MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The spotlight is shining on Miami Beach this week as the American Black Film Festival kicks off its 28th year.
From groundbreaking films to glitzy red carpet moments, it’s a celebration of Black talent in film and television.
Local 10’s Alexis Frazier hit the red carpet on opening night, and in true ABFF fashion, the festival kicked off with star power.
“There’s not a better event that defines film, entertainment and the sophistication of Miami in Miami Beach than the American Black Film Festival,” said David Whitaker, of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Celebrities, filmmakers and industry leaders are coming together in honor of Black cinema.
“This is the first major ‘yes’ that we got as far as festivals are concerned, and it feels like the best ‘yes,’ honestly,” writer Yasmine Crawley said. “Another Black community group valued something that we put out, so it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”
“To be here and to see all these creatives telling our stories, you know, we’re able to celebrate creativity, art and really ourselves, and we do it unapologetically,” actor and ABFF ambassador Larenz Tate said.
“And what we’re trying to do as the Black Affairs advisories is make sure that these stories are told and it’s magnified that the Black experience on Miami Beach is 365 -- 24/7,” Black Affairs Advisory Committee Chair Glendon Hall said.
This year, the festival is packed with incredible events, film screenings and intimate conversations, kicking off with a star-studded red carpet event.
Tate, the event’s co-ambassador for this year, talked to Local 10 about his upcoming role in the Michael Jackson movie.
“We’re putting together a movie that we think is gonna be pretty extraordinary,” he said. “I get a chance to play the great Berry Gordy. (Nia Long is) playing Katherine Jackson and it’s a phenomenal, phenomenal movie. We’re very excited about it and we can’t wait for it to come out.”
Right now, Tate is back in the ABFF spotlight, celebrating his iconic career.
“Is there any character that you feel like is the most like you or the furthest from you?” Frazier asked Tate.
“‘Love Jones’ playing Darius Love Hall. I had a little bit of Darius. I don’t think I was as cool as him. He was real smooth. You know, I wasn’t as smooth as Darius, but I’d like to believe that I can be a bit of a romantic when I want to,” Tate said.
Later this week, Tate and Long will reunite for a special “Love Jones” anniversary event, celebrating the timeless film that stole hearts.
There is so much to do this weekend. For information on the different screenings and panels, click here.