What is ABFF you ask?
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing narrative feature films, documentaries, shorts and Web originals by and about people of African descent. It is a star-studded event that goes beyond the cinema to include master classes, networking events, and panels featuring the biggest and brightest in Hollywood. In its nineteenth year, the festival is considered the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and TV enthusiasts. This year’s festival was held June 11-14 in New York City.
Why you need to attend next year:
Wether you are simply a film enthusiast, or an aspiring actor/blogger/director/etc., ABFF is the place to be. Not only do you have access to the latest and greatest in film and television — this year’s festival included the New York premiere of DOPE — but you also have access to up-and-coming and A-list on-screen and off-screen talent.
Price is no excuse not to attend — though the festival weekend passes start at around $300+, it is possible to purchase individual tickets for many of the events and screenings for as little as $12.
ABFF 2015 films and web series to look out for:
I was blown away by this film. A must see! I was originally a little thrown by the serious tone of the film (my heart was set on seeing a romcom!), but with limited selections available on Friday, my Mom and I thought we would give it a chance. Divine intervention! This movie will touch the heart, and enrich the mind while also giving you a look at the highs and lows of the music industry. Following the screening Che “Rhymefest” Smith surprised the audience with a performance of a song from the movie and, along with the film’s co-director and producer Ricki Stern, answered questions about its conception as well as his relationship with his father. After the brief Q&A, my Mom and I still had several questions; luckily as things wrapped up my Mom was able to talk with Che for a few minutes in the company of The Fashion Bomb Editor-In-Chief Claire Sulmers.
I was drawn to the web originals showcase on Friday because of the description for Black Actress, a web series created and starring Degrassi alum Andrea Lewis. To no surprise, it was my favorite series of the night.
The series follows struggling actress Kori Bailey (Andrea Lewis) as she navigates life and the ups and downs of the business in the big city. What I loved about the series is although she is trying to making it in the acting world, Kori’s struggle speaks to one many 20-somethings go through in trying to make it in their chosen field. Check out the first episode below!
They have announced that ABFF will take place in Miami next year (a disappointment for those of us above the Mason-Dixon line), but you have a year to save! Please make sure you attend and support!
