The American Black Film Festival Pop Up’s first tour stop in New York City brought some of the best programming from Miami to the Big Apple.
The ABFF NYC Pop Up began on Saturday, October 25 as Naturi Naughton took the stage for her panel “Money Wellness and the Creator,” presented by founding sponsor Ally Financial, offering an intimate look at her journey to financial independence. The buzz continued with a screening of The Fisherman, winner of the 2025 American Black Film Festival Best Narrative Feature and Best Director awards, followed by a talkback with writer and director Zoey Martinson, and producer Korey Jackson.
A fan-favorite staple of the Miami flagship festival, audiences capped off the first day with an encore of the 2025 HBO Short Film Showcase followed by an in-depth conversation with filmmakers Princess Adenike, Nick Buchheit, and Yasmine Crawley.
The second and final day of the ABFF NYC Pop Up, Sunday, October 26 kicked off with another standout from the flagship festival, BOB Talks (Black-Owned Brands). The panel series celebrating Black entrepreneurship offered audiences practical insights and inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The panel was followed by a screening of Fatherless No More, accompanied by a conversation with director and producer Kayla Johnson, and Pastor Tim Johnson.
Acclaimed writer, director, and author Malcolm D. Lee took the stage for an intimate “Creator Conversation” exploring his creative process and celebrated career. Lee spoke candidly about his journey as a filmmaker, the challenges and triumphs behind his success, and his perspective on the evolving landscape of contemporary cinema. The packed weekend came to a close with the highly anticipated screening of Can You Stand The Rain followed by talkback with director and writer Eden Marryshow.
Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier destination for Black storytelling and a vital platform for emerging talent. ABFF has helped launch the careers of many of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers and actors while advocating for inclusion and representation in Hollywood and beyond.
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by husband-and-wife team Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces festivals, awards shows, and destination-based experiences across major U.S. cities and international markets. At the heart of NICE CROWD is a belief in The Power of Gathering—bringing communities together to celebrate creativity, amplify emerging voices, and spark meaningful connection. The company’s mission is to harness that power to drive cultural relevance and economic impact for its partners. Best known for its flagship property, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 30th year, the company has evolved into a global brand with deep expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships.
More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop Up Tour:
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
