It’s a Love Jones reunion at the 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF)! Nia Long and Larenz Tate, the stars of the beloved 1997 romance, are set to serve as Ambassadors for this year’s festival, bringing their undeniable chemistry and enduring legacy to Miami Beach.
The festival, taking place June 11-15 with an online segment running June 16-23 on ABFF PLAY, has long been a platform for celebrating Black storytelling. As Ambassadors, Long and Tate will support ABFF’s mission of championing Black creatives in film and television, fostering opportunities for emerging talent, and inspiring future generations of storytellers.
But the nostalgia doesn’t stop there—ABFF is giving Love Jones the tribute it deserves. The co-stars will take center stage for ABFF Remembers: Love Jones, an intimate conversation and musical celebration dedicated to the film’s impact. Fans can expect reflections on the making of the movie, behind-the-scenes stories, and a heartfelt look at the lasting friendship between Long and Tate. To add to the magic, the event will feature selections from the film’s timeless soundtrack, a sonic backdrop that helped define Love Jones as a cultural touchstone.
For ABFF founder Jeff Friday, the festival’s connection to Love Jones is personal. It was at another film festival that he first saw the movie, an experience that helped spark the creation of ABFF itself. Since then, Long and Tate have been longtime supporters of the festival, making their Ambassador roles all the more meaningful.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nia and Larenz as Ambassadors to the American Black Film Festival,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday, Founders of NICE CROWD. “Their work in Love Jones remains iconic, and they have long been trailblazers in the industry. Their contributions to ABFF’s mission have been immeasurable, dating back to the festival’s early days in Acapulco in the late ’90s. We are honored to count them as dear friends.”
With celebrated careers spanning decades, both Long and Tate continue to make their mark in the industry. Long, a four-time NAACP Image Award winner, will next be seen in Michael, Lionsgate’s highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, set for release on October 3, 2025. She’s also gearing up for the release of her memoir, set to be published by Gallery Books.
Tate, a Chicago native whose career-defining roles in Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, and Love Jones cemented his status as a cultural icon, currently stars as Congressman Tate in Power Book II: Ghost on Starz. Beyond acting, he’s a dedicated storyteller and entrepreneur, co-founding TateMen Entertainment and launching the hit podcast Bronzeville, which has amassed over 20 million downloads.
As ABFF continues its nearly three-decade legacy of uplifting Black cinema, this year’s festival promises to be one to remember. And with Long and Tate at the helm, it’s safe to say that Miami Beach is about to experience a serious case of Love Jones.