{"id":32700,"date":"2024-05-15T11:10:15","date_gmt":"2024-05-15T15:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/?p=32700"},"modified":"2024-05-20T17:36:03","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T21:36:03","slug":"unprisoned-ol-dirty-bastard-a-tale-of-two-dirtys-down-in-the-valley-world-premiere-at-2024-abff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/unprisoned-ol-dirty-bastard-a-tale-of-two-dirtys-down-in-the-valley-world-premiere-at-2024-abff\/","title":{"rendered":"<em>Unprisoned<\/em> with Kerry Washington, Wu-Tang Clan Documentary <em>Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys<\/em> &#038; P-Valley&#8217;s Inspired &#8211; <em>Down in The Valley<\/em> with Nicco Annan to World Premiere at the 2024 American Black Film Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height:30px;\">28th ABFF, June 12-16 in Miami, Will Open with HBO Short Film Award Showcase, which has Previously Featured Early Films from Ryan Coogler, Reinaldo Marcus Green &#038; More <\/h3>\n<h4>Ben Crump, Morris Chestnut, Nicco Annan, Affion Crockett, Loretta Devine, Frankie Faison &#038; More Will Make Appearances for Spotlight Screenings, Series and Voices of Culture Lineup <\/h4>\n<p><strong>LOS ANGELES, (May 15, 2024)<\/strong> &#8211; The 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today that this year\u2019s Spotlight Screenings lineup will feature the world premieres of <em>UnPrisoned (Season 2)<\/em> with Kerry Washington; Wu-Tang Clan documentary <em>Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys<\/em>; <em>Down In the Valley<\/em> starring Nicco Annan of <em>P-Valley<\/em>, and many more, along with the opening night HBO Short Film Award Showcase.<\/p>\n<p>In past years, the ABFF\u2019s prestigious HBO Short Film Award has helped launch the careers of some of the most successful filmmakers, such as:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<li><strong>Ryan Coogler<\/strong> (2011 HBO Short Film Award Winner &#8211; <em>Fig<\/em>),<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reinaldo Marcus Green<\/strong> (2013 HBO Short Film Award Finalist &#8211; <em>Stone Cars<\/em>),<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rashaad Ernesto Green<\/strong> (2008 HBO Short Film Award Winner &#8211; <em>Premature<\/em>),<\/li>\n<li><strong>Frank E. Flowers<\/strong> (2003 HBO Short Film Award Winner &#8211; <em>Swallow<\/em>),<\/li>\n<li><strong>Steven Caple, Jr.<\/strong> (2013 HBO Short Film Award Winner &#8211; <em>A Different Tree<\/em>), and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cWe are thrilled to partner with our founding sponsor, HBO, and kick off this year\u2019s festival with the legendary HBO Short Film Award Showcase,\u201d said NICE CROWD President Nicole Friday. \u201cThis year\u2019s HBO Short Film Award Showcase, Spotlight Screenings, Series and Voices of Culture lineups present even more talented Black creatives, and we are delighted to share such diversity in our programs for all audiences to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sirius XM\u2019s Bevy Smith, host of Bevelations, will emcee the this year&#8217;s HBO Short Film Award Showcase which will display works of incredible Black women directors including: <em><strong>Chocolate with Sprinkles<\/strong><\/em>, a sweet family fantasy\/drama, starring Reno Wilson, directed and written by Huriyyah Muhammad; <em><strong>Muna<\/strong><\/em>, United Kingdom story of British-Somali teenager explorations of grief and culture directed and written by Warda Mohamed; <em><strong>Once Upon a Dime<\/strong><\/em>, profound perspective of the unhoused community, directed and written by Lauren Julia; <em><strong>The Brown Dog<\/strong><\/em>, an animated short narrated by the late Michael K. Williams and directed by Nadia Hallgren and Jamie-James Medina; and <em><strong>The Rebel Girls<\/strong><\/em>, 1960s civil rights story directed and written by Felicia D Henderson and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s an honor to return to ABFF and open the festival with the HBO Short Film Award Showcase,\u201d said Dennis Williams, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery. \u201cNow in its 27th year, the HBO Short Film Award Showcase is a defining example of our commitment to ABFF and to launching the careers of emerging Black filmmakers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the 2024 Spotlight Screenings is comprised of various projects from networks and streamers including previously announced <em><strong>Devil in a Blue Dress<\/strong><\/em> as part of the Denzel Washington Retrospective, courtesy of Sony Picture Entertainment; the premiere of <em><strong>Down In the Valley<\/strong><\/em>, a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of \u201cP-Valley\u201d courtesy of STARZ; the world premiere of <em><strong>Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys<\/strong><\/em>, a documentary on Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard courtesy of A&E; the world premiere of the second season of <em><strong>UnPrisoned<\/strong><\/em> starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo courtesy of Hulu and more.<\/p>\n<p>The Series finalists include the world premieres of <em><strong>Groupies<\/strong><\/em>, written, produced, and co-led by Daphnique Springs, an ABFF Alumni and previous winner of the festival&#8217;s comedy competition; <em><strong>On Second Thought<\/strong><\/em>, a thrilling suspense series with cast including Andrea Lewis of Hulu\u2019s <em>Three Ways<\/em>, a previous festival official selection; <em><strong>Mo Brown\u2019s Bodega<\/strong><\/em>, NYC bonafide sitcom written, directed, and starring Mo Brown; and <em><strong>Unsolicited<\/strong><\/em>, a spontaneous witty comedy starring and penned by Barshae Lowery.<\/p>\n<p>By invitation only, the Voices of Culture, a non-competitive category, does not disappoint with a robust lineup of international works from across the USA, Ghana, United Kingdom, and France. The lineup includes <em><strong>The Origin<\/strong><\/em> starring Morris Chestnut and directed and written by Jorge Sanchez; <em><strong>Lucille<\/strong><\/em> starring Loretta Devine &#038; Frankie Faison and directed and written by Warren S. L. Burke; the world premiere of <em><strong>32<\/strong><\/em> starring rising talent Shakira Ja&#8217;nai Paye; and the world premieres of <em><strong>Vigilante<\/strong><\/em> and <em><strong>X: The Interview<\/strong><\/em> short films that amplify Black men representation in the superhero realm; and more.<\/p>\n<p>Winners of the 2024 independent film awards and talent contest will be announced during the \u201cBest of the ABFF Awards\u201d hosted by three-time Emmy award nominee Dondr\u00e9 Whitfield, Saturday, June 15, in the New World Center.<\/p>\n<p>The impact of the ABFF brand extends far beyond the annual gathering in Miami Beach. ABFF proudly serves as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards<sup>&#174;<\/sup> Short Film Awards. Through its various initiatives, partnerships, and platforms, the festival is a vital hub for showcasing the extraordinary talent of Black creatives around the world and throughout the year. For the third year in a row, the American Black Film Festival and American Airlines have partnered to bring more diverse content to their inflight entertainment system on a dedicated ABFF channel. A curated collection of short films from the annual festival are available to watch year-round on the ABFF channel on all American Airlines flights, reaching over 200 million travelers annually. Learn more about ABFF on American Airlines <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1EY6gUX_wnhpR-IxDORXjZtXWMdCGeNyl\/view?usp=drive_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The 2024 festival will take place June 12 \u2013 16 in Miami Beach, followed by an online segment June 17 &#8211; 24 on ABFF PLAY, <a href=\"https:\/\/abffplay.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/abffplay.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The HBO Short Film Award finalists, Spotlight Screenings, Series, and Voices of Culture full lineup is listed below.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">HBO Short Film Award Showcase<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nNow in its 27th year, the HBO Short Film Award, sponsored by HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the world. Five filmmakers are selected as finalists, one grand prize winner will be presented with the HBO Short Film Award and a cash prize of $10,000. The following films represent the finalists for the 2024 HBO Short Film Award.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Chocolate with Sprinkles<\/strong><\/em> *World Premiere<br \/>\nOn their 25th wedding anniversary, a bickering married couple is given one day to do something they haven\u2019t done in 25 years &#8211; work on their marriage.<br \/>\nUSA | 19 min<br \/>\nDirector: Huriyyah Muhammad<br \/>\nWriter: Huriyyah Muhammad<br \/>\nProducer: Okema T. Moore, Yha Mourhia Wright, Cole Sanchez<br \/>\nCast: Reno Wilson, Keisha Thompson, Camron Jones, Lillian Gilbert<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Muna<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nA film about teenage dreams, dislocated grief and unexpected connection, following a British-Somali teen navigating a confusing mourning period for a family member she never met.<br \/>\nUnited Kingdom | 19 min<br \/>\nDirector: Warda Mohamed<br \/>\nWriter: Warda Mohamed<br \/>\nProducer: Angela Moneke, Simon Hatton<br \/>\nCast: Kosar Ali, Raha Isse Farah, Elmi Rashid Elmi, Ahmed Nur<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Once Upon A Dime <\/strong><\/em> *World Premiere<br \/>\nNkosi plans and executes the perfect first date, but as the sun sets, we realize that things with Nkosi aren&#8217;t quite what they seem.<br \/>\nUSA | 12 min<br \/>\nDirector: Lauren Julia<br \/>\nWriter: Lauren Julia<br \/>\nProducer: Lauren Julia<br \/>\nCast: Quincy Chad, Anjali Khetan<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>The Brown Dog <\/strong><\/em> *World Premiere<br \/>\nNight after night, a watchman clocks into his lonely booth and spends hours composing endless security logs to stay awake, as he slowly descends into darkness.<br \/>\nUSA | 14 min<br \/>\nDirector: Nadia Hallgren, Jamie-James Medina<br \/>\nWriter: Willis Earl Beal<br \/>\nProducer: Nadia Hallgren, Jamie-James Medina, Michael Stirton<br \/>\nCast: Michael K. Williams, Steve Buscemi<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>The Rebel Girls <\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n&#8220;The Rebel Girls&#8221; is the true story of the 1960s fight for Civil Rights through the eyes of the girls who reinvigorated the struggling movement through the power of magical thinking, friendship, faith, and fortitude.<br \/>\nUSA | 22 min<br \/>\nDirector: Felicia D Henderson<br \/>\nWriter: Felicia D Henderson<br \/>\nProducer: Felicia D Henderson, Katrina Kudlick<br \/>\nCast: Nika King, Kyanna Simone, Nia Sondaya, Honey Robinson, Asia Holiday, Josephine Lawrence, Avynn Crowder-Jones, Maxcianna Saintilus<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Spotlight Screenings<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nThe Full Spotlight-Screenings Lineup:<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Affion Crockett Presents Microphone Masters: Comedy, Community, and Collaboration<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n&#8220;Affion Crockett Presents Microphone Masters: Comedy, Community, and Collaboration\u201d moderated by Talitha Watkins, President &#038; Head of ColorCreative, with panelists Affion Crockett, Actor, Comedian, and Producer; Delmar Washington, Director and Producer; and Keesha Boyd, VP, Entertainment Products, Comcast and Executive Producer for the Black Experience on Xfinity. Enjoy a full episode screening and discussion centering on the creative process and collaborative work in bringing this 3-part stand-up comedy docuseries to life. Gain exclusive insights into the team\u2019s process and goals to uplift emerging comedic talent and the partnership with Black Experience on Xfinity to further the mission of growing opportunities for Black storytellers and filmmakers.<br \/>\nRun time: 56 minutes<br \/>\nCreator &#038; Producer: Affion Crockett<br \/>\nCourtesy of: Comcast NBCUniversal Black Experience on Xfinity<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Devil in a Blue Dress<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nIt&#8217;s 1948 and Los Angeles is booming, but Easy Rawlins (Denzel Washington) has seen better days. He&#8217;s just been fired and he&#8217;s got house payments to make, so when Easy is offered a job locating the mysterious Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals), he doesn&#8217;t waste much time saying yes. Now he finds himself drawn into a web of murder, blackmail, brutal cops, and corrupt city politics. Devil In A Blue Dress also stars Tom Sizemore as DeWitt Albright, who hustles Easy into this dangerous game, and Don Cheadle as Mouse, Easy&#8217;s extremely volatile friend. Reminiscent of film noir, this stylish production is based on the book by Walter Mosley. Directed by Carl Franklin with a screenplay by Franklin.<br \/>\nRun time: 101 min<br \/>\nCourtesy of: Sony Pictures Entertainment<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Down In the Valley <\/strong><\/em> *Premiere<br \/>\nDown in the Valley,\u201d a documentary series inspired by the vibrant world of \u201cP-Valley,\u201d set to air in 2024. The six-half-hour episode series hosted, and executive produced by Nicco Annan (\u201cP-Valley\u201d) will take viewers on a tantalizing tour of the Deep South, unveiling a complex South that is equal parts poignant, joyful, and magical.<br \/>\nRun time: 25 min<br \/>\nHost: Nicco Annan<br \/>\nCourtesy of: STARZ<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Found<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nBe the first to see the heart-pounding season two premiere of NBC\u2019s hit crime drama series \u201cFound.\u201d Following will be an intimate conversation with co-showrunner\/executive producer Sonay Hoffman and stars Arlen Escarpeta (\u201cZeke\u201d) and Gabrielle Walsh (\u201cLacey\u201d). PR specialist Gabi Mosley (Shanola Hampton) and her team are dedicated to finding missing people. But Gabi has a chilling secret \u2013 she\u2019s locked up her childhood kidnapper Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) in the basement to help her crack every case. Now Sir has escaped and is on the loose. And her biggest secret is now her biggest threat.<br \/>\nRun time: 43 minutes<br \/>\nCast: Shanola Hampton, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta and Karan Oberoi <br \/>\nCreator: Nkechi Okoro Carroll <br \/>\nShowrunners: Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Sonay Hoffman <br \/>\nCourtesy of: Comcast NBCUniversal and NBC<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nThe definitive documentary on Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard. The film explores how Russell Tyrone Jones created Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard, a Hip Hop alter ego superhero that would ultimately consume him. Featuring interviews with Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan\u2019s Raekwon and Ghost Requested<br \/>\nRun time: 86 minutes<br \/>\nCourtesy of: A&#038;E<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>UnPrisoned <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nJoin the world premiere screening of the second season of Hulu\u2019s heartfelt dramedy \u201cUnPrisoned,\u201d 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\u2019s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn\u2019s 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\u2019s time to call in a professional \u2013 OTHER than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a \u201cfamily radical healing coach,\u201d who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.<br \/>\nRun time: 26:42<br \/>\nCast: Kerry Washington (EP\/Star) and Tracy McMillan (Creator\/EP)<br \/>\nCourtesy of: Onyx Collective, ABC Signature and Hulu<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Series<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nA competitive section for short-form episodic television directed by and\/or both written and produced by persons of African descent. Each series in this section will compete for the Jury Award for Best Series (presented by Comcast NBCUniversal | Black Experience on Xfinity, $2500 cash prize). The following are the 2024 official selections in the Series category:<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Groupies <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nFour determined, marginally educated groupies on a mission to change their destiny by bagging a baller&#8230; or at least his Bentley ?!<br \/>\nUSA | 32 min<br \/>\nDirector: Corey Grant<br \/>\nWriter: Daphnique Springs<br \/>\nProducer: Daphnique Springs, Phaedra Harris<br \/>\nCast: Daphnique Springs, Ciera Angelia. Natasha Chandel, Christian Torres Villalobos<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Mo Brown\u2019s Bodega <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nExplore the bizarre world of a local NYC bodega owner as she attempts to rid herself of the family business against her father&#8217;s wishes, all in hopes to achieve her wildest dreams.<br \/>\nUSA | 8 min<br \/>\nDirector: Mo Brown<br \/>\nWriter: Mo Brown, Xavier Francis, Tiffany Jordan<br \/>\nProducer: Mo Brown, Xavier Francis, Patrice Waite<br \/>\nCast: Mo Brown, Vesta Walker<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>On Second Thought <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nAutumn, a married woman, finds herself entangled in a secret affair that results in her lover mysteriously turning up dead.<br \/>\nUSA | 20 min<br \/>\nDirector: Eric J. Dickens<br \/>\nWriter: Eric J. Dickens<br \/>\nProducer: Eric J. Dickens, Dawn Halfkenny<br \/>\nCast: Dawn Halfkenny, Lawrence Robinson, Andrea Lewis, Robert Gordon<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Unsolicited <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nAn opinionated misfit exposes the personal lives of his sister and new neighbors in a weekly column.<br \/>\nUSA | 29 min<br \/>\nDirector: Chazitear Martin<br \/>\nWriter: Barshea Lowery<br \/>\nProducer: Barshea Lowery, Aysia Moorer, Chazitear Martin<br \/>\nCast: Barshea Lowery, Seth Dousman, Aysia Moore, Shayla Love, Terrill Patterson, Todd Anthony Manaigo, Schwanda Winston, Caroline Avery Granger, Mac Wells, Brandon Dunn<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration:underline;\">Voices Of Culture<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nThis section celebrates diverse voices and perspectives within the filmmaking community. The following films represent the 2024 official selection in this category:<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>1 Up <\/strong><\/em>*USA Premiere<br \/>\nAndrew searches for guidance and connection through his late father\u2019s record collection.<br \/>\nUnited Kingdom |16 min<br \/>\nDirector: Greg Francis<br \/>\nWriter: Greg Francis<br \/>\nProducer: Tobi Kyeremateng<br \/>\nCast: Lamar Waves, Mina Andala, Sean Earl McPherson<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>32 <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nA woman realizes she\u2019s the same age with the same ailment that her father had when he passed away and she finds herself trying to balance the ebb and flow of this bittersweet feeling and phase of her life.<br \/>\nUSA | 15 min<br \/>\nDirector: Stewart Yost<br \/>\nWriter: Shakira Ja\u2019nai Paye<br \/>\nProducer: Shakira Ja\u2019nai Paye &#038; Stewart Yost<br \/>\nCast: Shakira Ja\u2019nai Paye, Gail Bean<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Alli\u00e9s <\/strong><\/em>*USA Premiere<br \/>\nBack from a trip to Africa, Amaury wants to tell his friends that he wants to change his identity.<br \/>\nFrance | 15 min<br \/>\nDirector: Salif Ciss\u00e9<br \/>\nWriter: Salif Ciss\u00e9<br \/>\nProducer: Walid Bekhti<br \/>\nCast: Guillaume Morel, Agathe Mazouin, Alexandre Auvergne, Cl\u00e9mence Coullon, Myriam Fitcher, Mika\u00ebl-Don Giancarli<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Baby Something <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nA Ghanaian-American woman and a Ghanaian-Indian man embark on their journey of parenthood, but the universal politics of race quickly becomes a piercing obstacle for her to overcome.<br \/>\nGhana | 18 min<br \/>\nDirector: Nicole F. Amarteifio<br \/>\nWriter: Nicole F. Amarteifio<br \/>\nProducer: Nicole F. Amarteifio, Ramesh Jai Gulabrai<br \/>\nCast: Nicole F. Amarteifio, Ramesh Jai Gulabrai, Niyara Afua Gulabrai<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Behold A Lady <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nWhen a studious tomboy&#8217;s boyfriend dumps her on the eve of her Latin Quiz Bowl tryouts, she struggles to balance her heartbreak and studies as she transforms her appearance to win him back.<br \/>\nGhana | 16 min<br \/>\nDirector: Britt Williams<br \/>\nWriter: Britt Williams<br \/>\nProducer: Austin Chen, Chris Crema<br \/>\nCast: Alana Kay Bright, AMARR, Naquia Brown, Jon Gentry, Taharka Welcome, Olivia Celine<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Definitely Not A Monster <\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nAfter a beloved icon dies after being accused of rape, his devoted widow invites a journalist into their home to clear his name.<br \/>\nUSA | 19 min<br \/>\nDirector: Brea Cola Angelo<br \/>\nWriter: Brea Cola Angelo<br \/>\nProducer: Jaqueline Fabricius, Koury Angelo, Audra Todd, Stephen Enloe<br \/>\nCast: April Grace, Brea Cola Angelo<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Haven <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nA man questions his notion of a safe place, then confronts disturbing beings that appear in his home.<br \/>\nUSA | 10 min<br \/>\nDirector: Corey Emanuel Jr.<br \/>\nWriter: Corey Emanuel Jr.<br \/>\nProducer: Lili Dessalegn Tegegn, Corey Emanuel Jr., Shellita Boxie<br \/>\nCast: Andre De\u2019Sean Shanks, Kingston Zelaya, Dominique McCllelan, Shelitta Boxie<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>How To Sue The Klan <\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nThe Legacy of the Chattanooga Five.<br \/>\nUSA | 35 min<br \/>\nDirector: John Beder<br \/>\nProducer: John Beder, Benjamin Crump, Cameron S. Mitchell, Raji Ramanathan<br \/>\nCast: Ben Crump, Randolph McLaughlin, Juanita Toney, Nate Crumsey, Sonya Rollins, Connie Rollins, Betty Lawrence Lewis, Roberta Kaplan<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Lucille <\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nA man\u2019s overly talkative wife disrupts her elderly husband&#8217;s day of peace.<br \/>\nUSA | 13 min<br \/>\nDirector: Warren S. L. Burke<br \/>\nWriter: Warren S. L. Burke<br \/>\nProducer: Warren S. L. Burke, Rebecca Herrick<br \/>\nCast: Loretta Devine &#038; Frankie Faison<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>My Brother &#038; Me <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nA coming-of-age story about two brothers who attempt to rob their distant father of their overdue child support.<br \/>\nUSA | 17 min<br \/>\nDirector: Ryan DeForeest<br \/>\nWriter: Ryan DeForeest<br \/>\nProducer: Ryan DeForeest, Lexx Truss, Shandrea Evans<br \/>\nCast: Alexander Bello, Zechariah Eubanks, Rodney Hobbs, Katie Kelley, Micah Kobayashi, Riley Nelson, Thaddeus Newman<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Ninth Life <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nA predominantly non-verbal drama series exploring the interconnections of a group of young BIPOC creatives in London.<br \/>\nUnited Kingdom | 14 min<br \/>\nDirector: JOMO (Tajana Tokyo &#038; Sannchia Gaston)<br \/>\nWriter: JOMO (Tajana Tokyo &#038; Sannchia Gaston)<br \/>\nProducer: Alli Maxwell, Scarlett Anderson, Somesuch, Miriam<br \/>\nCast: Michelle Zan, Gabriel Goux, Yos Clark, Kikz Katika, Lisa Sainvil, Fatou Bah, Benjamin Williams, Robia Milliner, Tajorn Brown, Belen Leroux, Aahkilah Cornelius, Sweetny Ojule, Webster Opiyo, Keith Alexander, Tyrik Patterson, Genesis Lynea &#038; Remi Black<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Promise <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nPromise, a single mother facing deportation and John, an ex-con with a business idea, find their marriage of convenience becoming something more.<br \/>\nUSA | 21 min<br \/>\nDirector: D. Wilmos Paul<br \/>\nWriter: D. Wilmos Paul<br \/>\nProducer: Anuradha Srikanth, Ned Johnson and D. Wilmos Paul<br \/>\nCast: Artrece Johnson and Donnevan Tolbert<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>The Origin <\/strong><\/em><br \/>\nTep, one of the only legitimate heirs of an ancient extraterrestrial power, finds himself forced to join forces with a wise sage and his tribal brother to fight off alien mercenaries sent to eliminate them.<br \/>\nUSA | 26 min<br \/>\nDirector: Jorge Sanchez<br \/>\nWriter: Jorge Sanchez<br \/>\nProducer: Jtasha St. Cyr, Morris Chestnut, Jorge Sanchez<br \/>\nCast: Morris Chestnut, Alimi Ballard, J.Chris Rouse, Lanre Idewu, Kearia Schroeder, Page Kennedy, Jayce Kennedy<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Vigilante <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nIn a world where superheroes overlook the vulnerable, four friends with powers step up to protect their neglected neighborhood.<br \/>\nUSA | 24 min<br \/>\nDirector: Wesley Armstrong<br \/>\nWriter: Phil Dover II<br \/>\nProducer: Jamee Ranta, Diamond Batiste, Alain Fleury<br \/>\nCast: Khleo Thomas, Maestro Harrell, Jaden Martin, Timothy Kennedy, Benjamin Abiola<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>X: The Interview <\/strong><\/em>*World Premiere<br \/>\nA canceled superhero facing eviction turns to his side hustle for survival. As he embarks on his journey, he discovers dark powers are conspiring against him&#8230;<br \/>\nUSA | 19 min<br \/>\nDirector: RJ Barnes, Anthony Rose<br \/>\nWriter: RJ Barnes<br \/>\nProducer: RJ Barnes, Anthony Rose, Anthony Baldino<br \/>\nCast: Brandon Broady, Stephanie Elyse, Jerah Milligan, Jacqueline Legrande, Christopher Hancock, Patrice Lakey, Kate McIntyre, Arayawna Moore, Leah &#8220;L&#8221; Knauer, Jeremy &#8220;Gumbo&#8221; Christian<\/p>\n<p>For festival information, including media credentials and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.abff.com<\/a>. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.<\/p>\n<p>Since its inception, the highly anticipated American Black Film Festival has premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today\u2019s most successful filmmakers, actors, writers and stand-up comedians and is recognized as a standard-bearer of excellence for Black creativity. Continuing its legacy to empower Black artists and showcase a wide range of entertainment content will feature studio premieres, independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, networking and hospitality events.<\/p>\n<p>ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO<sup>&#174;<\/sup> (Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention &#038; Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Sony Pictures Entertainment, TV One Networks, American Airlines, IMDbPro, Meta, Onyx Collective (Official), Amazon MGM Studios, Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Motion Picture Association (MPA), New World Symphony, STARZ, Fulton Films, Procter &#038; Gamble, Northwestern Mutual (Supporting), A&#038;E Network, Getty Images, NYFA, GLAAD, WME, Digital Media Systems, Netflix, Planned Parenthood (Industry), Variety, LA Times (Media).<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><strong>About NICE CROWD<\/strong><br \/>\nNICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company\u2019s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nicecrowd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.nicecrowd.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><strong>Download images of the 28th annual American Black Film Festival HBO Short Film Award Showcase <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/12f5EztsJsgFt4-pjl3KsHse5Wl5nRZVJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Download American Black Film Festival key art <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1snmQKAdG9c3CjtmT26zJ1xzQljvgifOR?usp=drive_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr>\n<p><strong>Media Contact:<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:abff@ledecompany.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">abff@ledecompany.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>For 2024 ABFF Media Credentials please apply <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/9houBYcacDqkNwYeA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HERE<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"soliloquy-excerpt\">\n<div class=\"soliloquy-fc-date\">May 15, 2024<\/div>\n<div class=\"soliloquy-fc-teaser\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":32984,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[338],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2024-press-release"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32700","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32700"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32700\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32701,"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32700\/revisions\/32701"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abff.com\/miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}