My ABFF 2024 Experience: A Feast of Black Excellence — 6 Big Moments
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Jun 26, 2024
- 6 min read
Someone wise once said, “Acquire a tribe, and you all are a different piece of the pie.” They nailed it. Last weekend, I hit Miami for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)’s 28th edition — America’s top black film fest. As the new Director of Outreach at SVAFF in Silicon Valley and a creative clawing back into film/T.V., missing ABFF Miami 2024 was a no-go. It’s festival season: Cannes, Essence Fest, and here I was, ready to soak up ABFF. From June 12 -16, it promised a feast of films, panels, and more. Now, let’s talk about getting there — two days of travel chaos, five flights down the drain, and a body that was hanging by a thread. But somehow, the Lord made the skies clear. Sure, I missed the glam events on June 12 and 13 — welcome parties, HBO showcases, and the works. But hey, no need to share my colorful language during those weather delays. Once I landed, it was straight to sessions with industry giants — WME, NBCUniversal, Amazon MGM Studios — and catching premieres and chats with the big shots. Here are six top moments from my ABFF Miami rollercoaster:
1. The Write Here, Write Now Writing Masterclass: (Presented by Hoorae):
I absolutely adore it when good people GATHER. One of the highlights of my ABFF24 experience was plopping myself in a vibrant NYFA Miami hall full of fellow creatives. We were there to crack the code of writing a half-hour comedy pilot, guided by the phenomenal duo of Mike Gauyo (you know him from Insecure and Ginny & Georgia) and Amy Aniobi, the Naija queen behind some of the sparkling stardust in Insecure. This two-hour mock writers’ room was pure magic. As a NYFA alumni (shoutout, L.A. campus!)This was my first time at the Miami campus, and wow, the creative energy was off the charts. And, it was more than just technical talk, guided by Mike and Amy’s dedication to our growth and storytelling’s heart. Their focus on supporting Black writers was inspiring, and seeing young creatives shine made me proud.
Major lessons? You bet- “WRITING IS REWRITING. KEEP WRITING IN YOUR VOICE.” Embrace feedback openly. Your role? “Lean more into who you are” in the writer’s room. Give and get notes, share ideas, and build your tribe. Amy’s advice? “Find your people.” Check out their creator programs: Super Special and Black Boy Writes. African Writers, apply now! I know I will.
2. PREMIERES & PANELS:
The ABFF was bursting with premieres and panels featuring A-list Black talent. Think Kerry Washington debuting “UnPrisoned” Season 2 and a deep dive into Money and Mindfulness with Nia Long. I personally soaked in the wisdom from the cast of “All American” and, on day three, caught a Creator Session with none other than Issa Rae. But the real showstopper? Kenya Barris, the genius behind Black-ish and Grown-ish, who also penned Girlfriends. He dropped industry insights about character and personal values. His journey from P.A. to powerhouse creator emphasizes respect for everyone — from crew to stars. It’s refreshing to see someone who values being a good person as much as being a great creator. When asked about doing something on the diaspora, Kenya expressed interest, highlighting the impact of diaspora actors like Issa Rae, Idris Elba, and Trevor Noah.
Kenya’s mantra? “Stay Consistent, it’s a game of chess.” Keep creating and building. He stressed the importance of stellar character over ego. Criticism sparks conversations; Kenya shared that family inspires his work. The industry is vast, and collaboration is key. Find your voice like Ryan Reynolds or Issa Rae. Diversify your investments, pitch honestly, execute with intention, and own your craft down to the details.
3. BECAUSE THEY’RE FUNNY — ABFF Comedy Show:
While I regretfully missed out on some of the films, narrative series, and sessions, I was beyond grateful to attend the inaugural comedy show, which turned out to be a festival highlight. The creators of ABFF have been dreaming of featuring a comedy show for ages, and this year, it finally came to life in the most spectacular way. The show was not only special but also side-splittingly hilarious. It reminded everyone of the joy and laughter that Black creatives bring to the world — a much-needed break from the usual industry grind. Emerging stand-up comedians like Alfred Kainga, Anthony Oakes, Apple Brown Betty, Mason King, and Rashaun Reese took the stage and absolutely killed it. And let me tell you, this Apple Brown Betty woman is someone to watch out for! The show, hosted by the fabulous Janelle James from Abbott Elementary, was a burst of laughter and light, showcasing the festival’s roots and vision. It was the perfect reminder of why we love and need comedy — especially when it’s this good.
4. ABFF HONORS DENZEL WASHINGTON: A Celebration of Legacy:
Honoring Denzel Washington’s legendary career and impact on Black cinema was a show-stopping moment. The line to see him curled around four blocks, with fans eagerly waiting to see a man the NYT hails as the greatest American actor of all time, boasting 2 Oscars, 3 Golden Globes, and a career that began on stage with Shakespeare, inspired by his English teacher. And believe me, it was worth every second. Denzel’s quote, “The most selfish thing you can give in life is to give,” set the tone for an inspiring session. Beyond natural ability, he emphasized the need for a solid foundation, teamwork, and the art of less being more. He quoted James 3:18, about sowing in peace to reap a harvest of righteousness, and it felt so uplifting in that packed hall of over a thousand people, including yours truly, dressed in Nigerian fashion designer Ruzanna Couture.
Denzel regaled us with stories about working with amazing actors, citing the likes of Cory Houser, Andrew Brown, and Morgan Freeman. He also greatly honored Spike Lee and gave us a sneak peek into his son Malcolm Washington’s latest project, a Netflix film adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” featuring his children John David and Olivia Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and his daughter Katia in the producer’s chair. It was such a full-circle moment that I nearly teared up, especially as Denzel is especially keen on passing the baton.
Adding to the magic, Denzel shared his unplanned journey into acting and even FaceTimed his wife, Pauletta- giving us all a good laugh as she joked about not having her wig on. The session was pure gold. Denzel mentioned wanting to do more behind-the-camera work, though we can still expect to see him in Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Gladiator II”. The whole experience felt like a gladiator moment — I half-expected a quartet to break into “Now We Are Free.”
5. ABFF PARTIES: The Legendary White Party x Yacht Party & The Hoorae Room:
So, I only caught the last 15 minutes of the White Party’s D.J. set — thanks to weather delays — but I did make it to the Yacht Party on the 20,000-square-foot Seafair mega yacht. And let me tell you, the sense of community was off the charts. Sailing along Miami’s stunning coastline, dancing under the stars in my LBD — you couldn’t tell me anything! The Yacht Party was a melting pot of talent and creativity, embodying the spirit of ABFF: celebrating and uplifting Black creativity through connection and joy. The Hoorae House was another highlight, where I met an incredible group of creatives. We exchanged ideas and contacts, setting the stage for future collaborations.
6. Cool Connects, New Acquaintances, Old Friends: I’m known as a bit of a social butterfly, always ready to work a room with enthusiasm. One of the standout experiences at the festival was making new connections and meeting amazing people. Sorry, Drake, we definitely made some new friends! A special highlight was bumping into Warren Burke, who plays Daniel McKellan in Family Reunion. My cousins are huge fans of the show, so getting to chat with Warren gave me some cool trivia to share with them — adding a personal touch to my professional connections. The sense of community and support among attendees was truly heartwarming and encouraging, even from visiting film enthusiasts like Imo Ekanem (Italy) and other creatives. It’s moments like these that make festivals so special!
Conclusion: ABFF Miami 2024 was a whirlwind of Black excellence, creativity, and pure vibes. Despite the travel hiccups — thanks, delayed flights — the festival surpassed all expectations. Celebrating its 28th year, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) remains a cornerstone event for Black artists and filmmakers, since its inception in 1997. It was a celebration of resilience and unapologetic creativity, leaving me inspired and ready to re-conquer the film industry and beyond. As an ahem- young Black creative, I’ve learned that collaboration trumps competition. ABFF was a testament to the power of unity and community. Shout out to the founding couple Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. Here’s to amplifying our voices, telling our stories, and continuing to uplift Black creativity. The future of storytelling looks bright, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
ABFF reminded me of the strength and beauty of our collective narratives. Until next time, ABFF!
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