The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has announced its 30th anniversary programming lineup exclusively to IndieWire. The 2026 edition of the festival will feature conversations and panels with industry leading directors, producers, and talent, including Chloe Bailey, Coco Jones, Taye Diggs, and Iyanla Vanzant, among others. The lineup features a dynamic slate of conversations, panels and Spotlight screenings, including “The Brittney Griner Story” from ESPN and “Meeting the Moment,” featuring Olympian Noah Lyles, produced by T Brand Studios and L’Oréal Groupe.
Festival ambassador and Oscar-, Golden Globe-, and Emmy-winning actress, director, and producer Regina King will participate in a special Legacy Talk honoring her career and marking her return to the festival. The 30th anniversary of ABFF will take place in Miami Beach May 27-31 under the theme “Homecoming.”
“Reaching our 30th anniversary is a profound milestone, not just for the festival, but for the entire creative community we’ve championed over the last three decades,” said Nice Crowd President Nicole Friday via statement. “Our ‘Homecoming’ theme this year is a celebration of that journey — welcoming back legends like our ambassador Regina King while introducing a new generation of powerhouses like Chloe Bailey and Noah Lyles. This lineup reflects ABFF’s unwavering commitment to being a premier stage for bold storytelling and the industry leaders shaping its future.”
Screening highlights also include “Basement People,” directed by Christine Swanson, followed by a Q&A, courtesy of The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF, and the previously announced Opening Night premiere of Peacock’s “Strung.” The film, directed by Malcolm D. Lee, starring Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop and Coco Jones, will also hold the “Peacock’s Strung: From Script to Screen” panel the following day, presented by Comcast NBCU.
Panels and conversations include “Celebration of Black Television Panel” presented by Netflix, “Storytellers Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouses Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals,” presented by Amazon MGM Studios, “The Final Game: Inside the Legacy of All American” presented by WBD, “Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Look at Season Five of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan,’” presented by Starz, “Vertical Money: A Distributor’s Truth About the Microdrama Game” presented by Hartbeat | Blktopia, and “Iyanla Vanzant: Behind The Inside Fix. Moderated by CNN’s Abby Phillip,” presented by OWN.
Additionally, comedians Zainab Johnson and Tisha Campbell will perform as part of the “Hey Ladies Comedy Experience.” The Opening Night Party will return, along with the festival’s signature Legendary White Party.
The programming lineup complements previously announced selections, including narrative and documentary feature films, exclusive screenings and world premieres, sneak peaks and red-carpet premieres.
All live events will take place across key venues in Miami Beach, including the New World Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, and O Cinema.
The full 2026 ABFF programming schedule to date appears below. For additional details, visit the American Black Film Festival website.
Opening Night Film – “Strung,” courtesy of Peacock Sponsored by Comcast NBCU Wednesday, May 27, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm New World Center – Performance Hall From director Malcolm D. Lee, a talented violinist takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family. As she becomes entangled in their opulent world, unsettling secrets begin to surface, forcing her to question her safety, her dreams, and even her sanity. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, Starring Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop and Coco Jones
“The Brittney Griner Story” Sponsored by ESPN Friday, May 29, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1 A towering figure and presence both on and off the court, few have risen as far and fast in the game of basketball as Brittney Griner. But as she reached new heights, a minor mistake at home threw her into a cruel imprisonment abroad – turning her from a globally respected player to the geopolitical pawn of an adversarial nation. “The Brittney Griner Story” follows a tumultuous path to sports stardom that culminates in the incarceration at the hands of a repressive dictatorship, the fortitude and perseverance of her family and friends to force her release, and following that release, her renewed lease on life and new perspective on the freedom her home country provides. Talkback to follow with director, Alexandria Stapleton. Directed by: Alexandria Stapleton Panelists: Alexandria Stapleton Moderated by: TBC *An ABFF Sports Program “Basement People” and Q&A, courtesy of The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF Sponsored by The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AHF Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – 11:45 am O Cinema Synopsis: Seven-year-old Tina is left in the care of her extended family after a traumatic event exposes the fault lines of a volatile household. Sensitive and emotionally fragile, she navigates a home ruled by control, neglect, and barely contained rage. As tensions escalate into violence, Tina retreats into the basement, seeking refuge from the chaos above. There, she finds an unlikely sanctuary with her reclusive uncle Keith, a man the family has long dismissed as unstable and unfit for the world upstairs. In the quiet isolation of the basement, Tina experiences something she has been denied throughout the house: safety without judgment. As the family struggles to restore order aboveground, Tina must decide where she truly belongs. “Basement People”is an intimate portrait of childhood sensitivity, inherited trauma, and the unexpected places where protection and belonging can be found. Credits: Directed by Christine Swanson *Free Community Event Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Look at Season Five of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” Sponsored by STARZ Saturday, May 30, 4:30 pm Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1 Join stars from the fifth and final season of STARZ’s original series “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” for an exclusive preview event. Through curated clips and a moderated discussion, guests will experience the Southside through a new lens—exploring Kanan’s evolution, rising family tensions, and the high-stakes drama ahead. Be among the first to discover what’s in store for Season Five, premiering June 12 on STARZ. Panelists: Pending Meeting the Moment: A Documentary from L’Oréal Groupe and T Brand Sponsored by L’Oréal Groupe Saturday, May 30; 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm New World Center – Truist Hall What’s the secret behind the Olympian Noah Lyles’s record-breaking sprints? How do star lucha libre wrestlers Persephone and La Catalina prepare their game face ahead of a match? And how does the FC Barcelona soccer player Jules Koundé achieve greatness through routine? “Meeting the Moment” is a documentary narrated by the basketball legend Sue Bird that follows four athletes as they prepare for a major sports competition, revealing how physical training, mental fortitude and self-care rituals make up their winning formula. *An ABFF Sports Program
Peacock’s “Strung”: From Script to Screen Sponsored by Comcast NBCU Thursday, May 28, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm New World Center – Performance Hall Join the filmmakers and cast of “Strung” for a conversation about the making of the film and the story at its center: a talented musician whose opportunity pulls her into an unfamiliar and exclusive world. From shaping complex, layered roles to creating a world that feels both opulent and unsettling, the panel will unpack the storytelling choices that bring this gripping narrative to life. Panelists: Malcolm D. Lee (Director/Producer), Dominique Telson (Producer), Chloe Bailey (“Laila Calloway“), Lynn Whitfield (“Audra Jelani“), Lucien Laviscount (“Marcus Walker“), and Coco Jones (“Jasmine”) Moderated by: TBC NBCU LAUNCH Talks: Crafting A TV Writing Career Sponsored by Comcast NBCU Thursday, May 28, 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm New World Center – Truist Hall Join NBCU LAUNCH for a conversation with prolific producers and program alumni Felicia Pride (“Bel-Air,” “A Different World”) and Niceole Levy (“Found,” “The Recruit”), as they discuss pivotal moments that have shaped their writing careers, the elements of producing a successful show, and tips on navigating the current entertainment landscape. Panelists: Felicia Pride, Niceole Levy Moderated by: Jeanne Mau, EVP, TV Programming Inclusion (NBCUniversal LAUNCH) A Conversation with Regina King Sponsored by American Airlines Thursday, May 28, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm New World Center – Performance Hall As part of ABFF’s 30th Anniversary celebration, American Airlines presents a special Legacy Talk honoring the career of Regina King, marking her return to the festival. This intimate conversation traces her journey across film and television—from breakout roles to her Academy Award-winning work and evolution as a director and cultural force. Accompanied by a curated selection of clips, the discussion explores longevity in Hollywood, creative risk-taking, and the responsibility of legacy. Both celebratory and reflective, the session positions Regina King as a blueprint for artistic excellence and lasting impact. High Tea, “Beyond The Gates” — An Immersive Panel Experience Sponsored by CBS Thursday, May 28, 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm New World Center – Truist Hall Join the creative team and cast of “Beyond the Gates” for an intimate conversation over high tea, celebrating the stories, characters, and cultural impact of the groundbreaking series. In this immersive panel, attendees will hear firsthand from the talent behind the show as they discuss the inspiration behind the drama, the collaboration that brings it to life, and the importance of powerful, multi-generational storytelling in daytime television. Set in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, this special event invites guests to get dressed up and connect with the voices shaping one of television’s most talked-about new series! Panelists: Pending Crunchyroll Presents: Black Fandom and Anime Sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment Friday, May 29, 10:30 am – 11:45 am New World Center – Truist Hall Anime and Black culture have had a special relationship since the medium first hit American shores. Everything from hip hop to fashion to Black film and television can see some influences from the likes of “Dragon Ball,” “Naruto,” and recent viral sensation “Gachiakuta.” Moderated by LeAlec Murray, award-winning co-host of “The Anime Effect: A Crunchyroll Podcast,” and joined by beloved voice actors Zeno Robinson and Kenneisha Thompson, this panel will explore the evolution of Black anime fandom, how Black creatives have used anime to draw inspiration for their art, and how anime has shaped pop culture in Black America Panelists: Zeno Robinson, Kenneisha Williams Moderated by: LeAlec Murray DC as a Creative Capital — Pathways to Production and Power Sponsored by Motion Picture Association Friday, May 29, 10:30 am – 11:45 am Miami Beach Convention Center – Screening Room #1 Washington, DC is more than the nation’s capital; it sits at the heart of the largest concentration of Black wealth in the country — the DMV region (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia). That economic power, combined with cultural influence and institutional infrastructure, uniquely positions the region as the next creative culture capital. This session will examine how regional markets leverage policy, tax incentives, workforce development, and public-private collaboration to build sustainable creative economies that expand access and opportunity for Black storytellers. Rather than focusing solely on inspiration, the discussion centers on implementation: how cities compete for production, how workforce pipelines are intentionally built, and how industry leaders identify and invest in emerging creative hubs. Panelists: LaToya Foster (Director, DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME)), Priscilla Clarke (President and CEO, Clarke PR Global, LLC), Cameron Lawson (Founder, Allegory Productions and “The Opening Scene” Podcast), Richie Skye (Digital Brand Influencer – Bravo TV, OWN, Warner Bros. Discovery, YouTube and more) Moderated by: John Gibson (Vice President, Public Affairs and Industry Relations, Motion Picture Association) Vertical Money: A Distributor’s Truth About the Microdrama Game Sponsored by Hartbeat | Blktopia Friday, May 29, 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm New World Center – Truist Hall Microdramas are the fastest-growing format in mobile entertainment, with platforms expanding rapidly and Hollywood taking notice, but the business behind vertical storytelling remains unclear to many creators. In this fireside chat, Debose and Peters offer a candid, distribution-side perspective on platform economics, content ownership, and audience monetization, breaking down who truly benefits in this evolving space. This conversation moves beyond hype to provide practical insight into what separates creators who build sustainable careers from those who don’t. Panelists: Laveena Peters (Founder, Ceeit), James Debose (Head of Platforms, Hartbeat) (moderator) Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television Panel Sponsored by Netflix Friday, May 29, 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm New World Center – Performance Hall Netflix will host a special Celebration of Black Television panel spotlighting the creative excellence of storytellers on and off the screen. Featuring powerhouse voices from Netflix’s upcoming 2026 slate, the conversation will explore the craft, culture, and community shaping a new era of Black television from writers’ rooms and directors’ chairs to unforgettable on screen performances. Panelists: Pending BOB Talks Sponsored by Walmart Friday, May 29, 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm New World Center – Truist Hall BOB Talks, short for Black Owned Brands, is a signature live conversation series spotlighting innovative founders and dynamic brands at the intersection of entrepreneurship, culture, and storytelling. It brings together influential voices, creatives, and a highly engaged audience for candid conversations on the realities of building a business- from navigating challenges to achieving success. The series offers practical insights and inspiration for the next wave of entrepreneurs. This structured panel will feature Rod Johnson, Chief Values Officer of Blk & Bold, and Arsha Jones, CEO and founder of Capital City Mambo Sauce. Moderated by NICE CROWD President and Co-founder, Nicole Friday. Panelists: Rod Johnson, Co-Founder & Chief Values Officer, BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages; Arsha Jones, Co-Founder & CEO, Capital City; Desiree Rogers, CEO, BLK/OPL Moderated by: Nicole Friday, Co-Founder & President, NICE CROWD Living Fully, Leading Forward: Taye Diggs on Longevity, Resilience, and Purpose Sponsored by AARP Friday, May 29, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm New World Center – Performance Hall Join us for an intimate fireside chat with acclaimed actor Taye Diggs as he reflects on career longevity, financial planning, and building lasting success in the entertainment industry. From his breakout film debut in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” opposite Angela Bassett to navigating decades in Hollywood, Diggs
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