American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
Jun 11, 2025 – Jun 15, 2025
Experience the transcendent power of community like nowhere else at the world’s premier event for Black filmmakers. The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) returns to the heart of sunny Miami Beach June 11-15, 2025. The ABFF is a transformative force that has elevated Black voices, nurtured emerging talent, and reshaped industry narratives about Black culture. The ABFF is renowned for fostering a dynamic global community of creatives; empowering Black artists and spotlighting a diverse array of entertainment content created by and for individuals of African descent. Whether you’re a local with a front-row seat to Miami’s artistic scene or a tourist seeking an unforgettable experience, the ABFF will give you a new perspective into the heart and soul of Black creativity. An event like no other, the festival brings together enthusiasts of Black culture alongside industry executives and content creators from across the globe for five days filled with screenings, engaging talk events, exclusive parties, and invaluable networking opportunities.
What to Expect at ABFF
Enjoy five days celebrating all things Black cinema with film premieres, celebrity talks, industry master classes, exclusive parties, high-powered networking, and more alongside more than 7,000 people; including artists, executives, and film fans. From glamorous red carpets buzzing with excitement to insightful conversations and master classes on filmmaking secrets to exclusive parties, this event has something for everyone. Mix and mingle with filmmakers, directors, actors and fellow movie lovers as you foster diversity and inclusion in the film and television industry.
Grab Your Tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on what type of festival adventure you want and whether you secure early bird tickets or regular admission. Early bird movie passes start at $110, while the the most popular Deco Pass grants access to most events for $630 and up.
Celebrating 29 Years of ABFF
Founded in 1997, ABFF has championed Black talent by showcasing works by and about Black people, providing a crucial platform for emerging creatives. Over the past 29 years, ABFF has grown into a cornerstone of Black storytelling, becoming what it calls “the world’s largest community of Black film and TV enthusiasts.” Held annually in Miami Beach, ABFF attracts over 7,000 live attendees each year. More than just a film festival ABFF is a powerful force for inclusion and empowerment in Hollywood and beyond.
Today, ABFF celebrates Black talent in front of and behind the camera by fostering careers for actors, producers, directors and comedians. By providing a platform that celebrates diverse stories, ABFF has allowed many of today’s most successful Black creatives to hone their skills and gain valuable exposure, making ABFF one of the leading pipelines for Black artists. ABFF is proudly sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).
More details about premieres, screenings and festival parties will be released closer to the event.
By: Zebrina Edgerton-Maloy | Updated Oct. 18, 2024
About the Festival
Now celebrating its 29th year, the American Black Film Festival remains the preeminent event of its kind, empowering Black artists and spotlighting a diverse array of entertainment content created by and for individuals of African descent. An event like no other, the festival brings together enthusiasts of Black culture alongside industry executives and content creators from across the globe for five days filled with screenings, engaging talk events, exclusive parties, and invaluable networking opportunities.
This year’s festival, will take place from June 11-15 in Miami Beach.
Submit Your Work
The ABFF is dedicated to showcasing global film and television content created by and about people of African descent. Now accepting submissions for narratives, documentaries, series, and shorts.
Early deadline: November 15
Final deadline: February 28
Explore the full schedule of events.
2025 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
(Updated 12/12/24 & Subject to Change)
Festival Registration Center
Miami Beach Convention Center (2nd Floor)
11:00 am – 6:30 pm
Official Selection Screenings
Miami Beach Convention Center (Screening Room 2)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Master Class: Producing Stories for Global Audiences on a Budget
Presented by New York Film Academy NYFA Miami – South Beach
(Separate Ticket Required)
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Red Carpet Reception
(Industry Pass Holders Only)
7:30 pm
Welcome Remarks & Opening Night Film
New World Center &
Miami Beach Convention Center
10:30 pm
Opening Night Party
Bass Museum
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Festival Registration Center
Miami Beach Convention Center (2nd Floor)
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Master Class: Act It Out: Scene Exploration
Presented by New York Film Academy NYFA Miami – South Beach
(Separate Ticket Required)
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Official Selection Screenings
Miami Beach Convention Center (Screening Room 2) & O Cinema South Beach
10:30 am – 7:30 pm
Talk Events – Panels, Seminars and Creator Conversations
New World Center – Performance Hall & Truist Pavilion
11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Spotlight Screenings
Miami Beach Convention Center (Screening Room 1)
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Meet The 2025 Social Media Ambassadors
Miami Beach Convention Center (2nd Floor)
8:45 pm
28th Annual HBO Short Film Showcase
New World Center – Performance Hall
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Festival Registration Center
Miami Beach Convention Center (2nd Floor)
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Master Class: Making Choices as a Director
NYFA Miami – South Beach (Separate Ticket Required)
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Official Selection Screenings
Miami Beach Convention Center (Screening Room 2) & O Cinema South Beach
10:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Talk Events: Panels, Seminars & Creator Conversations
New World Center – Performance Hall & Truist Pavilion
11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Spotlight Screenings
Miami Beach Convention Center (Screening Room 1)
10:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Because They’re Funny Comedy Show
New World Center – Performance Hall
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Festival Registration Center
Miami Beach Convention Center (2nd Floor)
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Master Class: The Art of Emotional Writing: Engaging Audiences Scene by Scene
NYFA Miami – South Beach (Separate Ticket Required)
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Official Selection Screenings
Miami Beach Convention Center (Screening Room 2) & O Cinema South Beach
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
“Best of ABFF Awards” Ceremony New World Center – Performance Hall
10:30 am – 7:30 pm
Talk Events – Panels, Seminars & Creator Conversations
New World Center – Performance Hall & Truist Pavilion
11:00 am – 7:30 pm
Spotlight Screenings
Miami Beach Convention Center (Screening Room 1)
8:45 pm – 10:00 pm
ABFF Retrospective
New World Center – Performance Hall
10:30 pm – 2:30 am
The Legendary White Party
M2 Nightclub
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Miami Community Day
The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (Free Public Event)
