The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) hosted its in-person program from June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment on ABFF PLAY from June 17-24. ABFF Creative Director Issa Rae and Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday welcomed attendees to the opening night on June 12 in Miami Beach.
“This festival means so much to me because of the community here,” Issa Rae remarked during her opening speech. “I have formed many of my creative partnerships at this festival and developed collaborative projects. This is the space to do it, especially now that our spaces are being taken away from us. What better place to maintain our status and community than here?”
Despite the heavy rain that drenched South Florida that evening, Rae emphasized the festival’s importance. “If you’re going to dance in the rain, just put your hair in a bonnet or a shower cap,” she joked. “Let’s get it!”
Over five days, filmmakers, actors, comedians, and more braved torrential rain and flooded Miami streets to network, celebrate, and create during the 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Kicking off on Wednesday, June 11, the planned schedule experienced slight shifts, with postponements and cancellations due to travel delays and safety concerns. However, as many attendees know, the show must go on. As the weather improved, attendees arrived in the beach city from across the country, eager to watch defining works from rising creators and established talents.
ABFF 2024 opened for the first time with the HBO Short Film Award Showcase, featuring films directed by all Black women. Opening remarks were delivered by Nice Crowd President & COO Nicole Friday, with the event hosted by Bevy Smith and closed out by ABFF Creative Director Issa Rae.
The week continued with countless screenings, panels, brunches, parties, and more, providing opportunities for those in front of and behind the camera to network and interact freely. Highlights included the 2024 Pronghorn x ABFF Legendary White Party, with special appearances from NLE Choppa, Meagan Good, and Cory Hardrict. Additionally, Netflix hosted a Black Excellence Brunch in honor of Andra Day, Ally Financial treated media guests to a closing reception, and Denzel Washington reflected on his iconic career, with a FaceTime appearance from Pauletta Washington.
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