American Black Film Festival announces dates for 30th anniversary edition

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), a leading platform for film and television content by and about people of African descent, has announced its 30th anniversary edition. The festival will return to Miami Beach from May 27–31, 2026, under the celebratory theme “The Homecoming.”

Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF was created to strengthen the independent film community through collaboration, education, and resource sharing. Over three decades, the festival has evolved into a premier talent discovery platform, attracting filmmakers, executives, and enthusiasts from around the world. Each year, more than 7,000 attendees gather for screenings, panels, master classes, networking events, and lifestyle experiences. Submissions for the 2026 festival are now open at www.abff.com/miami/submissions.

In honor of its milestone, the 2026 festival will feature a unique curatorial approach, with portions of the lineup shaped by ABFF alumni and longtime supporters. These artists, many of whom launched their careers through the festival, will help design programming that reflects the “Homecoming” theme and the festival’s three-decade legacy.

“ABFF has always been about discovery, celebration, and connection,” said Jeff Friday, Founder of ABFF and CEO of NICE CROWD. “For 30 years, we’ve built a platform where diverse talent could be seen, heard, and supported. The Homecoming is about honoring the alumni who helped shape our legacy and inspiring the next generation of storytellers to create work that will define the future.”

Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD, added, “ABFF has become more than a festival — it’s a cultural home. We can’t wait to welcome our alumni, audiences, and industry partners back to Miami for what will be our most meaningful celebration yet.”

Over the years, ABFF has showcased the early work of notable filmmakers, including Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Kevin Hart, Will Packer, F. Gary Gray, Ben Watkins, Steven Caple Jr., Omari Hardwick, Datari Turner, and Reinaldo Marcus Green. The festival has also attracted celebrity ambassadors such as Idris Elba, Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, Lena Waithe, Anthony Mackie, Regina Hall, Tracee Ellis Ross, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, and Larenz Tate, while hosting keynote conversations with Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Kenya Barris, Mara Brock Akil, Malcolm Lee, and Gina Prince-Bythewood, among others.

Submissions for the 30th annual ABFF are open until February 10, 2026, across the following categories:

• Narrative Features – Competitive section for feature-length films by or about persons of African descent. Jury Awards include Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, and the John Singleton Award for Best Debut Feature for first-time directors.

• Documentary Features – Competitive section for non-fiction features directed by or about persons of African descent. Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature.

• Series – Competitive section for short-form series by or about persons of African descent. Jury Award for Best Series.

• Voices of Culture – Non-competitive showcase of short films by persons of African descent, presented by invitation only, reflecting the global Black experience.

• African Stories – Non-competitive showcase highlighting Africa’s emerging filmmaking talent and cultural storytelling.

• AI and XR Storytelling Showcase – Non-competitive showcase of innovative works created using artificial intelligence and immersive technologies, curated in partnership with GRX Immersive Labs.

For more information on submitting or registering, visit www.abff.com.