strong> ABFF Comedy Wings Showcase<\/strong> Saturday, June 18, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n Academy 365<\/strong> Best of ABFF Awards Presentation<\/strong> Cocktails, Conversations, and Financial Facts with LisaRaye McCoy<\/strong> The Leading Man<\/strong> Critter Fixers<\/em>: Clips & Conversation<\/strong> Closing Night Screening Sunday, June 18, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n ABFF Community Day<\/strong> Virtual Events available on ABFF PLAY<\/strong> https:\/\/abffplay.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Life As Entrepreneurs<\/strong> Mathis Family Matters<\/strong> Universal GTDI\u2019s Five Years of Creative Impact<\/strong> Gate-Opening: Black Exec Round Table<\/strong> ABFF 2022 sponsors and partners to date include Warner Bros. Discovery & HBO\u00ae<\/sup> (Founding); Cadillac, City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Prime Video (Presenting); American Airlines, Comcast NBCUniversal, Meta, Bounce TV, Black Experience on Xfinity, UPS, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, Prudential Financial, Variety, TV One, Netflix, Starz, Disney+, Onyx Collective (Official); Accenture, Motion Pictures Association (MPA), A&E, The SpringHill Company, The Boston Globe, Color Of Change, Confluential Films, Arrington & Phillips, Fulton Films, BET Her, Morgan Stanley, Miami Beach VCA, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Supporting); Endeavor Content and DC Office of Television (Industry).<\/p>\n For festival information and to obtain an ABFF pass on site, visit www.abff.com<\/a>. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. <\/p>\n ABOUT ABFF<\/strong> Media Contact:<\/strong><\/p>\n Chelsye J. Burrows
\nNFTs have risen as one of the hottest topics in the entertainment industry. Understanding the intellectual property issues in NFTs is essential to our protection and advancement. This session will address the ABCs of NFTs, including copyright, trademark, publicity issues, and tax matters surrounding NFTs. Instructed by Kimra Major-Morris, Attorney at Law.<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Prime Video
\nFrom the suffrage movement to the civil rights movement, history has shown us we all win when Black women lead. Join three Black women executives from Prime Video for an intimate discussion on how they are leading the charge to create content across series and features that all audiences will love.
\nModerators: Latasha Gillespie (Head of DEI, Prime Video)
\nPanelists: Amber Rasberry (Sr. Executive Development, Movies \u2013 Amazon Studios), Lauren Anderson (Co-Head Content & Programming, Amazon Freevee) and Larissa Bell (Development Executive, Amazon St)<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Black Experience on Xfinity
\nAn intimate discussion on the global impact of Black Beauty in the upcoming docuseries, The Black Beauty Effect. This discussion will highlight black women and their overall impact in the beauty industry, despite its historical exclusion and oppression of black women.
\nPanelists: Andrea Lewis, Series Creator, Kahlana Barfield Brown, Beauty Expert, Whitney White, Natural Hair entrepreneur, CJ Faison, Executive Producer <\/p>\n
\nPresented by the Motion Picture Association
\nYou can be a great storyteller and writer of words that captivate the masses. However, you can\u2019t share that story with the world without having a financing plan in place to get the story made! In this panel, representatives from major studios and a lead film finance company will provide an overview of the variety of ways content creators can finance their production. As each panelist has a unique background in the film finance world, this panel will provide filmmakers with a basic understanding of what to expect when putting together a financing package.
\nModerator: John Gibson, Vice President, External and Multicultural Affairs, Motion Picture Association
\nPanelists: Donyelle Marshall, LATAM Business & Tax Analyst, Florida Office of Film & Entertainment; Chiquita Banks, Esq., Sr. Vice President, TPC; Graham Lee, Esq., Vice President, Tax Counsel-Production, Paramount; Brian O\u2019Leary, Esq., Sr. Vice President- Tax, NBCUniversal (Invited)<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Comcast NBCUniversal
\nPeacock presents an intimate conversation with the cast members from BEL-AIR about celebrating Black on-screen characters and discussing story themes such as love, family, and relationships.
\nModerator: Scott Evans
\nPanelists: Rasheed Newson, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola and Jordan Jones<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Comcast NBCUniversal
\nJoin talent from NBCU\u2019s hit comedies for a lively conversation about celebrating and shaping Black culture through stories of family, friendships, love and joy on TV.
\nModerator: Danielle Young, Journalist and Host of Real Quick
\nPanelists: Nicole Byer, Phil Augusta Jackson and Carl Tart from NBCU\u2019s \u201cGrand Crew\u201d and Sam, Jay, Langston Kerman, Jak Knight and Chris Red from Peacock\u2019s \u201cBust Down\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPresented by ALLBLK
\nALLBLK, the first and largest streaming service for Black TV and film from AMC Networks, is partnering with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to kick off a nationwide casting call for the co-star of its latest original production, \u201cJudge Me Not.\u201d A new hour-long psychological\/legal drama created by TV icon, Judge Lynn Toler. \u201cJudge Me Not\u201d focuses on a millennial Black female attorney navigating mental health issues, a rocky romantic relationship and a volatile family, who shocks everyone when she wins a judicial seat at 31. Once there, she fights her demons while managing the chaos of a busy court.<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO
\nFive finalists will compete in ABFF\u2019s HBO\u00ae<\/sup> Short Film Award<\/strong>. The prestigious showcase will celebrate 25 years of HBO\u2019s commitment to recognizing the next generation of diverse, artistic and creative talent at ABFF. This year\u2019s groudbreaking directors with diverse style of filmmaking are: Sherif Alabede<\/strong> (Another Country<\/em>), Elisee Junior St Preux<\/strong> (Aurinko in Adagio<\/em>), Gia-Rayne Harris<\/strong> (Pens & Pencils<\/em>), Destiny J. Macon<\/strong> (Talk Black<\/em>) and Rebecca Usoro<\/strong> (The Family Meeting<\/em>)<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Arrington & Phillips
\nThis seminar will introduce filmmakers to the legal and business aspects of independent filmmaking. From conception to distribution, attendees will learn all the basics needed to make, produce and distribute their own independent film. Instructed by Marvin Arrington and Vince Phillips.<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Bounce TV
\nJoin the cast and producer of Johnson<\/em> for a conversation around the anticipated return of season 2. Johnson<\/em> focuses on life-long best friends and their sometimes-complicated journey of love, friendship, heartbreak, and personal growth as told from the Black male perspective. The show is executive produced by Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer\u2019s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment.
\nModerator: David J. Hudson, Head of Original Programming for Scripps Networks
\nPanelists: Deji LaRay (series creator & show runner); Thomas Q. Jones (show runner, \u201cP- Valley,\u201d \u201cLuke Cage\u201d); Philip Smithey (\u201cSwitched at Birth,\u201d \u201cThe Rookie\u201d); and Derrex Brady (\u201cNCIS,\u201d \u201cFirst\u201d) with Earthquake (\u201cThe Neighborhood,\u201d \u201cChappelle\u2019s Home Team \u2013 Earthquake: Legendary\u201d) and Eric C. Rhone (executive producer)<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Bounce TV
\nMeet the cast of Bounce\u2019s newest series, Finding Happy<\/em>, a show created about, for and by Black women. The dramedy follows Yaz Carter as she navigates her loving-but-complicated family, her stagnant career, and a merry-go-round of unrequited love as she looks to find her happy. The show is executive produced by Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer\u2019s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment.
\nModerator: Keisha Taylor Starr, Chief Marketing Officer for Scripps Networks
\nPanelists: B. Simone (MTV’s “Wild ‘n Out”); Kim Coles (\u201cLiving Single\u201d); Marketta Patrice (\u201cBlack Jesus\u201d); Angela Gibbs (\u201cHacks,\u201d \u201cThe Fosters\u201d); and, Kendra Jo (series creator & show runner)<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Meta
\nMichelle Materre, prolific film distributor, professor, curator, and fervent supporter of women and BIPOC filmmakers, passed away in March. To honor her decades as a champion of independent film and her mission to lift the voices of underrepresented people in cinema, ABFF and Daughters of Eve Media will present a roundtable discussion featuring trailblazing and renowned women filmmakers.
\nModerators: Terri Bowles and Dr. Michele Prettyman
\nPanelist: Ayoka Chenzira<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Sony Pictures Entertainment
\nJoin three trailblazing fierce, female, filmmakers – Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball<\/em>), Kasi Lemmons (Eve\u2019s Bayou<\/em>), and Nicole Brown (TriStar Pictures President) for an intimate sit-down conversation as they open up about their highly anticipated Sony Pictures releases: The Woman King<\/em> starring Viola Davis, and the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody<\/em> starring Naomi Ackie. This conversation will dive into the importance, power and future of Black film while providing a sneak peek of what audiences can expect in their upcoming releases via exclusive content.
\nModerator: Brett King, Vice President, Creative Programming, Diversity & Inclusion for Sony Pictures Entertainment
\nPanelists: Nicole Brown, President of TriStar Pictures; Kasi Lemmons, Director, I Wanna Dance with Somebody<\/em>; Gina Prince-Bythewood, Director, The Woman King<\/em><\/p>\n
\nPresented by Warner Bros. Discovery
\nOver the last few decades, the road to stardom and success in Hollywood has changed significantly. With the emergence of the digital age, social media and waves of new talent, many are finding success, their own way and on their own terms. This engaging and motivating panel discusses the impact of breaking into the entertainment industry both traditionally and non-traditionally; and ways to stay relevant in an ever-changing production landscape that is no longer one size fits all.
\nModerator: Karen Horne, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Discovery, Equity + Inclusion
\nPanelists: Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Winning Time and The Gilded Age, HBO), Carlos King (Love & Marriage Franchise, OWN), Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins (Trials to Triumphs Podcast, OWN), Bashir Salahuddin (South Side, HBO Max), Diallo Riddle (South Side, HBO Max). Networking Reception to follow. RSVP and COVID vaccination required.<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Comcast NBCUniversal
\nGo behind the scenes of NBC\u2019s beloved drama \u201cThis Is Us\u201d with actress\/writer Susan Kelechi Watson, writer\/producer Eboni Freeman and producer Christiana Hooks. Delve into a poignant conversation about the final season and the episode \u201cOur Little Island Girl: Part Two” that is centered on Beth Pearson and was co-written by Susan and Eboni. Learn about the show’s unique approach to bringing multidimensional narratives to life by reflecting on the past, inspiring the future, and creating beautiful stories that transcend generations.
\nModerator: Danielle Young, Journalist and Host of Real Quick
\nPanelists: Susan Kelechi Watson, Actress\/Writer; Eboni Freeman, Writer\/Producer; Christiana Hooks, Producer<\/p>\n
\nPresented by UPS
\nThis panel examines the road to becoming a television showrunner, the duties and demands it entails, career strategies to be considered, the parameters of creative control as well as the freedom it affords, and what running a writers room looks like.
\nPanelists: Robin Thede (A Black Lady Sketch Show<\/em>), Rikki Hughes (The Hype<\/em>), Randy Huggins (BMF<\/em>)<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO
\nA night of laugher hosted by Aida Rodriquez and introducing: Marshall Brandon, Cherie Danielle, Shanna Christmas, Rob Gordon, and Alan Massenburg<\/p>\n
\nPresented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
\nThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a 95-year-old organization that has long been known for the Oscars, often called \u201cHollywood\u2019s biggest night.\u201d But what goes on the other 364 days of the year? In this panel, key leadership shares how the Academy engages their membership of over 10,000 members on a year-round basis and leads industry initiatives that celebrate the history of film, amplifies its global community of artists and advocates for increased representation across the industry.
\nModerator: Scott Evans, Access Hollywood
\nPanelists: DeVon Franklin, Governor-at-Large; Christine Simmons, COO, Academy; Shawn Finnie, EVP, Member Relations & Awards, Academy; Meryl Johnson, VP, Digital Marketing, Academy<\/p>\n
\nHosted by Dondr\u00e9 Whitfield
\nJoin us for the announcement of the festival winner of this year\u2019s competitions including: Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Singleton Award for Best First Feature, Best Documentary, Best Web Series and HBO Short Film Award. This event will be live-streamed on ABFF PLAY<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Prudential Financial
\nActress and Entrepreneur LisaRaye McCoy will share her journey with money, finances, and setting financial goals from her life on the South Side of Chicago to her life in the film industry. Prudential financial professionals will be available to answer financial questions.
\nModerator: Delvin Joyce (Prudential Financial Planner & Founder of Prosperity Wealth Group<\/em>)<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Cadillac
\nA panel of esteemed male actors examine the images of Black men in film and television, share stories about their journeys to success and discuss the messages they wish to convey to boys and young men in the community.
\nModerator: Malinda Williams
\nPanelists: Trevante Rhodes, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Michael Ealy<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Disney+
\nJoin veterinarians Dr. Terrence Ferguson and Dr. Vernard Hodges as they discuss some of their most unique animal cases and provide great tips and techniques to help care for your pets.
\nModerator: Jill Tracey, Morning Show Co-Host on WHQT Hot 105 Miami
\nPanelists: Dr. Terrence Ferguson, Dr. Vernard Hodges<\/p>\n
\nRap Sh!t<\/em><\/strong>
\nCourtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO Max
\nRap Sh!t<\/em><\/strong> follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna and Mia, who reunite to form a rap group.
\nCast: Aida Osman (Shawna), KaMillion (Mia), Jonica Booth (Chastity), Devon Terrell (Cliff,) RJ Cyler (Lamont)
\nExecutive Producer\/Writer: Issa Rae (for HOORAE); Executive Producer\/Showrunner: Syreeta Singleton; Executive Producer: Montrel McKay (for HOORAE); Executive Producers: Dave Becky and Jonathan Berry (for 3 Arts Entertainment); Executive Producer: Deniese Davis
\nHip hop duo Yung Miami and JT of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre \u201cP\u201d Thomas for Quality Control Films and Sara Rastogi for HOORAE. Sad\u00e9 Clacken Joseph directed the pilot. Rae\u2019s audio content company Raedio will handle music supervision for the series.<\/p>\n
\nSponsored by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)
\nThe festival, in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau<\/em>, presents a day of entertainment curated for family audiences.<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Morgan Stanley
\nA discussion exploring what it takes to build a family brand, the importance of being financially literate, and the value of building generational wealth.
\nPanelists: Husband and wife team DJ Envy and Gia Casey<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Comcast NBCUniversal
\nE! Entertainment presents an intimate conversation with the cast of E!\u2019s new docuseries, \u201cMathis Family Matters\u201d about representation, the black family on television today, their personal experiences and perspectives around diversity both in front of and behind the camera. To further the dialogue regarding unscripted television, they will exchange thoughts on the importance of Black producers ensuring that our stories aren\u2019t overlooked and we are represented equally in today\u2019s diverse culture.
\nModerators: Ebony Magazine
\nPanelists: Judge Greg Mathis, Linda Mathis, Jade Mathis, Camara Mathis, Greg Mathis Jr., Amir Mathis<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Comcast NBCUniversal
\nIn celebration of Universal\u2019s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) 5-year anniversary, this panel spotlights friend-of-GTDI director Jude Weng, accompanied by four incredible alumni who have participated in GTDI\u2019s flagship programs. Moderated by Rotten Tomatoes Awards Editor Jacqueline Coley, this panel aims to highlight the participants\u2019 journeys towards establishing a career in the industry, as well as provide their perspective on how they view representation and access in the industry.
\nModerators: Jacqueline Coley
\nPanelists: Jermaine Stegall, Juel Taylor, Jude Weng, Marielle Woods<\/p>\n
\nPresented by Lionsgate and Starz
\nA candid conversation with Black development executives at Lionsgate and Starz demystifying the studio system, providing helpful guidance and insight into the initial development stages to support rising Black filmmakers.
\nModerator: Kamala Avila-Salmon \u2013 Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate
\nPanelists: Kathryn Tyus-Adair, Senior Vice President of Original Programming at Starz, Jade-Addon Hall, Vice President of Current Series at Lionsgate TV, Aaron Edmonds, Vice President of Production and Development at Lionsgate<\/p>\n
\n
\nThe American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Dedicated to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. Now in its 26th year, the festival has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists \u2013 many of whom have become today\u2019s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events that promote Black culture and achievement.<\/p>\n
\n
\nJeff Friday Media (JFM) and ABFF Ventures LLC
\nchelsye@abffventures.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"