The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced the winners of its prestigious Best of ABFF Awards on Saturday, celebrating outstanding achievements in Black cinema. The event, held from June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Florida, will continue virtually from June 17-24 on ABFF PLAY. The awards ceremony was hosted by Dondré Whitfield, recognizing talent in narrative and documentary features, series, and the HBO Short Film Award showcase.
Sulayman Tahir’s “Peripheral” clinched the award for Best Narrative Feature. The film, which had its world premiere at the festival, tells the gripping story of a woman facing bizarre and supernatural events after her husband’s mysterious return. The cast includes Andria B. Langston, Patrick Walker, Patricia Mizen, D’Kia Anderson, and Sami Tortorello. Tahir co-wrote the script with Jordan Tortorello.
Coke Daniels’ “The Waterboyz” earned him the Best Director award. This powerful narrative, also making its world premiere, follows two young men in Atlanta with contrasting life paths—one striving for a legitimate living, the other seeking control of the streets. The film stars Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony, Quavo, Omar Dorsey, and Rockmond Dunbar. Daniels not only directed but also wrote the screenplay, with production by Daniels, Errol Sadler, John Doherty, Tirrell D. Whittley, and Cameron S. Mitchell. Executive producers include Dolapo Erinkitola, Coach K., Pee Thomas, Ben Crump, and Brian Sher.
HBO Short Film Award
The HBO Short Film Award showcase crowned Huriyyah Muhammad’s “Chocolate With Sprinkles,” its winner; the award was presented by HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery. It is a poignant short film about a married couple working on their relationship during their 25th wedding anniversary. This award is one of the festival’s top honors, continuing ABFF’s tradition of spotlighting emerging Black filmmakers. Nicole Friday, president of Nice Crowd, expressed her excitement over the impressive talent showcased this year.
“This year’s Best of ABFF Awards represents a wildly impressive array of emerging Black talent, and we are thrilled to share their work with our attendees,” said Friday. “We are delighted to welcome Huriyyah Muhammad to the esteemed group of artists like Ryan Coogler, Reinaldo Marcus Green, and Steven Caple, Jr., who have won this honor over the 27 years we have been doing this program.”
The festival also announced the winners in various categories:
- Best Actor (Presented by Ally Financial): Vince Washington for “Young King”
- Best Documentary: “Train: The Dick Night Tran Lane Story,” directed by Eric “Ptah” Herbert
- Best Series (Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal’s Black Experience on Xfinity): “Unsolicited,” written by Barshae Lowery, produced by Lowery, Aysia Moore, and Chazitear Martin
ABFF, recognized as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards’ short film categories, continues to be a vital platform for Black filmmakers. The HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery-sponsored award, running for 27 years, includes a $10,000 cash prize, underscoring the festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent in the industry.