As founding and premier sponsor of Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), HBO will once again have a major presence at the industry retreat, playing an integral part in the festival’s efforts to call attention to the universality of black cinema through competition, workshops and panels, networking opportunities and the sharing of creative resources and visions. The ABFF is being held in Miami’s South Beach, June 19-23.
This year, HBO will celebrate its long-standing partnership and support with three key events. In addition, three cast members from HBO’s award-winning original series – Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), Sufe Bradshaw (Veep) and Michael K. Williams (Boardwalk Empire) – will be in attendance.
The 16th Annual HBO® Short Film Award
Thursday, June 20th/8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m./Colony Theater
Presented by HBO
HBO’s prestigious award has been part of the ABFF’s competitive film program since it was established in 1998 to honor the writing and directing talents of emerging Black filmmakers. A special screening will showcase the five films selected for the final round of competition: The Adventures of Edson Jean, written/directed by Edson Jean; Black Girl in Paris, written/directed by Kiandra Parks; A Different Tree, directed by Steven Caple, Jr.; Stone Cars, written/directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and Sweet Honey Child, directed by Talibah Newman, co-written by Newman and Amanda Brennan. The grand prize winner, who will be awarded $10,000, will be announced during the ABFF’s Awards presentation on closing night.
ABFF Comedy Wings Competition Finals
Friday, June 21st/10:00 pm-11:15 pm/Ritz-Carlton, Main Hall
Presented by HBO
Four up-and-coming comics – Trev Houston (Bronx, NY), Raineir Pollard (Los Angeles, CA), Zainab Johnson (New York, NY) and Mike Head (Cleveland, OH) – will compete for the first-ever ABFF Comedy Wings title. The Comedy Wings competition is the ABFF’s national search for comedic talent and its goal is to provide a platform for talented, undiscovered comedians to break into film and television.
Examining the Influence of Fashion Trends in Film and Television
Saturday, June 22/2:00 pm-3:30 pm/ Ritz-Carlton, Main Hall
Presented by HBO and Macy’s
Hollywood has long since held great influence over fashion. Costume and styling have ignited trends, filtered into mainstream stores and shifted the perception of the style-conscious. Understand the power that exceptional wardrobe choices can bring to the life of your characters, defining dramatic tone, place and time. Join HBO and Macy’s to explore the impact of on-screen fashion within America’s rich history of film and television. Moderator: Nicole Friday, Executive Producer. Panelists: Johnetta Boone (Costume Designer), Lloyd Boston (Style Guru), Shawn Outler (Macy’s VP of Fashion Forecasting & Operations).