THE 20TH ANNUAL AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL – Miami – June 15-19
Celebs Share their #ABFF20 Moments via Instagram
Actor Lamman Rucker
STAY TUNED FOR MORE PHOTOS & VIDEO!!
ABFF Recap & TV ONE Represents at the 20th Annual American Black Film Festival
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 – Opening Night Film: Central Intelligence Courtesy of Warner Bros., Presented by MPAA Warner Bros. Pictures’ Central Intelligence, an action comedy starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Aaron Paul and TV One’s Born Again Virgin’s leading actress Danielle Nicolet.
THURSDAY, JUNE 16 – “A Conversation with Common” Presented by American Airlines Roland S. Martin, host and managing editor of TV One’s News One Now, the only daily news program dedicated to Black viewers, served as the moderator of “A Conversation with Common,” a dynamic discussion with this year’s ABFF Ambassador – Oscar-winning recording artist, multi-Grammy winner and actor Common (Barbershop, Selma). 
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 – TV One’s “Cool Out” Lounge
Sonya Jenkins attends TV ONE social events.
TV One Attendees: Various Executives & All ABFF Deco and Sobe Pass Holders Description: ABFF’s Deco and Sobe pass holders were invited to stop by TV One’s Cool Out Lounge to enter for a chance to win a TV One REPRESENT swag bag and cool off from the heat with a frozen margarita and light refreshments. Attendees also enjoyed relaxing music, TV One programming and additional information on TV One’s ABFF Celebrity Scene Stealers, and Spotlight and Community Screening events.
TV One Presents “Celebrity Scene Stealers” Location: Ritz Hotel Ballroom, Salons 2 &3, 1 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 TV One Attendees: Keith Robinson, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Riley, Wesley Jonathan, Tyler Lepley, Jackie Long, Sevyn Streeter, Raney Branch Description: This year’s TV One Screenplay Competition finalists – N’Zuri Za Austin (“Tale of a Script”), Cherhonda Gunn & Traci Rooks (“The Fandom”), and Michelle McKissic (“Downsized”) set up and direct a scene performed by actors Robert Ri’chard, Rob Riley, Wesley Jonathan, Jackie Long and Raney Branch in front of a live audience during the annual TV One’s “Celebrity Scene Stealers” event. Actor Keith Robinson (Get On Up, This Christmas, Dreamgirls) will serve as host.
SATURDAY, JUNE 18 TV One’s “Cool Out” Lounge TV One’s Bad Dad Rehab Spotlight Screening 2015 ABFF Screenplay Competition Winner TV One Attendees: Keronda “KiKi” McKnight, Carl Seaton, Malik Yoba, Wesley Jonathan, Robert Riley, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri’chard and Kandi Burruss Description: After turbulence with their respective baby mamas and ex-wives forces them to take definitive action, four men in denial of their poor parenting skills attend a rehab for “deadbeat dads” that employs unusual methods to help them become true fathers. Through all the hilarity, hijinks, drama and soul-searching, the men of Bad Dad Rehab discover fatherhood is less about making babies, and more about becoming men. The screening was followed by a Q & A with the 2015 TV One Screenplay Competition winner Keronda “KiKi” McKnight, director Carl Seaton and cast members including Malik Yoba, Wesley Jonathan, Robert Riley, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri’chard and Kandi Burruss. TV One’s Ringside Spotlight Screening TV One Attendees: Russ Parr, Tyler Lepley, Sevyn Streeter, Jackie Long Description: Ringside, a TV One original movie written and directed by nationally syndicated radio host Russ Parr, stars Tyler Lepley (Have and Have Nots) as Jaxon Holley, a boxer who amidst his family travails and the distractions of the world of gambling and groupies manages to fall in love with a freelance photographer who may not be who she claims to be. In order to win, he must zone out of the chaos and other distractions, including his family and friends. The screening was followed by Q & A with director and ABFF alum Russ Parr and cast members Tyler Lepley, Sevyn Streeter and Jackie Long. Best of ABFF Awards Ceremony Location: Loews Hotel, Americana 3 & 4, 1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 TV One Attendees: Brad Siegel (President, TV One), D’Angela Proctor (SVP, Original Programming & Production, TV One), and TV One Screenplay Competition Finalists N’Zuri Za Austin (“Tale of a Script”), Cheronda Gunn & Traci Rooks (“The Fandom”), and Michelle McKissic (“Downsized”) Description: Hosted by Chris Spencer (Born Again Virgin, Real Husbands of Hollywood), the “Best of ABFF Awards Ceremony” is the festival’s star-studded closing night ceremony, announcing the 2016 award-winning films and filmmakers. At the ceremony, TV One will announce the winner of its second annual screenplay competition.
SUNDAY, JUNE 19 ABFF Community Day Encore Screenings TV One’s Bad Dad Rehab & Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story
Presented by the GMC 4:30 p.m. ET (Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story) Location: The Lyric Theater in Historic Overtown, 819 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33136 TV One Attendees: Malik Yoba Description: Hosted by Brave Williams, the festival comes to a close in the heart of Miami’s historic Overtown district with encore screenings of TV One’s Bad Dad Rehab, directed by Carl Seaton; Service to Man, directed by ABFF alum Aaron Greer and Seth Panitch; and TV One’s Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, directed by ABFF alum Christine Swanson. ABFF’s multiple social media platforms:
- On Twitter by using hashtag: #ABFF20, #ABFFBackToTheBeach; @ABFF
- On Facebook by liking the fan page, American Black Film Festival
JUST SONYA
AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, BLOGGER, ACTRESS, SONYA JENKINS TAKES ON SOUTH BEACH – #ABFFBackToTheBeach
ABOUT ABFF: The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. Today, the ABFF is recognized as the preeminent pipeline to new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures, LLC., which is a partnership between Film Life, Inc., and Black Enterprise.
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ABFF Encore at BET Experience Will Include Master Classes from Industry Veterans Kenya Barris, Robert Townsend and Tasha Smith Los Angeles, June 9, 2016
BET Networks and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced ABFF Encore at BET Experience, a programming partnership to be unveiled at the 2016 BET Experience @ L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® June 24-26. ABFF Encore at BET Experience will feature select films from the 2016 ABFF, along with master classes in a variety of disciplines including acting, directing and producing. The inaugural event will be held at the L.A. LIVE complex during the BET Experience, a four-day weekend showcasing the best in music, comedy, and entertainment culminating with the 16th annual “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Microsoft Theater. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with BET beyond the ABFF Awards, and present ABFF Encore in conjunction with the BET Experience 2016. This collaboration allows us to further celebrate and showcase the work of ABFF 2016 filmmakers and content creators,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO. As one of the leading film festivals in the world, the ABFF is committed to presenting quality films by and about people of African descent. Founded in 1997, this world class event has served as a vehicle to promote diversity and provide a platform for excellence within the film and television industry. This collaboration between ABFF and BET Networks – which also celebrates the wide-ranging talent of people of color – will provide attendees high-level access to the wealth of artistry that exists within this filmmaking community. “We are thrilled to once again partner with ABFF to showcase the tremendous work and achievements of people of African descent, “said Richard Gay, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Operations at BET Networks. “It is our shared commitment to provide opportunities to people of color both in front of and behind the camera that makes this one of a kind partnership at the BET Experience so significant.” ABFF Encore at BET Experience will commence on Friday, June 24th with the invite-only ABFF Winners Reception, to be hosted by ABFF’s founder, Jeff Friday, and will honor and recognize ABFF award-winning filmmakers. Other weekend events will include “The Ultimate Pitch” master class instructed by producer Robert Townsend and “Tasha Smith’s Actors Workshop” instructed by actress and producer Tasha Smith, as well as moderated ABFF Encore at BET Experience screenings followed by talk-back sessions with filmmakers. ABFF ENCORE at BET Experience Schedule of Events Saturday, June 25 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Robert Townsend’s The Ultimate Pitch / Master Class Instructed by Robert Townsend Venue: JW Marriott /Georgia Room 1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. How To Tell You’re A Douchebag (Screening) Tahir Jetter (Director) Regal LA Live Stadium 14 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Life of a Showrunner / Master Class Speaker: Kenya Barris (Creator, “Blackish”) Venue: JW Marriott /Georgia Room 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Destined (Screening) Qasim Basir (Director) Regal LA Live Stadium 14 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Everything But A Man Nnegest Likke (Director) Regal LA Live Stadium 14 Sunday, June 26 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tasha Smith’s Actors Workshop Instructed by Tasha Smith Venue: JW Marriott /Georgia Room To purchase tickets to ABFF ENCORE at BET Experience, visit BETExperience.com. For a limited time, download the BETX ’16 app powered by AT&T and register to receive a FREE day pass for all three ABFF Encore at BET Experience Film Screenings. Join the conversation on social media by logging on to ABFF’s multiple social media platforms: • On Twitter by using hashtag: #ABFF20, #ABFFENCORE @ABFF • On Facebook by liking the fan page, American Black Film Festival • On Instagram by liking the fan page at Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival • On YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-GzePGxJt8ZzbuLLL8ESVg General tickets for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® are now on sale. Single day STAPLES Center show tickets are priced as low as $49.50, while 3-day STAPLES Center concert ticket packages start at $148.50. Tickets will be available at http://www.axs.com/betexperience. VIP Packages for the BET Experience weekend are now on-sale. In addition to VIP amenities throughout the weekend and incredible seats for the STAPLES Center shows, three levels of BETX VIP Packages offer guests the only opportunity to purchase tickets to the highly anticipated BET Awards, broadcast live from Microsoft Theater. The 1,000+ VIP Packages sold out in 2015, so guests are encouraged to purchase now before the allotment is depleted. Full package amenities and pricing for the Diamond, Platinum and Gold VIP Packages can be found by visiting BETExperience.com or by calling (877) 234-8425. For more information on ABFF Encore at BET Experience, download the BETX ’16 app powered by AT&T, the #1 source for everything BETX, including real-time event updates, full schedules, daily prizes, live streams and much more. Follow BET Experience on Twitter @betexperience for the latest and greatest and join the conversation by using #BETX. Feel free to also check us out online at http://www.betexperience.com. ABOUT ABFF The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. Today, the ABFF is recognized as the preeminent pipeline to new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures, LLC., which is a partnership between Film Life, Inc. and Black Enterprise. ABOUT BET NETWORKS BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B sted NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe. BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA® BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company and developer/operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 23 – 26, 2016 presented by Coca-Cola®. This four-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at The Novo by Microsoft and STAPLES Center; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Microsoft Theater. About AEG AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation, owns, operates or consults with a collection of companies including over 100 of the world’s preeminent facilities such as STAPLES Center (Los Angeles, CA), StubHub Center (Carson, CA), PlayStation Theater (Times Square, New York), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Shanghai, China), Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney, Australia), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Berlin, Germany), and The O2 arena and entertainment district (London, England). Developed by AEG, L.A. LIVE is a 4 million square foot / $2.5 billion downtown Los Angeles sports, & entertainment district featuring Microsoft Theater and a 54-story, 1001-room convention “headquarters” destination. In addition to overseeing privately held management shares of the Los Angeles Lakers, assets of AEG Sports include franchises such as the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and the Amgen Tour of California cycling stage race. Along with AEG Facilities, other global divisions include AEG Live, the world’s second largest concert promotion and touring companies comprised of touring, festival, exhibition, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions and AEG Global Partnerships, responsible for worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships, naming rights and other strategic partnerships. In 2010, AEG launched its AEG 1EARTH environmental program featuring the industry’s first sustainability report while in 2011, AEG introduced AXS a comprehensive entertainment platform serving as the company’s primary consumer brand including AXS Ticketing which provides fans the opportunity to purchase tickets directly from their favorite venues via a user-friendly ticketing interface, Examiner.com and the AXS TV network, a linear cable channel focusing on live entertainment and lifestyle programming available in nearly 40 million homes. AEG’s European headquarters are located in London. Global headquarters are in Los Angeles. For more information, visit: www.aegworldwide.com _________________________________________________
HBO Short Film Competition Finalists and ABFF Films in Competition Announced
THE 20TH AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL WILL SCREEN A WIDE AND DIVERSE SELECTION OF NARRATIVES, DOCUMENTARIES, SHORT FILMS AND WEBISODES IN MIAMI, JUNE 15-19 “CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE” WITH DWAYNE JOHNSON AND KEVIN HART TO PREMIERE AS OPENING NIGHT FILM AT THE ABFF — OMARI HARDWICK SERVES AS ABFF JURY PRESIDENT New York, New York (June 1, 2016) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today the lineup of over 25 narrative features, web originals, short films and documentaries that will be showcased at the Olympia Theater, Colony Theatre and Regal Cinemas in Miami Beach, Florida, June 15-19. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber’s Central Intelligence, presented by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, will make its debut at the festival opening night, Wednesday, June 15, at 7:45 p.m. at the Olympia Theater, located at 174 East Flagler Street. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, the action comedy is one of the most talked about film releases of the 2016 summer season. The film also stars Amy Ryan, Aaron Paul and Danielle Nicolet. The films in this year’s competition will be voted on by a prestigious group of industry tastemakers, executives and filmmakers, led by jury president, actor Omari Hardwick. The 2016 ABFF selection of narratives, web originals, shorts and documentaries showcases diverse content creators, exploring a broad range of topics including love, sex, race, self-identity, politics, relationships, crime and fame. “This year’s films not only reflect diverse storytelling and diversity within the Black experience, but also the technological advances of the times — from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, to a narrative feature film shot entirely on the iPhone 6s. We have people coming from all around the nation to support the work of these talented filmmakers, and we hope that the local community will take part in ABFF as well,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF CEO and Founder. The complete list of films selected for the Narrative Features, Web Originals and Documentary sections, as well as the HBO® Short Film Competition is as follows: OPENING NIGHT FILM CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE Sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber Writer: Rawson Marshall Thurber, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen Producers: Scott Stuber, Peter Principato, Paul Young, Michael Fottrell Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Aaron Paul, Danielle Nicolet “Central Intelligence” follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Dwayne Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former “big man on campus,” Calvin (Kevin Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into, it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than Calvin can count. NARRATIVE FEATURES “IN COMPETITION” DESTINED Writer/Director: Qasim Basir Producers: Tommy Oliver, Rick Rosenthal, Matt Ratner Cast: Cory Hardrict, Jesse Metcalfe, Margot Bingham, Robert Christopher Riley, Zulay Henao, Jason Dohring, Mo McRae, La La Anthony, Hill Harper, James McCaffrey, Curtiss Cook “Destined” tells the parallel stories of Sheed and Rasheed (Cory Hardrict) as they explore the idea of destiny as well as how the smallest incident can become a life-changing event. EVERYTHING BUT A MAN Writer/Director: Nnegest Likké Producers: Nnegest Likké, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Steven J. Wolfe Cast: Monica Calhoun, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Camille Winbush A successful career woman has a life-changing romance with a mysterious man from another culture, whose radical lifestyle differences challenge her perspective on love, relationships and what it means to be a “strong” woman. THE FIX Director: Paris Bauldwin Writer: Paris Bauldwin Producers: Paris Bauldwin, Kenny Lofton, Brenton Earley Cast: Meta Golding, Eric Roberts, Asia Queen, Nicole Steinwedell, Blaine Gray, Jeremy Suarez, Sean O’Bryan, Timon Kyle Durrett, Jeremy Luke Abigail witnesses the shooting of an unarmed teen by an LAPD officer, with whom she is carrying on an affair. To further complicate things, a teenaged girl appears claiming to be the daughter Abigail gave away at birth. HOW TO TELL YOU’RE A DOUCHEBAG Director: Tahir Jetter Writer: Tahir Jetter Producers: Julius Pryor, Marttise Hill, Tahir Jetter Cast: Charles Brice, DeWanda Wise, Jenna Williams, William Jackson Harper, Tonye Patano, Alexander Mulzac A womanizer falls in love in this modern romantic comedy about chauvinism, courtship and millennial woes. SERVICE TO MAN *World Premiere Directors: Aaron Greer, Seth Panitch Writer: Seth Panitch Producers: Aaron Greer, Seth Panitch Cast: Morgan Auld, Christopher Livingston, Lamman Rucker, Keith David Two outsiders from radically different backgrounds struggle to find a common purpose within the pressure cooker of Nashville’s all-black medical school in the 1960s. NARRATIVE FEATURES “WORLD SHOWCASE” HALFWAY Director: Ben Caird Writer: Ben Caird Producer: Jonny Paterson Cast: Quinton Aaron, Jeffrey DeMunn, Gillian Zinser, Amy Pietz, TJ Power, Marcus Henderson A recently released convict finds himself trapped between his urban criminal past and his new life on probation as the only back man in a conservative, white Wisconsin farming town. 9 RIDES Director: Matthew A. Cherry Writer: Matthew A. Cherry Producers: Jerome Caldwell, Matthew Keene Smith, Datari Turner, Monica Young, Natasha Ward, Jaia Thomas, R. Vaughn Gill Cast: Dorian Missick, Omar J. Dorsey, Robinne Lee, Xosha Roquemore, Amin Joseph, Thomas Q. Jones, Skye P. Marshall, Aasha Davis, Sujata Day, Tracie Thoms On the busiest night of the year, an Uber driver in Los Angeles gets life-changing news. FINDING HER *U.S. Premiere Director: Vlad Feier Writers: Vlad Feier, Peter Gutter Producers: Vlad Feier, Ana Paula Rivera, Regina Bang Cast: Johnny Whitworth, Maurice McRae, Afton Williamson, Jeremy Holm, Larry Pine, Danny Johnson Monique Watson goes missing. Police are not doing anything to find a lead. The mission drops on the desk of journalist Christian Baker. KILLING LAZARUS Director: Desmond Faison Writer: Desmond Faison Producer: Jahmela Biggs Cast: Deji LaRay, Tracey Dukes, Wade Maurice Johnson, Jr., Robert Davis, Jahmela Biggs, Rome Green, Jr., Amanuel Richards, Shayla Hale, Billy Mayo Childhood friends turned adult drug dealers struggle to define what’s next in their strained friendship. Anything but typical, “Killing Lazarus” is unlike anything you’ve seen. SECRETS Director: Juwan Lee Writers: Juwan Lee, Jamal Hill Producers: Jamal Hill, Kia Hicks Freeman, Gregory Freeman Cast: Harold Moore, Denyce Lawton, Denise Boutte, Dennis White, Tobias Truvillion When a successful businessman has a sexual appetite larger than what’s on his plate at home, chaos erupts. Tarron’s irresistible co-worker serves it up, while his wife, who’s ironically named Secret, releases a few secrets of her own. ILLICIT *World Premiere Director: Corey Grant Writers: Corey Grant, Lanett Tachel Producers: Kevin Fleming, Lanett Tachel Corey Grant, McKinley Freeman, David Ramsey Cast: David Ramsey, Shireen Crutchfield, McKinley Freeman, Michele Weaver, Lanett Tachel, Dean Cain, Vivica A. Fox, Dionne Gipson, Michael Monks, Essence Atkins, Vincent A. Ward, Sade Kimora Young, Durrell “Tank” Babbs, Charlie Farrell, Adam Senn Sasha and Guy’s marriage is tested when sexy, young lovers, both with dark pasts and hidden nefarious agendas, independently seduce by. HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION *A panel of HBO executives will judge the final entries during the festival. A grand prize of $10,000 will be awarded by HBO to one filmmaker at the ABFF Awards on June 16, 2016, with runners-up each receiving $5,000. All finalists will have the opportunity to have their entries licensed by HBO for exhibition on the HBO service, HBO Go, and HBO Now. THE BIG CHOP *World Premiere Director: Derek Dow Writer: Alisha Cowan Producer: Cayman Grant Cast: Simone Missick, Chinedu Unaka, McKenzie Franklin, Kevin Kilumbu “The Big Chop” takes a look inside the world of natural hair, following a child’s once positive outlook on her hair, through to her adult years, when her perspective is shaken by negative hints from peers, family and media. FLOWERS *World Premiere Directors: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley Writers: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley Producers: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley Cast: Amee Apedo, Belle LeGrand, Tambellini When Brooklyn teens Mya and Erin seek revenge on a teacher their well-calculated plans quickly spiral out of control. GUBAGUDE KO (Blood Is Upon Them) *World Premiere Director: Philiane Phang Writer: Philiane Phang Producers: Annick Jaegy Cast: Mahershala Ali, Erica Tazel A man witnesses a young woman’s rape and experiences the guilt of his inaction. ON TIME *World Premiere Director: Xavier Burgin Writers: Xavier Burgin, Tiara Marshall Producers: Tony Ducret, Kendra Cole, Tim Astor, Angelica Lopez Cast: Inger Tudor, Araija DaCosta, Kevin Craig West, John Marrot, Louis Baker, Jordana Berliner, Amani Starnes Renee Johnson, a mother living in South Central LA, must make a difficult decision when she’s late for her job interview. UGLY *World Premiere Director: LeRon Lee Writer: LeRon Lee Producer: Derrick Williams Cast: Devon Moyd, Andrea-Rachel Parker, Jamal Steven Defreitas, Jo Lee, Kevin Bennett, Jr. A coming-of-age story about a boy looking for love in the wrong place…his own environment. ABFF WEB ORIGINALS 2 SELF HELP BOOKS AWAY FROM PERFECT Director: Lopez Williams Writer/Creator: Kimberly Young Producers: Lopez Williams, Kimberly Young, Morris Young, Richard Monroe, Lori Stewart Tannis, Sam Baumel Cast: Kimberly Young, DJ Cipha Sounds, Nate Gill, Carmen Lynch, Sharron Paul, Jourdan Guyton, Jared Prudoff-Smith, Lauren Besser, Gibran Saleem, Godfrey Taylor, Jr., Sue Berch In “2 Self Help Books Away from Perfect,” we follow Kimmy Monroe, a bright-eyed Brooklynite who, through a series of hilarious and sometimes awkward events, learns that finding true love first begins by accepting one’s true self. BLACK ACTRESS Director: William Alexander Runnels Writers: Andrea Lewis, Austin Hall Producers: Andrea Lewis, Brian Walker, Essence Atkins, Tatyana Ali Cast: Andrea Lewis, Allison Edwards Crewe, Rob Vincent, Tristan Wilds “Black Actress” is a scripted meets documentary style series. Every episode opens with the testimony of a celebrity Black actress, while viewers get to follow the life of Kori Bailey (Andrea Lewis), a struggling Black actress living in New York City, who desperately needs to get out of her own way. FIRST DATES Director: Talibah Newman Writers: Talibah Newman, Uzo Ometu Producers: Talibah Newman, Uzo Ometu Cast: Angela Wildflower, Justin Sams, Shana Solomon, Laci Mosley, Andre Columbus Samantha, a newly divorced political consultant, tries to get her love life back in order, only to find men, friends and her career getting in the way of finding true love. GET YOUR LIFE Directors: Amanda Seales, James Bland Writers: Amanda Seales, Steven Chew Producers: Amanda Seales, Issa Rae, Benoni Tagoe, Quan Lateef-Hill, Marshon Thomas Cast: Amanda Seales, Lil Rel, Godfrey, Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, BT Kingsley, Tehran “Get Your Life” is an edgy scripted comedy about the very non-scripted life of comedian/actress Amanda Seales and her continuing effort to keep it real and find the funny amidst dating cornballs, Hollywood BS and being a new New Yorker to Los Angeles. KINGMAKERS OF OAKLAND Director: Cheo Tyehimba Taylor Writer: Cheo Tyehimba Taylor Producers: Christopher Chatmon, Judd Flemming, Shaka Jamal Cast: Christopher Chatmon, Jerome Gourdine, Baayan Bakari, Jahi, AAMA students “Kingmakers of Oakland” follows the teachers and students of OUSD during the 2015-16 school year as they overcome obstacles both at school and home, and redefine what it means to be a “king.” THE MOVEMENT Directors: Christian Mazza, Jimmy Shelton, Justine Bo Writers: Antonia Hylton, Darnell Moore, Jimmy Shelton Producers: Antonia Hylton, Regina Delea, John Lagomarsino “The Movement” is an original docuseries that explores the work of individuals fighting to reclaim and recover marginalized communities and spaces across America. ABFF DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION DADDY DON’T GO Director: Emily Abt, Andrew Osborne Writer: Emily Abt Producers: Emily Abt, Keryn Thompson, Suzette Burton, Omar Epps, Malik Yoba “Daddy Don’t Go” explores the crisis of fatherlessness in America, documenting two years in the lives of four disadvantaged fathers in New York City as they fight to defy the odds against them. It provides compelling portraits of men who are unwavering in their commitment to parenthood despite the challenges they encounter. JIM BROWN’S AMER-I-CAN DREAM Director/Writer: Aurora Ferlin Producers: Aurora Ferlin, Keith Cardwell, Ronnie Barron Cast: Jim Brown, Monique Brown, Ray Lewis, John Wooten, Rockhead Johnson, Ronnie Barron, Aqeela Sherrills, Julian Mendoza, Tonie Jackson, Anthony Blanks, Jacques White-Barron NFL legend Jim Brown forges an unlikely coalition with former convicts and gang members to stop the deadly wave of violence on America’s streets. OLYMPIC PRIDE, AMERICAN PREJUDICE Director: Deborah Riley Draper Writer: Deborah Riley Draper Producer: Deborah Riley Draper Executive Producer: Blair Underwood, Dr. Amy Tiemann, Michael Draper, Deborah Riley Draper Cast: Isiah Thomas, Carl Lewis, Ambassador Andrew Young, Joanna Hayes, Dr. Tommie Smith, Anita DeFrantz In 1936, when 18 African American athletes, dubbed the “black auxiliary” by Hitler, participated in the Berlin Olympic Games, defying Nazi Aryan supremacy and Jim Crow racism, history forgot all except one – Jesse Owens. This is the story of the other 17. To purchase passes and tickets for events, panels and screenings at the American Black Film Festival, log on to www.ABFF.com Join the conversation on social media by logging on to ABFF’s multiple social media platforms: • On Twitter by using hashtag: #ABFF20, #ABFFBackToTheBeach; @ABFF • On Facebook by liking the fan page, American Black Film Festival • On Instagram by liking the fan page at Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival • On YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-GzePGxJt8ZzbuLLL8ESVg Sponsors for the American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor), TV One, Cadillac, and McDonald’s (Presenting Sponsors); Apple, BET, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential (Platinum Sponsors); AARP, American Airlines, Coors Light, Kwesé Media, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Time Warner, and VH1 (Official Sponsors); Planned Parenthood of America, and TBS (Supporting Sponsor); 21st Century Fox, ABC, ASPiRE, Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, CAA, CNN Original Series, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Motion Picture Editors Guild, RLJ Entertainment, SAGIndie, Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners); Black Enterprise, Ebony Magazine, MIA Magazine, Upscale and TheYBF.com<http://theybf.com> (Media Partners); and Blacknoir.com<http://blacknoir.com> and The JDot Agency (Promotional Partners). ABOUT ABFF: The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The festival is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry, and strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. Today, the ABFF is recognized as the preeminent pipeline to new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures, LLC., which is a partnership between Film Life, Inc., and Black Enterprise. To purchase passes, tickets for events, panels and screenings at the American Black Film Festival, log on to www.ABFF.com. Join the conversation on social media by logging on to ABFF’s multiple social media platforms: • On Twitter by using hashtag: #ABFF20, #ABFFBackToTheBeach; @ABFF • On Facebook by liking the fan page, American Black Film Festival • On Instagram by liking the fan page at Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival • On YouTube, http://StrategicHeights.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5ebe5cb3fff8535bd3025df10&id=b26a2e2b41&e=2a39203255
