PERFORMANCE IN MOTION: ACTING THROUGH MOVEMENT MASTERCLASS WITH JAMES T. LANE
Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
11:00 am
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
Step into the spotlight with an interactive musical theatre dance and characterization masterclass from NYFA instructor and current Chicago star James Lane! Together, we’ll explore iconic choreographic moments from films like The Wiz, Dreamgirls, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller—exploring how movement and character come together on screen. And think flash mob challenge – we’ll curate the choreography to fit the challenge of the environment. Get ready to move, perform, and perform a bit of storytelling through dance in a whole new light.
Tickets $25 + fees via Eventbrite
“MONEY WELLNESS AND THE CREATOR” WITH NATURI NAUGHTON-LEWIS
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Presented by Ally
2:15 pm
Ally will host an intimate one-on-one conversation with actress and singer Naturi Naughton-Lewis to learn about her journey to financial independence and how smart saving, budgeting, and building a healthy relationship with her finances have played a key role. The fireside chat, moderated by Ally’s Erica Hughes, will explore how creativity and money can work in partnership to ignite your best life. Join us for practical tips and insights on thriving as a financially independent creator in the entertainment industry.
Moderated by: Erica Hughes, Sr. Director-PR, Ally Financial
Tickets $12 + fees via Eventbrite
THE FISHERMAN
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NARRATIVE FEATURE | GHANA | 106 min
4:50 pm
(Winner, 2025 American Black Film Festival Best Narrative Feature and Best Director)
In Zoey Martinson’s award-winning feast of magical realist comedy, aging Ghanaian Atta Oko sets his sights on finally having his own boat and becoming the envy of his village, he’ll just need help from a talking dead fish first. Talkback to follow with writer-director Zoey Martinson and producer Korey Jackson.
Director: Zoey Martinson | Writer: Zoey Martinson | Producers: Kofi Owusu Afriyie, Korey Jackson | Executive Producer: Yvonne Orji | Cast: Ricky Adelayitar, Endurance Grand, William Lamptey, Kiki Romi, Adwoa Akoto, Dulo Harris
Tickets $12 + fees via Eventbrite
2025 HBO® SHORT FILM SHOWCASE
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SHORT FILMS | 78 min
8:30 pm
The 2025 HBO Short Film Showcase spotlights the five finalists from the 29th American Black Film Festival, selected from a pool of thousands. Together, these films reflect the vitality, humor, and complexity of contemporary Black storytelling.
The program features the following lineup: ADO (Written by Sam Henderson and Ryan Romine; Directed by Sam Henderson), A Beauty Supply in Queens (Written by Princess Adenike; Directed by Oluseyi Olatujoye and Princess Adenike), In Good Hands (Written by Yasmine Crawley; Directed by Nick Buchheit), ManBooBs (Written and Directed by Luke Harris), and Last Hoorah at G-Baby’s (Written and Directed by DeeDee Casimir).
Following the screenings, filmmakers Princess Adenike, Oluseyi Olatujoye, Sam Henderson, Nick Buchheit, and Yasmine Crawley will join in conversation.
Tickets: $12 + fees via Eventbrite
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
BOB TALKS
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PANEL
12:00 pm
BOB Talks (Black-Owned Brands) is a panel series celebrating Black entrepreneurship. This edition spotlights New York–based founders and their standout brands, featuring candid conversations on the realities of building a business—from navigating challenges to achieving success. The session offers practical insights and inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Featured founders include Kim Harris of Harlem Hops, Rony Byas Jr. & Harvey Leon of Byas & Leon, Jasmin Foster of Be Rooted, and Terri Johnson of Harlem Candle Co.
Moderated by: Nicole Friday (President & Co-founder, NICE CROWD)
Tickets: $12 + fees via Eventbrite
FATHERLESS NO MORE
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DOCUMENTARY FEATURE | USA | 86 min
2:35 pm
Fatherless No More chronicles the remarkable journey of an Orlando-based pastor and former Super Bowl Champion who was driven by a divine calling to move into an RV at a place often deemed hell on earth, Rikers Island. Talkback to follow with director/producer Kayla Johnson and Pastor Tim Johnson.
Moderated by: Crystal McCrary
Director: Kayla Johnson, Co-director Ashly Robinson | Producers: Cole Anthony, Cece Winans, Ashly Robinson, Kayla Johnson, Michelle Duffie | Cast: Tim Johnson, Malik Bacchus, Jayden Mayo, and Tristian Williams
Tickets: $12 + fees via Eventbrite
“A CREATOR CONVERSATION” WITH MALCOLM D. LEE
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5:40 pm
Join acclaimed writer, director, and author Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Girls Trip) for an intimate conversation exploring his creative process and celebrated career. From shaping enduring stories of friendship and love to directing box-office comedies that define a generation, Lee has built a body of work that resonates across audiences. This candid discussion will highlight his journey as a filmmaker, the challenges and triumphs behind his success, and his perspective on the evolving landscape of contemporary cinema.
Moderated by: Melyssa Ford
Tickets: $25 + fees via Eventbrite
CAN YOU STAND THE RAIN
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NARRATIVE FEATURE | USA | 90 min
8:15 pm
A group of lifelong friends reunite after the sudden death of their childhood anchor, only to confront buried dreams, hidden tensions, long-held regrets — and the truth about who they’ve become… and who they still might be. Talkback to follow with director, writer, and producer Eden Marryshow.
Director: Eden Marryshow | Writer: Eden Marryshow | Producers: Eden Marryshow, Lisa Lamattina, Evan Bass, Cesa Pledger, Donna Augustin-Quinn, Hans Marryshow | Cast: John Bermudez, Steve H. Broadnax III, Jaben Early, Devin E. Haqq, Eden Marryshow, Stephen Conrad Moore, Adesola Osakalumi, Cesa Pledger, Celestine Rae, Jaime Lincoln Smith, Brandhyze Stanley, Analisa Velez, Jasmin Walker, Devale Ellis
Tickets: $12 + fees via Eventbrite
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