tentenThe American Black Film Festival, an annual event dedicated to recognizing Black talent in film and television is underway, providing opportunities, strengthening the community and nurturing expression. Like Outfest, which also runs this week (showcasing LGBTQA+ entertainment), ABFF provides a plethora of online content, and this fest is free. Powered by the nation’s “largest community of black film and television enthusiasts,” the event attracts an impressive array of celebrities and creatives from the world of Black cinema, and offers studio premieres, panels and virtual networking events. Some news making moments have already come out of it this year, but highlights still to come include a “Hot at Amazon,” panel featuring Little Marvin and Lena Waithe (from THEM), Barry Jenkins (The Underground Railroad), Tayarisha Poe (Selah and the Spades), and more, on Tues., Aug. 25; “In Control: Black Female Perspectives on Directing and Storytelling” with Black female directors including Gina Prince- Bythewood, Christine Swanson, and Jacqueline Olive, on Fri., Aug. 28; and STARZ’s “Power Book II: Ghost” featuring the cast and creators of the show such as Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Michael Rainey Jr., Naturi Naughton, Mary J. Blige, Monet Stewart Tejada and Cliff “Method Man” Smith, also on Friday. It all wraps up with their big awards show featuring big name presenters including Lee Daniels, La La Anthony, Spike Lee, Logan Browning and many more, on Sat., Aug. 30. Films are available to stream throughout the festival.
For more info go to abff.com/.