The 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) kicked off on June 12 amid heavy rainfall and flooding that impacted Miami Beach. Despite these weather challenges, the festival launched successfully, and by Day 2, the skies cleared to overcast conditions, allowing the event's vibrant energy to continue uninterrupted.
Held from June 12 to June 16, the festival gathered filmmakers, artists, and creatives from across the nation to celebrate Black storytelling and culture.
Photo Courtesy of ABFF
One of the highlights of Day 2 was a “Money & Mindfulness” session hosted by Ally, featuring actress Nia Long and moderated by Jack Howard. The conversation delved into the intersection of financial wellness and creative expression, offering attendees valuable insights on managing their finances while nurturing their artistic ambitions. Long shared her personal approach to financial wellness, saying, “One of the things I learned early is to set up three savings jars—now, later, and legacy. You can’t just spend everything today. Having a visual goal for your savings really helps you stay on track and be intentional about your future.”
Catch a preview of Cadillac’s "Music In Motion" with Grammy winner Lucky Daye in honor of Black Music Month.
Throughout the day, the Cadillac Lounge at The Fillmore Miami Beach hosted several engaging fireside chats. One standout discussion was moderated by Alex Tyree of Feel The SPACE and Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard star, who chatted with Grammy-winning artist Lucky Daye about the artistic overlap between music and film. Tyree and Daye discussed how both industries inform and inspire each other, providing valuable insights into the creative process of blending these two art forms.
Later in the evening, Daye captivated the crowd with a performance of his soulful hits, including "Roll Some Mo" and "Over." His set not only showcased his musical talents but also highlighted the synergy between music and film in his creative process.
Issa Rae, ABFF's 2024 Creative Director, made a special appearance at the Cadillac Lounge before heading over to the HOORAE House activation at the Betsy Hotel. There, ColorCreative hosted the “Find Your People” mixer, offering a space for creators to network and collaborate. Rae emphasized the importance of community in the creative process, highlighting how collaboration shapes the future of film.
The rescheduled All White Party on Thursday was a major success, featuring a surprise performance by rapper NLE Choppa. The event, hosted by Pronghorn, brought together stars, filmmakers, and creatives for a night of celebration. The party's energy and sense of community were a fitting capstone to the festival's continued momentum.
As ABFF 2024 continued through June 16, it showcased the resilience and creativity of the Black film community, turning weather challenges into an opportunity for connection, collaboration, and celebration of Black voices in film.
