The American Black Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to empowering Black talent and showcasing 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.

Twenty-seven years later, the ABFF has become a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists – many of whom have become today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians. It is widely considered the preeminent pipeline for Black artists in front of and behind the camera, and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in the entertainment Industry.

As “the world's largest community of Black film and TV enthusiasts”, the festival draws a live audience of 5,000+ persons to Miami Beach, as well as more than 35,000 virtual attendees on the ABFF PLAY platform. The live festival opens with a Hollywood release followed by a robust lineup of studio premieres, independent films, master classes, panels, talent showcases, and a variety of networking and hospitality events. The virtual segment follows the live festival featuring screenings and panels, reaching an audience spanning across 123 countries.

The 27th annual ABFF will be held in Miami Beach, June 14-18, 2023, and on ABFF PLAY from June 19-25. The American Black Film Festival is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC (ABFFV) is an American entertainment company specializing in the production of events that celebrate Black culture and achievement.

Jury Award -- Best Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Director, Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Actor, Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Documentary Feature
Jury Award -- Best Series (Television or Web)
HBO Short Film Award [Entries without the completed SUBMISSION and RELEASE FORMS attached will not be considered.]

Eligibility criteria is found listed under each category and on https://www.abff.com/miami/submissions/

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Class act all the way. Very professional, deeply organized and much value for the entry. The founders are hands-on, which adds a personal touch to the festival. Delighted that "The Green Couch" was selected and that we had the opportunity to be part. We had a BLAST in Miami....Thank you and many blessings!

    June 2022
  • Ellie Foumbi

    ABFF supported me early in my career and fostered one of my most important creative collaborations. It was an honor to screen my first feature there!

    June 2022
  • Eunice Levis

    Our sci-fi fantasy short film “Ro & the Stardust’ was as an official selection during the 26th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). ABFF went above and beyond to celebrate us and help us build community. An incredible and amazingly well done event. (Special shout out to Nicole Friday for dedicating so much time to selectees and to Shoshana, ABFF staff member at the Regal Theatre. You made the screening experience truly memorable. Thanks sis).

    June 2022
  • Christian Kamaal

    ABFF was my first ever big film festival I'd ever attended and screened a film at. I can't stress how grateful I am for the experience I had. Jeff and Nicole Friday are so down to earth. The panels were very informative. Miami was beautiful, of course. Can't wait to go back.

    June 2022
  • Amazing Event and perfectly organized. Thank you to the American Black Film Festival for letting me be apart of something so special.

    June 2022