The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop Up made a spectacular debut in New York City, drawing filmmakers, creators, and fans to a two-day celebration of Black excellence in cinema. The event, which ran from October 25 to 26, transported the energy and prestige of the Miami flagship festival to the heart of the Big Apple, offering an unforgettable lineup of panels, screenings, and creative conversations.
Kicking off on Saturday, October 25, award-winning actress Naturi Naughton opened the festival with her panel, “Money Wellness and the Creator,” presented by founding sponsor Ally Financial. The discussion gave audiences a rare, personal look at Naughton’s path to financial independence and creative freedom, setting the tone for a weekend that celebrated both artistry and empowerment.
Excitement filled the venue as guests enjoyed the New York premiere of The Fisherman, winner of the 2025 ABFF Best Narrative Feature and Best Director awards. The screening was followed by a thought-provoking conversation with writer-director Zoey Martinson and producer Korey Jackson, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the acclaimed film.
Audiences ended the first day on a high note with an encore of the HBO Short Film Showcase, a festival favorite from Miami. Filmmakers Princess Adenike, Nick Buchheit, and Yasmine Crawley joined in for a post-screening talkback, sharing insight into the creative process behind their award-winning short films and the significance of platforms like ABFF in advancing diverse storytelling.
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Later, the emotional screening of Fatherless No More drew powerful reactions from the crowd. Director and producer Kayla Johnson, joined by Pastor Tim Johnson, led a heartfelt discussion about family, faith, and healing through storytelling.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated sessions featured acclaimed filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee, creator of classics such as The Best Man and Girls Trip. In an intimate “Creator Conversation,” Lee reflected on his decades-long career, his evolution as a storyteller, and the responsibility of representing authentic Black narratives on screen.
The Pop Up concluded with the touching screening of Can You Stand The Rain, followed by a vibrant discussion with director and writer Eden Marryshow, leaving audiences inspired by the depth and range of Black cinema showcased throughout the weekend.
The success of the ABFF Pop Up NYC reaffirmed the festival’s mission to celebrate and elevate Black storytellers, offering a dynamic space for creative exchange, empowerment, and cultural pride.
