June …

American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a premier annual event that has significantly shaped American cinema and culture by championing stories by and about people of African descent and providing a vital platform for Black filmmakers to connect, create, and be celebrated.

The festival traces its origins to June 1997, when it was first held as the Acapulco Black Film Festival in Acapulco, Mexico. It was founded by Jeff Friday, Byron E. Lewis, and Warrington Hudlin to counter the lack of diversity and access they observed in major industry events and to create a space where Black creatives could network, collaborate, and elevate their work outside of mainstream constraints.

The founders drew on their experience in advertising, business, and Black cultural advocacy, united by a mission to provide greater opportunities, visibility, and industry access for Black filmmakers and storytellers who were often overlooked in Hollywood and beyond. From its early years in Acapulco, the festival introduced awards, workshops, training sessions, and networking forums that helped emerging directors, writers, and actors refine their craft and gain exposure.

In 2002, ABFF was renamed the American Black Film Festival and later moved to Miami Beach, where it became an annual gathering attracting thousands of filmmakers, executives, and film lovers. It is an independent Oscar-qualifying event.

Key participants over the years have included industry professionals, major studios, and media personalities who support the festival’s goals of artistic expression, education, and industry collaboration. Sponsors and partners such as HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, Comcast NBCUniversal, and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau have played important roles in expanding its reach and impact.

ABFF’s audience is broad and international, encompassing emerging talent, established artists, film executives, and enthusiasts passionate about diverse voices in storytelling. Its mission — to empower Black artists and content creators, promote diverse narratives, and strengthen artistic community — has led to the discovery and advancement of numerous filmmakers and actors who have gone on to shape Hollywood and global cinema.

The cultural contributions of the American Black Film Festival have been recognized through its inclusion in honors and archives celebrating Black creative achievement. It continues to be a cornerstone of representation, innovation, and celebration in American entertainment.