Stars head to Miami Beach for American Black Film Festival

Stars take part in panels, discuss craft

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Terrence Howard -- or Lucious Lyon as he's known to millions of "Empire" fans -- was in town Friday for the 21st annual American Black Film Festival. 

The ABFF opened in Miami Beach on Wednesday with the world premiere of "Girls Trip" and came to a close on Sunday with a screening of the Tupac Shakur biopic "All Eyez on Me." 

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The festival also included discussions with stars such as hip-hop artist Common, "Girls Trip" actress Regina Hall and "Empire" star Tasha Smith.

Pre-screenings from television shows such as "Power,"  and "Queen Sugar" also took place. Among those who shared their craft with attendees were Stephanie Allain, the producer behind "Hustle & Flow" and "Dear White People."

The ABFF focuses on the work of black members of the film industry, which is something entertainers who attended the event support. 

"It’s incumbent for us who have a face in the industry to come back and be the platform,"  actor Omari Hardwick from the show "Power" said.