American Black Film Festival Returns to New York for 30th Anniversary

By: Bill Allen

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) returned to New York City on Oct. 10-11, bringing two days of film screenings, industry discussions and exclusive television previews to AMC Lincoln Square 13.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, ABFF continued its longstanding mission of showcasing Black talent, amplifying underrepresented stories and creating opportunities for filmmakers and television professionals both in front of and behind the camera.

For three decades, the festival has provided a platform for films that have screened at national and international festivals, while introducing audiences to emerging artists and stories that might otherwise go overlooked. ABFF has also helped educate audiences about the contributions of Black creatives to the film and television industries, documenting people and experiences that have historically received limited recognition.

The festival featured a screening of the first episode of The Rise: The New Moneyball, a series examining the growing influence and financial potential of women's sports.

Although women have long been a powerful force in consumer markets, influencing fashion, food, household products and purchasing trends, investment in women's sports has historically lagged behind that of men's sports. Disparities in athlete compensation, endorsement opportunities and funding for women's leagues remain significant challenges. The series explores the business opportunities surrounding women's athletics and the growing recognition of their economic value.

ABFF also partnered with the New York Film Academy to present a condensed screenwriting master class led by director and producer Dennis Green. The session offered participants an opportunity to explore the craft of screenwriting and gain insight into the creative process behind film and television production.

On day 2 of the festival, attendees were treated to a seeig, Cupertino, a series set in the California community known for its connection to the technology industry. The program stars Michael Colter as a lawyer at a small firm representing clients seeking justice in legal battles against major corporations.

The screenings also included NCIS: New York, a new addition to the CBS NCIS franchise starring LL Cool J, who previously appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles.

Following the screenings, Colter, LL Cool J and CBS News anchor Gayle King participated in question-and-answer sessions, giving audiences an opportunity to hear more about the programs and the people bringing them to television.

As ABFF marks three decades of celebrating Black storytelling, its return to New York underscores the festival's continued role in connecting filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences while providing a platform for stories that reflect the breadth of Black experiences.

The festival's pop-up events will continue in November with stops in Atlanta and Houston, followed by a final stop in Los Angeles, extending its reach to audiences and entertainment communities across the country.