‘The Homecoming:’ What To Know And How To Attend The 30th Annual American Black Film Festival

Next May, the American Black Film Festival will celebrate its 30th annual event, showcasing emerging and pivotal filmmakers, TV show creators, and industry makers of African descent.

The five-day festival will take place from May 27 through May 31. Hosted in Miami Beach, next year’s theme is “The Homecoming,” described as “a tribute to the festival’s rich legacy” and long-standing global community. Attendees can expect to experience “screenings, star-studded events, exclusive parties, and unparalleled networking.” Additionally, there will be masterclasses, seminars, panels, and live entertainment. Guests will also be able to enjoy seeing changemakers reflect on their careers, famous casts reunite, and leading creatives talk about their methods.

The first day of the event will include the opening night film and party, as well as independent screenings during the day. Other major events of the festival include the gala events and spotlight screenings on May 28 and 29, as well as the May 30 “Best of the ABFF Awards Ceremony.” The latter day will also host the festival’s closing night festivities, including a white party for ticketed attendees.

On the final day of the event, May 31, there will be a free-to-attend “Miami Community Day” at The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater from 2 to 6 p.m.

Award-winning actress and veteran industry titan Regina King is next year’s festival ambassador. She will play “a central role,” including “welcoming attendees on opening night.” She’s also headlining a Creator Conversation focused on “underscoring the enduring connection between her remarkable career and ABFF’s cultural legacy.”

What Else Is There To Know About The American Black Film Festival?

The American Black Film Festival has been around since the late 1990s. As of now, the event sees around 7,000 attendees annually.

Ticket passes for next year’s festival are already on sale, with early-bird purchases the most affordable option for attendees. Notably, pricing depends on the type of pass an attendee purchases. “Industry” passes provide the most access to the festival’s events. Still, someone with a “Splash” pass, the most affordable tier, will be able to attend panel discussions, Creator Conversations, and spotlight and independent screenings. All pass holders will receive a branded tote bag celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary.

Keep in mind that the dress code is “resort casual, except for the opening and closing night events.” For those latter named evenings, organizers recommend wearing “Miami chic.” Also, have your all-white outfit ready for the aforementioned May 30 party, if you’ll be attending. Attendees should also know that unauthorized videotaping and photography are prohibited “during all events and sessions” of the festival.

ABFF 2026 attendees should consider accommodations close to the Miami Beach Convention Center and the New World Center. Those locations are where most of the festival’s events will be held. Many of Miami’s premier hotels and resorts are nearby, including The Shelborne By Proper, The Betsy Hotel, The Setai, 1 Hotel, and the W. Staying at hotels within walking distance of the primary event venues will make renting a car in Miami unnecessary for most attendees. Compare prices for flights to Miami International Airport (MIA) versus Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Filmmakers and visual storytellers interested in being featured at the festival are encouraged to submit their work. Categories include “Narrative Features,” “Documentary Features,” “Series,” “African Stories,” “Voices of Culture,” and more. Additionally, organizers are still accepting idea pitches, sponsorships, and volunteer applications.

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