Photo credit: ABFF
The American Black Film Festival is expanding into theatrical distribution with ABFF97, a new initiative designed to bring independent films to movie theaters across major U.S. markets.
Announced on October 14, 2026, the initiative will partner with AMC Theatres as its inaugural theatrical provider. The move gives select independent films a new pathway to reach audiences beyond film festivals and streaming platforms.
ABFF97 takes its name from 1997, the year the American Black Film Festival was founded. The initiative builds on the festival’s three decades of supporting emerging filmmakers and connecting their work with audiences.
AMC Theatres will screen select independent films
Through the partnership, ABFF97 plans to bring curated theatrical releases to 11 major U.S. markets. These include Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte and Philadelphia.
The initiative will oversee film selection, theatrical release strategies, marketing, publicity and audience engagement. Its goal is to increase visibility for independent films and help filmmakers build stronger distribution opportunities.
ABFF Founder Jeff Friday said the initiative extends the organization’s role from discovering talent to helping distribute films.
He also pointed to the growth of the theatrical market as an opportunity to bring more independent productions to moviegoers. AMC’s participation provides the initiative with an initial theatrical partner as it begins developing its release slate.
ABFF97 builds on the festival’s growing audience
The new distribution initiative follows the 2026 ABFF Pop-Up Tour, which has already completed stops in Washington, D.C., and New York. Atlanta and Houston are scheduled to follow in the coming weeks.
According to the announcement, audience responses to the tour helped reinforce interest in watching independent films on the big screen. That interest also helped inform ABFF’s decision to expand into theatrical distribution.
ABFF97 will prioritize films that have screened at the festival. However, the initiative will also consider independent films from outside the ABFF community as the platform develops.
This approach could create additional opportunities for filmmakers seeking theatrical exposure. It also gives ABFF a way to support projects after their festival appearances, rather than limiting its role to screenings and industry connections.
Release dates and film lineup are still pending
ABFF has not yet announced the inaugural film lineup or theatrical release schedule. The organization said those details will be shared at a later date.
The initiative is designed to help films build visibility and demonstrate audience interest through theatrical screenings. Those results could strengthen opportunities for later licensing and distribution across other platforms.
For independent filmmakers, the model offers another potential route to connect with moviegoers and expand a film’s reach.
The launch also marks a new chapter for ABFF as it broadens its work beyond its annual festival and year-round events.
The 2027 American Black Film Festival is scheduled for May 20–23 in Los Angeles. More information about ABFF97 is available at ABFF.com/ABFF97.
Source: American Black Film Festival — ABFF97 announcement
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