The American Black Film Festival will return to Miami, Fla., from May 27 to May 31, 2026.
Next year’s film festival heralds the 30th anniversary and will follow the theme of “The Homecoming.” The event will introduce a new curatorial approach with a portion of the lineup shaped by ABFF alumni and longtime supporters.
Founded in 1997, the participating alumni will help design and present programming that aligns with “The Homecoming” theme and showcases the festival’s impact since its inception.
“ABFF has always been about discovery, celebration, and connection,” Jeff Friday, founder of ABFF and CEO of Nice Crowd, said. “For 30 years, we’ve built a platform where diverse talent could be seen, heard, and supported. The Homecoming is about honoring the alumni who helped shape our legacy and inspiring the next generation of storytellers to create work that will define the future.”
Final submissions are now open in the following categories through Feb. 10: narrative features, documentary features, series, voices of culture, South African stories and AI and XR storytelling showcase.
ABFF’s most notable attendees from previous years whose work has also been showcased include Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Kevin Hart, Will Packer, F. Gary Gray, Ben Watkins, Steven Caple Jr., Omari Hardwick, Datari Tuner and Reinaldo Marcus Green.
The festival has also attracted ambassadors including Idris Elba, Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, Lena Waithe, Anthony Mackie, Regina Hall, Tracee Ellis Ross, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long and Larenz Tate while hosting keynote conversations with Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Kenya Barris, Mara Brock Akil, Malcolm Lee, Gina Prince-Bythewood and more.
“As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re reminded of the power of community and the importance of continuing to amplify new voices,” Nicole Friday, President of Nice Crowd, said. “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.”