Today wraps up an epic 2015 American Black Film Festival. BlackEnterprise.com and ABFF hopes you’ve capitalized on your experience. Believe it or not, there is still more to enjoy.
Kick your day off with the creators of one of the most groundbreaking shows on television with Empire Talks Back: Inside the Writers Room. Head to the New York Hilton Grand Ballroom East Foyer from 11:00am-12:15pm to be a part of the conversation and learn what it’s like to really walk the walk and talk the talk from Hollywood’s esteemed hitmakers.
After you get your fill of Empire insider knowledge, head on inside the Grand Ballroom East to Inside Black-ish from 1:30-2:45pm. Moderated by Larry Wilmore, Inside Black-ish is a candid talk about Season 1 of this trailblazing show. Find out what’s to come in upcoming seasons from writer/creator Kenya Barnes and star Tracee Ellis Ross.
This year, ABFF will spotlight the Academy Award-nominated Boyz N the Hood for the ABFF Remembers spotlight screening. You can catch Boyz N the Hood at AMC Empire 25 at 2:00pm. There will be a Q&A with director John Singleton immediately following the screening. Get tickets early as this screening will likely fill up fast!
After you’ve reminisced with Boyz N the Hood, check out a new cast of breakout actors with the encore screening of Dope, written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa starring Shameik Moore, Zoë Kravitz, Kiersey Clemons, Tony Revolori and Blake Anderson. Dope will be showing in Theatre 13 at the AMC Empire 25 at 5:35pm.
From 12:00-6:00pm you can swing by the Television & Media Expo where networks and broadcasters will be showcasing their programs and diversity initiatives. At the same time, ABFF passholders can check out the American Airlines Passholder Lounge to network and experience American Airlines’ brand of hospitality. There’s also The Concierge Passholder Lounge at the New York Hilton: Hudson Suite with an influencer meet and greet at 3:00pm that you won’t want to miss.
After a long weekend of films, networking, and fun, it is finally time for the ABFF Awards. The Best of the ABFF awards ceremony will be hosted by Chris Spencer at the New York Hilton: Grand Ballroom East. Here, the talent content winners and the official selection filmmakers will be honored alongside the 2015 ABFF Career Achievement Award recipient, actress Jenifer Lewis. The awards ceremony will be held at 8:15pm and will be immediately followed by a post-awards reception with drinks provided by Moët Hennessy.
Be aware that there is still time to register for today’s events. Registration will be open from 10:00am-8:00pm at the New York Hilton: West Promenade.
Screenings will take place all day (11:00am-11:00pm) at the AMC 25 in Theaters 12 and 13. For a complete list of the narrative, documentary, short, spotlight and webisodes that will be screened, along with times and ticket purchase information, visit https://www.amctheatres.com/. And don’t forget to download the BE Events app, available via iOS and Android. Use the BE Events app to register for ABFF events and enter to win a trip for two to ABFF’s 20th anniversary in 2016.
For complete coverage of the 2015 American Black Film Festival, visit www.blackenterprise.com/tag/abff/ or follow along on social media using #ABFF2015. For more information on the films, schedules, and activities, download the BE Events app on iTunes or Google Play.