ABFF celebrates 30 years with Homecoming edition

Organisers of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) have announced dates and a call for submissions ahead of its 30th anniversary edition.

The milestone event is scheduled to take place on Miami Beach from May 27, 2026 to May 31st, 2026.

According to the organisers, this year’s festival will be held under the theme ‘The Homecoming,’ bringing together alumni, actors and industrial experts who have helped shape the event over the past three decades.

In a statement, founder of ABFF and Chief Executive of NICE CROWD, Jeff Friday said the anniversary would honour the festival’s legacy while looking to the future.

“For 30 years, we’ve built a platform where diverse talent could be seen, heard and supported,” Friday said.

“The Homecoming is about celebrating the alumni who helped shape our legacy and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.”

Ahead of the main event, the 2026 ABFF Honors ceremony will take place on February 16 in Beverly Hills where actress and director Angela Bassett will receive the Excellence in the Arts Award.

Other honourees include Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and actor Damson Idris.

The ceremony will also pay tribute to the creative team behind the film ‘Sinners’, led by filmmakers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, and Michael B. Jordan.