5 reasons to attend annual American Black Film Festival
Audiences of all stripes, niche and broad, seem to appreciate universal stories that feature welldeveloped characters, especially in South Florida. And while TV and film aficionados in our tricounty area will certainly benefit from the express travel service offered by the Brightline/ Lyft partnership, a deeper connection awaits our multicultural population.
The annual American Black Film Festival is set to take over Miami Beach from Wednesday through Sunday. And it’s right on time.
America is arguably witnessing a black TV and film renaissance. It’s a long overdue response to the lack of balanced representation in the industry — characters and narratives that illustrate a multidimensional lived experience. Spike Lee, for example, received a six-minute standing ovation and won the coveted Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes — one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
So, why not continue the crosscultural hype with America’s “largest gathering of black film and TV enthusiasts” right here in our backyard?
From feature films to professional industry insights, here are five reasons why you should attend the ABFF in Miami Beach (and a few suggestions on what to check out while you’re there):
1. “Superfly” to receive world premiere at ABFF
“Superfly,” a remake of the 1972 blaxploitation film “Super Fly,” will set the cinematic tone for the festival. According to Variety, “Sony Pictures is opening the title nationwide on the same date to get a two-day jump on Disney and Pixar’s ‘Incredibles 2.’” For you retro fans, expect the sights and sound you’d experience on a Curtis Mayfield soundtrack.
2. Insider insight
“Conversations with Ryan Coogler”: Marvel’s “Black Pan-
ther” was a cultural watershed; director Ryan Coogler will engage the audience about its international impact and provide insight on his successful filmography.
And “Without a Net: The Digital Divide in America”: After watching the film, award-winning actors Jesse Williams and Mimi Valdés will explain, in a panel, the complicated relationship surrounding technology, public schools and the poverty gap.
3. Premieres, web series and narrative competition
“Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story”: Jay-Z’s well-researched docuseries premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, but the tragedy took place here in Florida. It’s close to home.
“Whitney”: This documentary of Whitney Houston seeks to go beyond tabloid headlines and promote an accurate depiction of her brilliant legacy — but it’s hard to escape controversy, even after death. The estate recently responded in disgust to reports of Kanye West paying $85,000 to use a photo of Houston’s drug-filled bathroom as a cover art for Pusha T’s new album. This latest controversy involving her name will ultimately raise interest in this film.
4. Engaging panels and master classes
“Turner Presents Development Demystified” and “Master Class: Film Financing”: “Pick yourself up by your bootstraps” is an American idiom that is often incorrectly used, but the true essence of it, with context, defines entrepreneurship. But it takes a village. Learn the film ropes with these professional experts.
5. Business networking
The ABFF website claims the festival is a “vital pipeline for Black talent in front of and behind the camera.” In other words, it’s a great place for business and networking for anyone working in or trying to break into the film industry. Sure, expect five days of red carpet extravaganza and exclusive parties, but founder Jeff Friday also wants to stress the importance of building a sustainable talent and business ecosystem.