The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will mark a major milestone when it returns to Miami Beach for its 30th anniversary celebration, set for May 27–31, 2026. Organizers announced the dates this week along with a call for film submissions under the theme “The Homecoming.”
Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF has grown from a trailblazing platform for independent filmmakers into one of the industry’s leading showcases for stories by and about people of African descent. Each year, the festival draws more than 7,000 attendees for five days of film screenings, panels, master classes, networking events, and lifestyle experiences.
This year’s anniversary edition will feature a special curatorial approach: part of the lineup will be shaped by ABFF alumni and longtime supporters — many of whom launched their careers on the festival’s stage. The goal, organizers said, is to ensure the “Homecoming” theme resonates with the community that has fueled ABFF’s impact for three decades.
“ABFF has always been about discovery, celebration, and connection,” said founder Jeff Friday, who also serves as CEO of NICE CROWD. “The Homecoming is about honoring the alumni who helped shape our legacy and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.”
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 been a launchpad for filmmakers and artists such as Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Kevin Hart, Will Packer, and F. Gary Gray. It has also attracted ambassadors and speakers including Idris Elba, Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, and more.
Film submissions are now open in several categories, including:
- Narrative Features – Full-length films by filmmakers of African descent, eligible for Jury Awards such as Best Narrative Feature and Best Director. First-time directors may also qualify for the John Singleton Award for Best Debut Feature.
- Documentary Features – Non-fiction films directed by or about people of African descent.
- Series – Short-form series competing for the Jury Award for Best Series.
- Voices of Culture – An invitational showcase of short films highlighting the global Black experience.
- African Stories – Short films from Africa’s emerging filmmakers.
- AI and XR Storytelling Showcase – Innovative works using artificial intelligence and immersive technologies, curated with GRX Immersive Labs.
The deadline for submissions is February 10, 2026, and details are available at www.abff.com/miami/submissions.
Current sponsors for the 30th anniversary include the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ally Financial, American Airlines, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, and Variety.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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