MASTERING THE CRAFT: A SCREENWRITING MASTERCLASS
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Presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)
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11:00 am
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
Join acclaimed writer and producer Carolyn McDonald for an engaging deep dive into the heart of screenwriting. Drawing on her decades of experience shaping award-winning films and teaching the craft, Carolyn breaks down how to generate strong story ideas, build compelling characters, and structure scripts with clarity, momentum, and emotional impact. With her clear, encouraging style, this masterclass delivers practical tools and creative insight to help you elevate your writing and bring powerful stories to the screen.
BEYOND THE ROLE: WEALTH, WORTH & WOMANHOOD — A CONVERSATION WITH TIKA SUMPTER
Presented by Ally
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2:15 pm
In Hollywood and in life women are often cast in roles written by someone else. But what happens when we reclaim the pen?
In this intimate fireside chat, actor, producer and creator Tika Sumpter joins Ally’s Head of Money Wellness, Jack Howard, for a candid conversation about rewriting your personal money story and beliefs. Together they’ll explore the intersection of creative ownership, financial wellness and emotional wealth and how to build a life and career rooted in values, not validation.
Moderated by: Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness
HIT SERIES CROSS RETURNS FOR SEASON 2
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Presented by Prime Video
48 min | TV18+
4:50 pm
Be among the first to experience Prime Video’s hit crime drama CROSS with an exclusive advance screening of the first episode of Season Two, ahead of its February 11, 2026 premiere. Following the screening, join showrunner/executive producer Ben Watkins and stars Matthew Lillard, Johnny Ray Gill, Stacie Greenwell for a live talkback diving into what fans can expect from the upcoming new season. From shocking twists to bold turns in Detective Alex Cross’ journey, the conversation offers a closer look at the stories, characters, and creative vision behind one of television’s most gripping thrillers. An exciting night celebrating dynamic storytelling and the return of a fan-favorite series you don’t want to miss.
Moderated by: Brande Victorian
2025 HBO® SHORT FILM SHOWCASE
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SOLD OUT
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, filmmaker Princess Adenike, Oluseyi Olatujoye, Nick Buchheit, Yasmine Crawley, Luke Harris, and DeeDee Casimir will join in conversation.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
SWIMMING AGAINST THE CURRENT
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Sponsored by AARP
DOCUMENTARY | USA | 60 min
12:00 pm
As most of us dread the idea of getting “older,” the seniors of the “Harlem Honeys and Bears” Synchronize Swim Team inspire us to live our best lives regardless of age.
Talkback to follow with director Aminah Salaam. Moderated by Barry Macon (Director Audience Strategy, AARP).
Director: Aminah Salaam | Producers: Harlem Pix/Darryl Howard, Aminah Salaam
“A CREATOR CONVERSATION” WITH SALLI RICHARDSON-WHITFIELD
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Sponsored by AARP
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2:10 pm
Join acclaimed actor, director, and producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield for an inspiring conversation about her evolution both in front of and behind the camera. From standout performances in film and television to her acclaimed work directing and producing Euphoria, The Gilded Age, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Richardson-Whitfield has become one of Hollywood’s most visionary storytellers. This candid discussion will explore her creative process, leadership, and commitment to authenticity and representation in shaping stories that create lasting impact.
Moderated by Nicole Friday, President and Co-Founder, NICE CROWD
HOOPS, HOPES & DREAMS, PRESENTED BY ANDSCAPE
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DOCUMENTARY | USA | 20 min | PG
4:30 pm
The untold story about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a team of civil rights activists took to basketball courts to connect with young voters, and how their strategy echoes in politics through President Obama’s historic campaign.
Director: Glenn Kaino | Producers: Michael Latt, Alexys Feaster, Glenn Kaino, Afshin Shahidi, Jesse Williams | Cast: Jemele Hill, Reginald Love, Michael Strautmanis, Jerry West, Andrew Young
LA STORIES DOUBLE FEATURE: KENDRAKE & GOOD SHOT
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KENDRAKE
SHORT FILM | USA | 9 min
7:00 pm
In the aftermath of the rap beef heard around the world between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, a divided fanbase emerges. When the tension reaches corporate America, extreme measures must be taken. Introduction given by Affion Crockett.
Director: Affion Crockett | Writer: Affion Crockett | Producer: Jared Brady | Cast: Affion Crockett, Jevin Smith, Ben Abiola, Norm Nixon Jr., Corey Calliet
GOOD SHOT
DOCUMENTARY | USA | 81 min
7:10 pm
In the heart of Watts, a beloved neighborhood legend named Maxwell seeks redemption as a father after a lifetime of using basketball to mask his pain. Talkback to follow with director Joris Debeij.
Director: Joris Debeij | Writer: Walter Thompson-Hernández | Producers: Jean Mougin, Joris Debeij, Aron Phillips, Stephen Curry, Erick Peyton, Steve Wood | Cast: Maxwell Henderson
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