The American Black Movie Pageant (ABFF) made a dynamic return to Miami Seashore, delivering 5 electrifying days that celebrated the facility of Black artistry and storytelling from June 11 to June 15.
The one-of-a-kind occasion introduced collectively a world neighborhood of filmmakers, creatives, and followers of Black tradition for every week stuffed with thought-provoking panels, unique screenings, high-energy events, and invaluable networking alternatives.
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Listed below are the winners of this yr’s Better of ABFF Award.
Among the many standout moments of the 2025 competition was the announcement of the Better of ABFF award winners. Zoey Martinson’s The Fisherman, a whimsical story a few Ghanaian fisherman who groups up with speaking sea creatures on a journey to Accra, took dwelling prime honors.
Additionally acknowledged was Meta Take One, a psychological thriller from administrators John Dierre and Ryan A. Dutter, which follows a relentless younger filmmaker and his crew as they descend right into a feverish, all-night mission to complete their movie at any price.
Different award-winning titles included Black Girls and Intercourse, Sideline Story, and ADO, every providing recent and resonant takes on Black experiences.
Larenz Tate and Nia Lengthy spoke about their iconic movie Love Jones.
One of many competition’s most cherished highlights was a particular panel that includes ABFF ambassadors Nia Lengthy and Larenz Tate. Titled Remembering Love Jones, the dialog supplied an intimate look again on the 1997 romantic traditional. The duo mirrored on the movie’s vital influence on Black movie via its lyrical dialogue, nuanced performances, and genuine depiction of Black love. The expertise was additional elevated by a curated musical journey via the movie’s legendary soundtrack, enveloping attendees within the soulful sounds and emotional resonance that made Love Jones a generational touchstone.
Whereas chatting with WPLG Native 10, Tate stated that enjoying Darius Love Corridor within the movie was considered one of his greatest accomplishments. He additionally discovered a private reference to the character outdoors of the award-winning movie.
“I’ve a bit little bit of Darius. I don’t assume I used to be as cool as him. He was actual clean,” Tate quipped. “I wasn’t as clean as Darius, however I prefer to imagine that I is usually a little bit of a romantic once I wish to.”
Tate is gearing as much as play the legendary Berry Gordy within the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, and he can’t watch for individuals to see the movie.
“We’re placing collectively a film that we predict goes to be fairly extraordinary,” he added.
The competition additionally tackled urgent social themes via impactful programming. Rising star Da’Vinchi and acclaimed actor Shameik Moore led a strong dialogue on destigmatizing psychological well being in Black communities via cinema. In the meantime, the solid and creatives behind Peacock’s Bel-Air—together with Cassandra Freeman, Adrian Holmes, Olly Sholotan, and showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles—shared insights into how the reimagined sequence challenges stereotypes and redefines Black excellence and wealth on tv.
Further highlights included screenings of 40 Acres, adopted by a dialog with actress Danielle Deadwyler and director/co-writer R.T. Thorne, and Come Collectively: Artwork’s Energy for Change, capped by a compelling dialogue with director Nathan Hale-Williams on the transformative position of artwork in activism.
The festivities wrapped in true ABFF type with The Legendary White Celebration, hosted by Terrence J. With DJ Fly Man on the decks, attendees danced nicely into the early hours, closing out the competition with vitality, pleasure, and celebration that honored the richness and creativity of Black storytelling.
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