Photo credit: ABFF
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is heading to Los Angeles for its 31st edition.
The festival announced that ABFF 2027 will take place May 20–23, 2027, marking a new chapter for the long-running celebration of Black film and television.
The announcement comes after ABFF’s 30th anniversary. The festival will now enter its fourth decade while continuing its mission of discovering filmmakers, supporting careers and creating opportunities across the entertainment industry.
ABFF 2027 Heads to Los Angeles
ABFF 2027 will take place at several major Los Angeles venues.
AMC The Grove will host film screenings, while SLS Beverly Hills will serve as the center for industry programming. The venue will host conversations, master classes and professional-development sessions.
The Original Farmers Market will feature community activations and experiences. Meanwhile, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will host marquee festival events.
Complimentary daytime shuttles will also connect the festival’s venues. Attendees will be able to travel between screenings, networking events, industry sessions and special presentations.
Jeff Friday, founder of ABFF and CEO of NICE CROWD, said the festival’s next chapter will focus on expanding opportunities for emerging storytellers.
ABFF Introduces New Programs
The 2027 festival will introduce several new programs.
ABFF First Look: The Studio Showcase will give audiences a preview of upcoming projects from studios, independent distributors and streaming platforms. The program will include exclusive footage, announcements and appearances from filmmakers and talent.
ABFF Sports will explore the relationship between sports, entertainment, storytelling, media, business and culture. The program will feature screenings and conversations with athletes, filmmakers, executives, journalists and other industry figures.
Another new addition is Crossroads, a noncompetitive section open to filmmakers of all backgrounds. The program will feature narrative and documentary films exploring culture, identity, community and shared experiences.
Submissions Are Open for ABFF 2027
Submissions are now open for the 31st annual American Black Film Festival.
The festival will accept projects across competitive and noncompetitive categories, including narrative features, documentaries, episodic series and short-form storytelling.
ABFF is also an Academy Award-qualifying festival. The winner of the HBO Short Film Award can qualify for consideration in the Academy Awards Live Action Short Film category, subject to Academy rules.
The HBO Short Film Award will return for its 30th year. Five finalists will be selected to screen during the festival before a jury chooses the winner.
Other submission categories include U.S. Narrative Feature, International Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Episodic Series and the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project.
HBO Returns as an ABFF Founding Sponsor
HBO will return as a founding sponsor for ABFF 2027.
The partnership includes the 30th year of the HBO Short Film Award Showcase. The award remains one of the festival’s key programs for identifying and supporting emerging filmmakers.
Sony Pictures Entertainment is also listed as an official ABFF sponsor.
When Is ABFF 2027?
The American Black Film Festival 2027 will run from May 20–23, 2027, in Los Angeles.
Festival passes will go on sale September 1, 2026, with advance reservation access available for eligible screenings, conversations and special events.
Additional programming and venue details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Source: American Black Film Festival / NICE CROWD press release.
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