SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

This screenwriting master class offers practical guidance on the fundamentals of screenwriting and the creative process. Participants will explore how to develop compelling story ideas, build memorable characters, structure a screenplay, and translate their creative vision to the page. The session will provide participants with valuable insights, tools, and techniques to take their craft to the next level. Featuring NYFA instructor Dennis Green.

Hello Sunshine and Ally present The Rise, a five-part documentary series tracing the momentum, power, and undeniable rise of women’s professional sports. This is more than a hot streak — it’s a long-overdue shift, built by the athletes, leaders, and changemakers who’ve been putting in the work long before the spotlight caught up. Episode two, The New Moneyball, captures the record-breaking seasons, bold vision, and game-changing voices proving women’s sports aren’t just having a moment — they’re changing the future and building a legacy.

Experience the winner of the 2026 ABFF Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature. Inspired by Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors Trilogy, this powerful anthology reimagines the concept through the colors of the Pan-African flag, weaving together three compelling stories of liberation, unity, and prosperity. Featuring an acclaimed ensemble cast including Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin, and Peyton Alex Smith, the film offers a moving portrait of identity, resilience, and the many dimensions of contemporary Black life. Following the screening, join Elijah Davis for a conversation about his work and creative journey.

Starring: Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin, Peyton Alex Smith, Sibongile Mlambo, Stephen Bishop, Kimrie Lewis

ABFF 2026 Winner: Grand Jury Prize – Best Narrative Feature; Performance Award – U.S. Narrative Feature (for Bashir Salahuddin)

The 2026 HBO Short Film Showcase spotlights five finalists from the 30th American Black Film Festival, selected from thousands of submissions. Together, these films reflect the vitality, humor, and complexity of contemporary Black storytelling.

The program features Spilled Milk, written and directed by Jared Leaf; We Had Fun, written and directed by Linda Lô; Facade, written and directed by Modupe Thompson; The Truth About Space, written and directed by Jeremiah Towolawi; and FLY, written and directed by Carlton Daniel Jr.

Following the screening, join Modupe Thompson for a conversation about her work and creative journey.

The films in this showcase may unfold anywhere, but each is shaped by a filmmaker whose creative journey is connected to New York. Moving across distinct worlds, genres, and points of view, the program brings together bold new voices whose work reflects the imagination, urgency, and restless creative energy of a city that has long inspired exceptional storytelling.

The program features TIGUERONAS, written and directed by Imani Celeste; Fairytales, written and directed by Tiffani Holland; Mini Me, written and directed by a. b. oddman; Keep My Brother, written and directed by Sharona D’Ornellas; and EL TIGUERE, written and directed by Andrew J. Rodriguez.

Talkback to follow with Tiffani Holland, Allison Oddman, Sharona D’Ornellas, Imani Celeste, and Elvis Nolasco.

Icons, Idols + Influencers is a live conversation series featuring celebrated figures and influential voices shaping culture across entertainment, sports, business, and beyond.

Emmy-nominated director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield joins us for an intimate conversation about her creative journey, from a celebrated career in front of the camera to becoming one of television’s most sought-after directors and producers. The conversation will explore her evolution as a filmmaker, creative leadership, and the experiences that have shaped her work behind the camera.

As stars of CBS’ highly anticipated new dramas NCIS: NEW YORK and CUPERTINO, LL COOL J and Mike Colter join moderator Gayle King to discuss the compelling storylines anchoring their new series and what it means to be a leading man in television today. From character development to the responsibility of leading a series, this conversation explores the evolution, craft and global influence of television.

Winner of the Directing Award at the 2026 American Black Film Festival, Otra is a visually arresting Latino musical told in a single continuous shot. Blending romance, fantasy, and music, the film follows Javier, a heartbroken man who strikes a bargain with his guardian angel for one final chance to rewrite his love story before time runs out.

Starring Rome Flynn, María Gabriela de Faría, Dania Ramirez, and Armani Ortiz, Otra unfolds through soaring musical performances and unexpected emotional turns, offering an inventive and moving meditation on love, hope, and second chances.

Following the screening, director Armani Ortiz joins us for a conversation about the film’s ambitious creative vision and the making of this singular cinematic achievement.