American Black Film Festival
Encyclopedia
The American Black Film Festival is an independent film festival
that focuses primarily on works by Black
members of the film industry. It has been called “the nation’s most prominent film festival.” The festival is held annually and features full-length narratives, short films, mobile entertainment
(defined by the official website http://www.abff.com/festival/ as “all short form content including experimental films, music videos and webisodes”), and documentaries, all by and/or featuring Black writers, directors, actors, and actresses.
, was to create a venue at which members of “Black Hollywood” could meet, network, collaborate, and celebrate Black cinema. In an interview, Friday said that one of the main motivations for the festival was that, “All minorities are shut down from the private party we call Hollywood. We are let in one at a time, and the masses don't get the information, or don't have access to the decision making, or are not in a position to green-light a project. What we have plan[ned] is more of the same, which is more information, more network opportunities, and to further our mission to provide minorities and people of color with a fair shot at breaking into the Hollywood system.”
Lewis, CEO of UniWorld Group
, and Friday, at the time president of UniWorld’s film division, met with Hudlin, then-president of the Black Filmmakers Foundation, to speak about (and were ultimately inspired to create the festival by) the Rev. Jesse Jackson
’s call to boycott
the Oscars as a result of the lack of Black nominees that year. The Oscars had historically had a reputation for leaving out Black members of cinema; until 1980, only two African-Americans had won academy awards
for acting. The founders of the ABFF decided, though, that rather than investing time and energy in supporting a boycott, they would hold an event of their own to celebrate Black cinematic achievements, and thus the festival was born.
In 1998, HBO established the HBO Short Film Award to be presented at the ABFF to honor works in the genre of of short film. HBO thus became a major partner and supporter of the ABFF, along with UniWorld and the Black Filmmakers Foundation.
1999 saw the festival’s first Trailblazer award for significant contributions to Black screen media. This award would remain a consistent part of the festival until 2002.
In 2000, the Lincoln Filmmaker’s Trophy was established. This award was one of only two honors, along with the HBO Short Film Award, that would survive the festival’s move to Florida in 2002.
Early hosts and presenters included Robert Townsend (1997), Denzel Washington
(1998), Isaac Hayes
(1999 and 2000), and Mari Morrow
and Kim Whitley who co-hosted the event in 2001.
Aside from awards, the festival in its early incarnations had seminars, actors’ training workshops and meet-and-greets, all with the aim of strengthening the skills and networks of Black filmmakers, actors and actresses, and screenwriters.
, NBC
, CBS
, and Nickelodeon
) and a dramatically increased attendance.
The first American Black Film Festival was held in South Beach, Florida
on June 26. The Festival stayed in Florida until 2007 when it was moved to Los Angeles, California
, in an effort to attract more celebrity attendees and thereby generating more general interest in the festival. While initially successful, the change in venue ultimately resulted in a decline in attendance from members of the actual Black filmmaking community. The festival changed venues once more in 2010, returning to Florida, and it has been confirmed that the 2011 festival will be held in South Beach.
Recent notable films screened at the ABFF between include crime film Takers
and Stomp the Yard 2 , sequel to the 2007 dance
-based drama
.
The 2011 festival has been scheduled to be held July 6 through July 9.
led by Cliff Charles”), and symposiums (for example 2010’s “Inside Nickelodeon” symposium). Each year, the festival concludes with the main awards ceremony.
Hosts of this ceremony have included: Robert Townsend and Shaun Robinson
(co-hosts), Anthony Anderson
, and Niecy Nash
.
, and the members’ professional affiliations, as found on the official website.
(Director of ‘’Training Day
’’and Charlie Jordan Brookins of MTV Films
have endorsed the festival, as well as rapper/actor Common who has stated that, “[I]t’s a good vehicle to get out great art that we... want the world to see.”
Film festival
A film festival is an organised, extended presentation of films in one or more movie theaters or screening venues, usually in a single locality. More and more often film festivals show part of their films to the public by adding outdoor movie screenings...
that focuses primarily on works by Black
Black
Black is the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light...
members of the film industry. It has been called “the nation’s most prominent film festival.” The festival is held annually and features full-length narratives, short films, mobile entertainment
Mobile Entertainment
Mobile entertainment comprises a range of activities associated with mobile electronics. The list is constantly expanding.-Definition:According to Moore and Rutter, a primary difficulty when researching mobile entertainment is that of definition. It is not always apparent to consumers precisely...
(defined by the official website http://www.abff.com/festival/ as “all short form content including experimental films, music videos and webisodes”), and documentaries, all by and/or featuring Black writers, directors, actors, and actresses.
Founding: “Because Hollywouldn’t”
The first American Black Film Festival (originally called the Acapulco Black Film Festival, or ABFF, until the name was changed in 2002) was held in June 1997. The aim of its founders, Jeff Friday, Byron E. Lewis and Warrington HudlinWarrington Hudlin
Warrington W. Hudlin, Jr. is an American film director, producer, and actor.He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of Helen , a teacher, and Warrington W. Hudlin, Sr., an insurance executive and teacher...
, was to create a venue at which members of “Black Hollywood” could meet, network, collaborate, and celebrate Black cinema. In an interview, Friday said that one of the main motivations for the festival was that, “All minorities are shut down from the private party we call Hollywood. We are let in one at a time, and the masses don't get the information, or don't have access to the decision making, or are not in a position to green-light a project. What we have plan[ned] is more of the same, which is more information, more network opportunities, and to further our mission to provide minorities and people of color with a fair shot at breaking into the Hollywood system.”
Lewis, CEO of UniWorld Group
UniWorld Group
UniWorld Group, Inc., a multicultural ad agency headquartered in New York with satellite offices in Detroit, Atlanta and Miami, is the longest-standing minority-owned ad agency in the U.S.-History:...
, and Friday, at the time president of UniWorld’s film division, met with Hudlin, then-president of the Black Filmmakers Foundation, to speak about (and were ultimately inspired to create the festival by) the Rev. Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. is an African-American civil rights activist and Baptist minister. He was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988 and served as shadow senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. He was the founder of both entities that merged to...
’s call to boycott
Boycott
A boycott is an act of voluntarily abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as an expression of protest, usually for political reasons...
the Oscars as a result of the lack of Black nominees that year. The Oscars had historically had a reputation for leaving out Black members of cinema; until 1980, only two African-Americans had won academy awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
for acting. The founders of the ABFF decided, though, that rather than investing time and energy in supporting a boycott, they would hold an event of their own to celebrate Black cinematic achievements, and thus the festival was born.
Acapulco Black Film Festival: 1997-2001
In its first years, the festival was held in Acapulco, Mexico. The first annual festival had a turnout of about 600. Over five days, nine independent films were screened and seven awards were given, recognizing “artistic achievement” (male and female), “best actor,” “best actress,” “best director,” “film of the year,” and “soundtrack of the year.”In 1998, HBO established the HBO Short Film Award to be presented at the ABFF to honor works in the genre of of short film. HBO thus became a major partner and supporter of the ABFF, along with UniWorld and the Black Filmmakers Foundation.
1999 saw the festival’s first Trailblazer award for significant contributions to Black screen media. This award would remain a consistent part of the festival until 2002.
In 2000, the Lincoln Filmmaker’s Trophy was established. This award was one of only two honors, along with the HBO Short Film Award, that would survive the festival’s move to Florida in 2002.
Early hosts and presenters included Robert Townsend (1997), Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. is an American actor, screenwriter, director, and film producer. He first rose to prominence when he joined the cast of the medical drama, St. Elsewhere, playing Dr...
(1998), Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
(1999 and 2000), and Mari Morrow
Mari Morrow
Mari Morrow is an American film and television actress and real estate agent.-Life and career:Morrow grew up in Miami, Florida. She made her television debut appearance in 1992 as Wendy Mallow on the popular television program, Baywatch. From 1995 to 1996, she portrayed Rachel Gannon on the ABC...
and Kim Whitley who co-hosted the event in 2001.
Aside from awards, the festival in its early incarnations had seminars, actors’ training workshops and meet-and-greets, all with the aim of strengthening the skills and networks of Black filmmakers, actors and actresses, and screenwriters.
Change to American Black Film Festival: 2002-Present
The year 2002 saw many changes for the film festival. Jeff Friday, who one year previous had purchased UniWorld Film (and rebranded it as Film Life), took over execution of the festival, which he renamed the American Black Film Festival (also abbreviated as ABFF). Since its transformation in 2002, the ABFF has drawn new corporate sponsors (including Grey Goose, FordFord Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
, NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
, CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, and Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon (TV channel)
Nickelodeon, often simply called Nick and originally named Pinwheel, is an American children's channel owned by MTV Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom International. The channel is primarily aimed at children ages 7–17, with the exception of their weekday morning program block aimed at preschoolers...
) and a dramatically increased attendance.
The first American Black Film Festival was held in South Beach, Florida
South Beach, Florida
South Beach is a census-designated place on Orchid Island in Indian River County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,457 at the 2000 census...
on June 26. The Festival stayed in Florida until 2007 when it was moved to Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
, in an effort to attract more celebrity attendees and thereby generating more general interest in the festival. While initially successful, the change in venue ultimately resulted in a decline in attendance from members of the actual Black filmmaking community. The festival changed venues once more in 2010, returning to Florida, and it has been confirmed that the 2011 festival will be held in South Beach.
Recent notable films screened at the ABFF between include crime film Takers
Takers
Takers is a 2010 crime film directed by John Luessenhop from a story and screenplay written by Luessenhop, Gabriel Casseus, Peter Allen, John Rogers, and Avery Duff. It features an ensemble cast that includes Matt Dillon, Chris Brown, Idris Elba, T.I., Jay Hernandez, Paul Walker, Hayden...
and Stomp the Yard 2 , sequel to the 2007 dance
Stepping (African-American)
Stepping or step-dancing is a form of percussive dance in which the participant's entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps...
-based drama
Stomp the Yard
Stomp the Yard is a 2007 drama and dance film produced by Rainforest Films and released through Sony Pictures' Screen Gems division on January 12, 2007. Directed by Sylvain White, Stomp the Yard centers around DJ Williams, a college student at a fictional historically Black university who pledges...
.
The 2011 festival has been scheduled to be held July 6 through July 9.
Events
Over the course of the festival, there are numerous events held at numerous locations. Typically, there will be an opening ceremony, either featuring a big-name movie or an award presentation. The following three (some years four) days will include screenings of other films, actors’ and directors’ workshops (for example, 2010’s “Master Class on CinematographyCinematography
Cinematography is the making of lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for cinema. It is closely related to the art of still photography...
led by Cliff Charles”), and symposiums (for example 2010’s “Inside Nickelodeon” symposium). Each year, the festival concludes with the main awards ceremony.
Hosts of this ceremony have included: Robert Townsend and Shaun Robinson
Shaun Robinson
Shaun Robinson is weekend anchor and correspondent for the show Access Hollywood, the daily entertainment newsmagazine show...
(co-hosts), Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He has starred in his own sitcom All About the Andersons, as well as the Fox sitcom The Bernie Mac Show during the fifth and final season of the show. He is also known for his leading roles in television dramas such as K-Ville, The...
, and Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash
Carol Denise "Niecy" Nash is an American comedian and actress who has hosted Clean House on the Style Network and played Deputy Raineesha Williams on the Comedy Central television series Reno 911!.-Early life:Nash was born in Palmdale, California. In addition to her acting endeavors, she is the...
.
Advisory Board
Below is a list of the ABFF’s current advisory boardAdvisory board
An advisory board is a body that advises the board of directors and management of a corporation but does not have authority to vote on corporate matters, nor a legal fiduciary responsibility...
, and the members’ professional affiliations, as found on the official website.
- Will Packer: Co-Founder & Chairman (Rainforest FilmsRainforest FilmsRainforest Films is a film production company founded in 1994 by William Packer and Rob Hardy, that produces African-American films. Most of Rainforest's films are distributed by Screen Gems.-List of notable Rainforest films:*The Gospel*Trois...
) - Rob Hardy: Co-Founder (Rainforest Films)
- Jeff Clanagan: President & CEO (Codeblack EntertainmentCodeBlack EntertainmentCodeblack Entertainment is an American entertainment conglomerate founded and run by an African-American entrepreneur, Jeff Clanagan.Codeblack Entertainment is the first independent, vertically integrated African-American-owned film studio, actively engaged in the business of feature film...
) - Zola Mashariki: Senior Vice President of Production (Fox Searchlight PicturesFox Searchlight PicturesFox Searchlight Pictures, established in 1998, is a film division of Fox Filmed Entertainment alongside the larger Fox studio 20th Century Fox...
) - Debra Langford: Vice President of Inclusion & Business Diversity (NBC UniversalNBC UniversalNBCUniversal Media, LLC is a media and entertainment company engaged in the production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information products and services to a global customer base...
) - Valerie Watts Meraz: Vice President of Content Acquisitions (Showtime)
- DeVon Franklin: Vice President of Production (Columbia PicturesColumbia PicturesColumbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production and distribution company. Columbia Pictures now forms part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. It is one of the leading film companies...
) - Robert Townsend: Founding Board Member (Townsend Entertainment Corporation)
- Andrea Nelson Meigs: Motion Picture Talent Agent (International Creative ManagementInternational Creative ManagementInternational Creative Management is a talent and literary agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London. ICM is a full-service agency representing creative and technical talent in the fields of motion pictures, television, fiction and nonfiction publishing, music, live performance,...
)
Programming Initiatives
The festival has five objectives, or “Programming Initiatives” which are:- Education in the form of programs to teach and help develop the skills of African-Americans in film.
- Artistic Expression through screening of African-American films.
- ‘Collaboration between members of the Black cinema industry thereby strengthening the industry as a whole.
- Access to “industry insiders” for up-and-coming filmmakers and producers.
- Recognition of outstanding work on the part of Black independent filmmakers.
Awards and Recipients 1997-2001
Below is a list of award winners and honorees of the Acapulco Black Film Festival.1997
- Artistic Achievement: Halle BerryHalle BerryHalle Berry is an American actress and a former fashion model. Berry received an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and an NAACP Image Award for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and won an Academy Award for Best Actress and was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2001 for her performance in Monster's Ball, becoming...
and Bill DukeBill DukeWilliam Henry "Bill" Duke, Jr. is an American actor and film director with over 30 years of experience. Known for his physically imposing frame, Duke's work frequently dwells within the action/crime and drama genres but also includes comedy.-Early life:Duke was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, the... - Best Actress: Queen LatifahQueen LatifahDana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
for her role in Set It OffSet It OffSet It Off is a 1996 action and crime film directed by F. Gary Gray, and stars Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Kimberly Elise , as four close friends in Los Angeles, California who decide to plan and execute a bank robbery...
- Best Actor: Ossie DavisOssie DavisOssie Davis was an American film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist.-Early years:...
for his role in Get On The BusGet on the BusGet on the Bus is a 1996 film about a group of African-American men who are taking a cross-country bus trip in order to participate in the Million Man March. The film was directed by Spike Lee and premiered on the one-year anniversary of the march....
- Best Director: F. Gary GrayF. Gary GrayFelix Gary Gray is an American music video and film director.-Life and career:Gray began his career in 1992 with his music video for Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day." The video, a literal adaptation of the lyrics, was critically well received. He would go on to direct subsequent videos for Ice Cube,...
for Set It Off - 1996 Film of the Year: Once Upon a Time...When We Were ColoredOnce Upon a Time...When We Were ColoredOnce Upon a Time...When We Were Colored is a film directed by Tim Reid and the screenplay was written by Paul W. Cooper. The film is based on Clifton Taulbert’s real life and his nonfiction book, Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored. The film plays out Taulbert’s life...
- 1996 Soundtrack of the Year: Set It Off
1998
- Career Achievement Award: Debbie AllenDebbie AllenDeborrah Kaye “Debbie” Allen is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, television director, television producer, and a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities...
and Morgan FreemanMorgan FreemanMorgan Freeman is an American actor, film director, aviator and narrator. He is noted for his reserved demeanor and authoritative speaking voice. Freeman has received Academy Award nominations for his performances in Street Smart, Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus and won... - Best Film: Tie between Soul FoodSoul Food (film)Soul Food is a 1997 American comedy-drama film, produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Tracey Edmonds, and Robert Teitel, and released by Fox 2000 Pictures. Featuring an ensemble cast, the film stars Vanessa L. Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach, Mekhi Phifer, Jeffrey D. Sams, Irma...
and Eve’s Bayou - Best Director: Kasi LemmonsKasi LemmonsKasi Lemmons is an American film director and actress, most notable for her work on the films Eve's Bayou, The Caveman's Valentine and Talk to Me....
for Eve’s Bayou - Best Actor: Samuel L. JacksonSamuel L. JacksonSamuel Leroy Jackson is an American film and television actor and film producer. After becoming involved with the Civil Rights Movement, he moved on to acting in theater at Morehouse College, and then films. He had several small roles such as in the film Goodfellas before meeting his mentor,...
for his role in Eve’s Bayou - Best Actress: Vivica A. FoxVivica A. FoxVivica Anjanetta Fox is an American actress and television producer. She is best known for her roles in the films Independence Day, Set It Off, Soul Food, Why Do Fools Fall In Love,Kill Bill and Juwanna Mann....
for her role in Soul Food - Best Soundtrack: lovejones
- HBO Short Film Award: All About You
1999
- Trailblazer Award: Byron Lewis
- Career Achievement: Pam GrierPam GrierPamela Suzette "Pam" Grier is an American actress. She became famous in the early 1970s, after starring in a string of moderately successful women in prison and blaxploitation films such as 1974's Foxy Brown. Her career was revitalized in 1997 after her appearance in Quentin Tarantino's film...
and Samuel L. Jackson - Best Film: The NegotiatorThe NegotiatorThe Negotiator is a 1998 drama-thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. It takes place in Chicago and was released on July 29, 1998. The original music score was composed by Graeme Revell.-Plot:...
- Best Director: F. Gary Gray for The NegotiatorThe NegotiatorThe Negotiator is a 1998 drama-thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. It takes place in Chicago and was released on July 29, 1998. The original music score was composed by Graeme Revell.-Plot:...
- Best Actress: Angela BassettAngela BassettAngela Evelyn Bassett is an American actress. She has become well known for her biographical film roles portraying real life women in African American culture, including singer Tina Turner in the motion picture What's Love Got to Do with It, as well as Betty Shabazz in the films Malcolm X and...
for her role in How Stella Got Her Groove BackHow Stella Got Her Groove BackHow Stella Got Her Groove Back is a 1998 romance film, directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan. The film stars Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg and Regina King. This film is an adaptation of Terry McMillan's bestselling novel by the same title...
- Best Actor: Larenz TateLarenz TateLarenz Tate is an American film and television actor.-Early life:Tate was born on the west side of Chicago, Illinois, the son of Peggy and Larry Tate. He is the youngest of three siblings whose family moved to California when he was nine years old...
for his role in Why Do Fools Fall In LoveWhy Do Fools Fall in Love (film)Why Do Fools Fall in Love is an American romantic drama, directed by Gregory Nava and released by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film is a biographical film of the brief but intense life of R&B/Rock & Roll singer Frankie Lymon, lead singer of the pioneering rock and roll group Frankie Lymon & the...
- Best Screenplay: Christopher Scott CherotChristopher Scott CherotChristopher Scott Cherot , born November, 1967, in The Bronx, New York, is an American film director best known for Hav Plenty , a true story that he wrote, edited, produced, acted in and directed.-Projects:Mr...
for Hav PlentyHav PlentyHav Plenty is a 1997 American independent film released by Miramax Films, based on an eventful weekend in the life of Lee Plenty , written and directed by Cherot...
- Best Soundtrack: The Player’s Club
- HBO Short Film Award: Twin Cousins
2000
- Trailblazer Award: Melvin Van PeeblesMelvin Van PeeblesMelvin "Block" Van Peebles is an American actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer.He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films...
- Best International Film: BellyfulBellyfulLe Conte du ventre plein is a 2000 film written and directed by Melvin Van Peebles.- Plot summary :A conservative couple masquerade as liberal do-gooders in late 60's France...
- Star of the Year: Nia LongNia LongNia Talita Long is an American actress and occasional music video director. She is best known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch, and the films Boiler Room, Soul Food, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Are We There...
- Best Film Entrepreneur: Master PMaster PPercy Robert Miller , better known by his stage name Master P or his business name P. Miller, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, investor, and producer. He is the founder of the popular label No Limit Records, which went bankrupt and was relaunched as New No Limit Records through Koch...
- Best USA Film: One WeekOne Week"One Week" is a 1998 single by Barenaked Ladies, the first single off their 1998 album, Stunt. It was written by Ed Robertson, who is featured on the lead vocal of the rapped verses. Steven Page sings lead on the song's chorus, while the two co-lead the prechoruses in harmony. The song is notable...
- Best Work in Progress: Seventeen AgainSeventeen AgainSeventeen Again is a fantasy–comedy film. It first aired on Showtime on November 12, 2000, and was released on DVD on April 9, 2002. The films stars Sister Sisters Tia & Tamera, and their brother Tahj Mowry from Smart Guy.-Plot:...
- Lincoln Filmmaker’s Trophy: Carl Seaton
- HBO Short Film Award: My Father’s Hand
2001
- Best U.S. Film: Blue Hill AvenueBlue Hill AvenueBlue Hill Avenue is a 2001 crime film directed and written by Craig Ross, Jr., and starring Allen Payne. Ross Jr. also edited and executive produced the film.-Plot:...
- Audience Award for Best International Film: Love Come DownLove Come Down"Love Come Down" is a hit single by Evelyn "Champagne" King. It was produced by Morrie Brown and written by Kashif. "Love Come Down" was the first single culled from her multi-platinum, number-one R&B album, Get Loose . In the U.S., it reached number one on the R&B and dance charts and number...
- Audience Award for Best Work in Progress: Jacked
- HBO Short Film Award: Kickin’ Chicken
- Lincoln Filmmaker Trophy: Raoul PeckRaoul PeckRaoul Peck is an award-winning Haitian filmmaker, of both documentary and feature films, and a political activist. Briefly, in the 1990s, he was Haiti's Minister of Culture.-Biography:...
- Coca-Cola Film Score Award: Malcolm Rector
- Career Achievement Award: John Singleton
- Trailblazer Award: Suzanne De PasseSuzanne de PasseSuzanne de Passe is an American television, music and film producer. As well as the Co-Chairman of de Passe Jones Entertainment Group-Career:Suzanne began her career at Motown as Creative Assistant to company founder, Berry Gordy...
- Rising Star Award: Sanaa LathanSanaa LathanSanaa McCoy Lathan is an American actress and voice actress. She has starred in numerous movies, including the box-office hits Love & Basketball, Alien vs. Predator, Something New, and The Family That Preys. Lathan was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance on Broadway in A Raisin in the Sun...
and Anthony AndersonAnthony AndersonAnthony Anderson is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He has starred in his own sitcom All About the Andersons, as well as the Fox sitcom The Bernie Mac Show during the fifth and final season of the show. He is also known for his leading roles in television dramas such as K-Ville, The...
Awards and Recipients 2002-2010
Below is a list of American Black Film Festival award winners and honorees.2002
- Blockbuster Award for Best Feature Film: Civil BrandCivil BrandCivil Brand is a 2002 film written by Joyce Lewis and Preston A. Whitmore II and directed by Neema Barnette. It features N'Bushe Wright, Da Brat, Mos Def, LisaRaye McCoy, and Monica Calhoun. The film is about a group of female inmates fighting back against their abusers and taking over Whitehead...
- HBO Short Film Award: Quest to Ref
- Lincoln Filmmaker Trophy: The Riff
- Career Achievement Award: Robert Townsend
- Best Performance by an Actress: Monica CalhounMonica CalhounMonica Calhoun is an American film and television actress. She is best known in her film roles such as The Players Club, The Best Man, and The Salon. She is a graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts....
, for Civil Brand - Rising Star Award: Mekhi PhiferMekhi PhiferMekhi Thira Phifer is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his multi-year role as Dr. Greg Pratt on NBC's long-running medical drama ER and his co-starring role opposite Eminem in the feature film 8 Mile...
2003
- Blockbuster Award for Best Feature Film: All About YouAll About You (film)All About You is a 2001 African American romantic comedy film written and directed by Christine Swanson, Produced by Michael Swanson and starring Renee Goldsberry and Terron Brooks....
- HBO Short Film Award: SwallowSwallowThe swallows and martins are a group of passerine birds in the family Hirundinidae which are characterised by their adaptation to aerial feeding...
- Lincoln Filmmaker Trophy: Skin Deep
- AOL Time Warner Innovator Award: Russell SimmonsRussell Simmons-External links:** * * * * * * from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum* *...
- AOL Time Warner Rising Star Award: Gabrielle UnionGabrielle UnionGabrielle Monique Union is an American actress and former model. Among her notable roles is as the cheerleader opposite Kirsten Dunst in the film Bring it On. Union starred opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the blockbuster film Bad Boys II and played a medical doctor in the CBS drama...
- Best Performance by an Actress: Janice Richardson*, for Anne B. RealAnne B. RealAnne B. Real is a 2003 dramatic coming-of-age film by Lisa France and Luis Moro, starring David Zayaz, Carlos Leon, Janice Richardson, Jackie Quinones, Eric Smith, Geronimo Frias Jr, Ernie Hudson, Nesta Ward, and Sherri Saum.-Plot summary:...
- Best Performance by an Actor: Steve WhiteSteve White (actor)Steve White is an African American actor and comedian, best known for his roles in Spike Lee films. He has worked with Lee five times...
, for Skin Deep
2004
- Time Warner Innovator Award: Spike LeeSpike LeeShelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983....
- Rising Star Award: Rosario DawsonRosario DawsonRosario Isabel Dawson is an American actress, singer, and writer. She has appeared in films such as Kids, Men in Black II, 25th Hour, Sin City, Clerks II, Rent, Death Proof, The Rundown, Eagle Eye, Alexander, Seven Pounds, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and Unstoppable.-Early...
- HBO Short Film Award: Time Out
- Blockbuster Audience Award for Best Feature Film: Tie between Love, Sex and Eating the BonesLove, Sex and Eating the BonesLove, Sex and Eating the Bones is a 2003 Canadian romantic comedy film directed and written by Sudz Sutherland featuring a mostly African American leading cast...
and Woman Thou Art LoosedWoman Thou Art LoosedWoman Thou Art Loosed is a 2004 film directed by Michael Schultz and written by Stan Foster. It was produced by Stan Foster and Reuben Cannon. It is the 44th film or series directed by Schultz and is adopted from the self-help novel by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The film tells the story of a young woman...
- Best Performance by an Actress: Sanaa LathanSanaa LathanSanaa McCoy Lathan is an American actress and voice actress. She has starred in numerous movies, including the box-office hits Love & Basketball, Alien vs. Predator, Something New, and The Family That Preys. Lathan was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance on Broadway in A Raisin in the Sun...
, for Out of Time - Best Performance by an Actor: Chiwetel EjioforChiwetel EjioforChiwetelu Umeadi "Chiwetel" Ejiofor, OBE is an English actor of stage and screen. He has received numerous acting awards and award nominations, including the 2006 BAFTA Awards Rising Star, three Golden Globe Awards' nominations, and the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his...
, for Dirty Pretty ThingsDirty Pretty Things (film)Dirty Pretty Things is a 2002 film directed by Stephen Frears and written by Steven Knight, a drama about two illegal immigrants in London...
- Best Director: F. Gary Gray, for The Italian Job
- Film of the Year: The Fighting TemptationsThe Fighting TemptationsThe Fighting Temptations is a 2003 American musical dramedy film produced by Paramount Pictures and MTV Films. It stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. as the film's protagonist as he attempts to revive a church choir in order to enter a gospel competition with the help of a beautiful lounge singer with whom he...
2005
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture: On the One
- HBO Short Film Award: Shards
- Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature: One the One
- The Filmmaker Trophy for Best Narrative Feature: Mario Van PeeblesMario Van PeeblesMario "Chip" Cain Van Peebles is an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous Hollywood films. He is son of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.-Life and career:...
- Voices of Color Best Documentary Award: Bastards of the PartyBastards of the PartyBastards of the Party is a 2006 documentary film produced by Alex Demyanenko and directed by former Bloods gang-member Cle Sloan. The film explores the creation of two of Los Angeles’s most notorious gangs, the Crips and the Bloods, from the perspective of the Los Angeles community...
- Melvin Van Peebles Trailblazer Award: Warrington Hudlin
- Best Performance by an Actor: On the One
2006
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture: My Brother
- HBO Short Film Award: Pop Foul
- Audience Award for Best U.S. Feature: Dirty LaundryDirty Laundry (film)Dirty Laundry is a 2007 drama film written, directed, and starring Maurice Jamal. It was produced by 20th Century Fox and distributed by Codeblack Entertainment. It is available on DVD and is rated PG-13.-Plot summary:...
- Voices of Color Best Documentary Award: If I Die Tonight
- Founder’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Cinema: Christopher Scott, for My Brother
- Define Luxury Commercial Contest Winner: Award Show
2007
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture presented by Kodak: South of PicoSouth of PicoSouth of Pico is a 2007 character-driven drama film written and directed by Ernst Gossner set in Los Angeles.-Plot:Four strangers witness an unimaginable tragedy and are catapulted into the defining moment of their lives...
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary: Back to our Roots
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay presented by Allstate: Mansfield 12
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor: Henry SimmonsHenry SimmonsHenry Oswald Simmons, Jr. is an American actor.-Life and career:Simmons was born in Stamford, Connecticut, the son of Aurelia, a school teacher, and Henry Simmons, Sr., an IRS agent. He is one of three children, including his twin sister, and another sister...
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Director: Craig Ross, Jr.Craig Ross, Jr.-Career:Ross was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He then moved with his father to the San Francisco Bay area at an early age. After graduating high school, he went back to the east coast to attend film school at New York University. After graduating he moved back to Los Angeles where he formed his...
- Audience Award for Best U.S. Feature: I’m Through With White Girls
- HBO Short Film Award: The Second Coming
- Allstate Beyond February “Be Reel” Contest Winner: Give Along the Way
- Heineken Red Star Award: South of PicoSouth of PicoSouth of Pico is a 2007 character-driven drama film written and directed by Ernst Gossner set in Los Angeles.-Plot:Four strangers witness an unimaginable tragedy and are catapulted into the defining moment of their lives...
2008
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Film: The Abduction of Jesse Bookman
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor: The Abduction of Jesse Bookman
- HBO Short Film Award: Premature
- The Best Documentary presented by BET JBET JCentric is a spin-off cable television channel of BET , created originally to showcase jazz music-related programming, especially that of black jazz musicians. It is now a general interest channel geared towards African-American adults...
: Slaying Goliath - Allstate Beyond February “Be Reel” Contest Winner: The Lucky Suit
- TargetTarget CorporationTarget Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
Filmmaker Award for Inspiration to Dream in Color: Pip & Zastrow - Heineken* Red Star Award: L.A. Proper
2009
- HBO Short Film Award: The Roe Effect
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature: Mississippi DamnedMississippi DamnedMississippi Damned is an American drama film directed by Tina Mabry. The drama features Adam Clark, Malcolm Goodwin and Michael Hyat...
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary: Len BiasLen BiasLeonard Kevin "Len" Bias was a first team All-American college basketball player at the University of Maryland. He was selected by the Boston Celtics as the second overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft on June 17, but died two days later from cardiac arrhythmia induced by a cocaine overdose...
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor: Tessa ThompsonTessa ThompsonTessa Lynne Thompson is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for the role of Jackie Cook on the TV series Veronica Mars.-Personal life:...
, for Mississippi Damned - Allstate Beyond February “Be Reel” Film Award: The Broken Sole
- Film Life’s Star Project Winners Best Actress: Khalilah Joi Dubose
- Film Life’s Star Project Winners Best Actor: Bechir Sylvain
- ABFF Audience Award Winner: BlueBlue (2008 film)Blue is a Bollywood film directed by Anthony D'Souza, released on 16 October 2009, starring Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan, with a cameo appearance by Katrina Kaif. It is an action film centered around an underwater treasure. The film was written by American writers Joshua...
2010
- HBO Short Film Competition: Stag & Doe
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor: Golden BrooksGolden BrooksGolden Ameda Brooks is an American actress. She is best known for her nine-year role as Maya Wilkes on the UPN/CW comedy Girlfriends.-Biography:...
, for his role in The InheritanceThe InheritanceThe Inheritance is a fantasy novel set in the Dragonlance campaign series and is in the Classics series.-Plot introduction:The setting is Qualinost, Pax Tharkas, and the borderlands between Qualinost and Thobardin.-Plot summary:...
- Grand Jury Prize for Best Film: LegacyLegacy (2010 film)Legacy is a 2010 psychological thriller film directed by Nigerian/British director Thomas Ikimi and produced by Black Camel Pictures. The film premièred at the Glasgow Film Festival on the 28 February, 2010 and was released theatrically in the United States on 15 October, 2010...
- 2010 ABFF Star Project Winners: Emayatzy CorinealdiEmayatzy Corinealdi-Biography:Emayatzy Corinealdi is of Panamanian and African-American descent. She was raised in New Jersey, but traveled extensively as a child as part of a military family.Her first principal role came in 2008 for a TV movie The Nanny Express...
and Stephen Hill - Rising Icon Award: Chrisette MicheleChrisette MicheleChrisette Michele Payne , known professionally as Chrisette Michele, is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter....
- Career Achievement Award: Lee DanielsLee DanielsLee Louis Daniels is an American actor, film producer, and director. He produced Monster's Ball and directed the film Precious, which received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Director; the film won two of the awards.-Early years:Daniels was born on Christmas Eve, 1959, in...
Influence
The ABFF has been acclaimed for its positive effect on the Black filmmaking community. The festival has through its various programs helped the careers of countless actors, writers and directors. Numerous Hollywood insiders, including director Antoine FuquaAntoine Fuqua
Antoine Fuqua is an American film director. He directed the film Training Day as well as Tears of the Sun, King Arthur, Shooter and Brooklyn's Finest...
(Director of ‘’Training Day
Training Day
Training Day is a 2001 crime drama film directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by David Ayer, starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. The film follows two LAPD narcotics detectives over a 24-hour period in the gang neighborhoods of South and East Los Angeles.The film was a box office success and...
’’and Charlie Jordan Brookins of MTV Films
MTV Films
MTV Films is the motion picture production arm of cable channel MTV. Founded in 1996, it has produced films based on MTV programs such as Beavis and Butt-head Do America and Jackass: The Movie, as well as other adaptations and original projects. Its films are released by fellow Viacom division...
have endorsed the festival, as well as rapper/actor Common who has stated that, “[I]t’s a good vehicle to get out great art that we... want the world to see.”