The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has announced its 2026 programming lineup featuring 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® Award-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. “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, 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.
In addition, 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.
Additional details and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.abff.com and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.
SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS
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
A talented violinist takes a prestigious job as music tutor for the daughter of an enigmatic family — and slowly uncovers unsettling secrets that threaten her safety and sanity. Directed by Malcolm D. Lee | Starring Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, 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
Chronicles Brittney Griner’s rise to basketball stardom, her wrongful imprisonment abroad, and her family’s fight to bring her home. Talkback to follow with director Alexandria Stapleton. Directed by Alexandria Stapleton | An ABFF Sports Program
“Basement People” and Q&A Courtesy of BLACC powered by AHF | Saturday, May 30 | 11:00 am – 11:45 am O Cinema
Seven-year-old Tina seeks safety from a volatile household, finding unexpected refuge with her reclusive uncle in the basement. A portrait of childhood trauma and belonging. 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
An exclusive preview of the fifth and final season, featuring curated clips and a moderated discussion. Season Five premieres 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
Narrated by Sue Bird, this documentary follows four athletes — including Noah Lyles — as they reveal the physical, mental, and self-care rituals behind their winning formula. An ABFF Sports Program
PANELS & CONVERSATIONS
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
The cast and filmmakers discuss bringing this layered, suspenseful story to life — from creative choices to world-building. Panelists: Malcolm D. Lee, Dominique Telson, Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Coco Jones | 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
Prolific producers Felicia Pride and Niceole Levy share career-defining moments and tips for navigating today’s 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
A special Legacy Talk tracing Regina King’s journey from breakout roles to Oscar-winning work and her evolution as a director and cultural force.
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
An intimate conversation over high tea with the cast and creative team of the groundbreaking daytime series. Guests are encouraged to dress up. 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
Exploring the deep connection between Black culture and anime, featuring voice actors Zeno Robinson and Kenneisha Thompson. 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
Examining how the DMV region can leverage policy, tax incentives, and public-private collaboration to become the next major creative hub for Black storytellers. Panelists: LaToya Foster, Priscilla Clarke, Cameron Lawson, Richie Skye | Moderated by: John Gibson, 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
A candid look at the business of microdramas — platform economics, content ownership, and how creators can build sustainable careers in vertical storytelling. Panelists: Laveena Peters (Founder, Ceeit), James Dubose (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
Powerhouse voices from Netflix’s 2026 slate discuss the craft, culture, and community shaping a new era of Black television. Panelists: Pending
BOB Talks
Sponsored by Walmart | Friday, May 29 | 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm New World Center – Truist Hall
Black Owned Brands founders Rod Johnson (BLK & Bold), Arsha Jones (Capital City Mambo Sauce), and Desiree Rogers (BLK/OPL) share candid insights on building businesses at the intersection of culture and entrepreneurship. 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
Taye Diggs reflects on decades in Hollywood, career transitions, financial planning, and what it takes to thrive long-term in the entertainment industry. Featuring: Taye Diggs | Moderated by: TBC
Storytellers Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouses Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios | Saturday, May 30 | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm New World Center – Truist Hall
Accomplished showrunners and producers offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative collaboration that drives Amazon MGM Studios Originals.
In the Director’s Chair: The Making of “GOAT” with Tyree Dillihay Sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment | Saturday, May 30 | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm New World Center – Truist Hall
Director Tyree Dillihay discusses his 7.5-year journey to bring the Sony Pictures Animation film GOAT to life, produced by Stephen Curry and featuring Caleb McLaughlin and Gabrielle Union. Panelist: Tyree Dillihay | Moderated by: Jon Gist, Sony Pictures Entertainment
AI x XR Storytelling Showcase Saturday, May 30 | 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Miami Beach Convention Center, Screening Room 1
A curated showcase of AI-driven films exploring how emerging tools are reshaping filmmaking and expanding into immersive, interactive storytelling. Panelists: Alton Glass (moderator), Willonius Hatcher
The Final Game: Inside the Legacy of “All American” Sponsored by Warner Bros. Television | Saturday, May 30 | 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm New World Center – Performance Hall
The cast and executive producer revisit the series’ biggest moments and look ahead to its powerful final season. Panelists: Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Michael Evans Behling, Greta Onieogou, Bre-Z, Kareem Grimes
Iyanla Vanzant: Behind The Inside Fix Moderated by CNN’s Abby Phillip | Sponsored by OWN | Saturday, May 30 | 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm New World Center – Truist Hall
A soul-stirring fireside chat on the cultural impact of Vanzant’s work and the power of storytelling for personal and collective healing. Panelists: Iyanla Vanzant, Abby Phillip (moderator)
ENTERTAINMENT & NETWORKING
Best of the ABFF Awards Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am | New World Center – Performance Hall Hosted by Dondré Whitfield
Opening Night Party Sponsored by American Airlines | Wednesday, May 27 | 10:00 pm | The Bass Museum
Hey Ladies Comedy Experience Friday, May 29 | 9:30 pm | New World Center – Performance Hall Headlined by Zainab Johnson and featuring Tisha Campbell.
The Legendary White Party Legacy Edition Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 pm – 3:00 am | M2 Nightclub Hosted by Terrence J
FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Screening Under the Stars — “Brown Sugar” Friday, May 29 | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | New World Center Wall An outdoor screening of the beloved 2002 hip-hop classic starring Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs. Bring a blanket and enjoy.
Miami Beach Black Cultural Heritage Tour Saturday, May 30 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm A behind-the-scenes tour of historic landmarks, ending with a social at a Black-owned spot to connect with the community.