Photo credit: Pictured (L to R): LL Cool J, Nicole Friday, Gayle King, Mike Colter
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) brought award-winning films and major entertainment names to New York City for its second annual ABFF NYC Pop-Up. The two-day event featured Gayle King, LL Cool J, Mike Colter and filmmaker JJ Abrams, alongside screenings and conversations celebrating Black storytelling.
Held October 10 and 11, 2026, the event brought highlights from the flagship festival to New York audiences. It featured independent films, filmmaker discussions and conversations with television stars about their work and the stories shaping the entertainment industry.
ABFF NYC Pop-Up Opens With Award-Winning Films
The ABFF NYC Pop-Up began Saturday, October 10, with a screening of The Rise: The New MoneyBall, presented by founding sponsor Ally Financial.
The program continued with Three Colors: Pan-African, the winner of the 2026 ABFF Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature. Following the screening, director Elijah Davis discussed the film with attendees.
Audiences also watched an encore presentation of the 2026 HBO Short Film Showcase. Filmmaker Modupe Thompson joined a conversation that explored the creative work behind the featured films.
These screenings highlighted the festival’s commitment to independent filmmakers and original stories. They also gave New York audiences another opportunity to experience films recognized at the main ABFF festival.
JJ Abrams Supports Emerging Filmmakers
Sunday’s program opened with the New York Stories, Everywhere Short Film Showcase. The showcase featured filmmakers Tiffani Holland, Allison Oddman, Sharona D’Ornellas and Imani Celeste, alongside actor and executive producer Elvis Nolasco.
Filmmaker JJ Abrams attended the showcase to show his support. His appearance added another notable name to a program focused on emerging voices and original storytelling.
The showcase also gave filmmakers an opportunity to discuss their work and share the ideas behind their projects. Through these conversations, the event connected audiences with the creative minds shaping independent film.
Gayle King Leads LL Cool J and Mike Colter Conversation
One of the weekend’s major highlights was CBS’ TV’s Leading Men conversation featuring LL Cool J and Mike Colter. Gayle King moderated the discussion, which explored their upcoming series and the responsibilities of leading men in television.
LL Cool J discussed his role in NCIS: New York, while Colter represented Cupertino. The conversation examined the storylines anchoring their respective shows and what it means to lead a television production.
The discussion offered audiences a closer look at the actors’ work and perspectives on the entertainment industry. It also brought together three recognizable television personalities for a conversation about storytelling and representation on screen.
ABFF NYC Pop-Up Closes With Independent Film
The weekend concluded with a screening of Otra, followed by a discussion with director Armani Ortiz. The filmmaker spoke about the film’s creative vision and the process behind bringing the project to life.
The closing program reinforced the event’s focus on giving independent filmmakers a platform to present their work and connect with audiences.
Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the American Black Film Festival celebrates emerging talent and advances opportunities across film and television. Its programming brings filmmakers, artists, executives, brands and audiences together through screenings, premieres, discussions and networking.
The NYC Pop-Up extended that mission beyond the flagship festival, bringing recognized entertainment figures and independent creators into the same space. With film screenings, industry conversations and support for emerging talent, the two-day gathering celebrated the range of stories shaping Black film and television.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the official ABFF Pop-Up Tour website.
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