The American Black Film Festival is set to begin a new chapter in Los Angeles in 2027.
Organizers announced Tuesday, Aug. 18, the festival is heading west for the 31st annual ABFF, marking the beginning of what they called the gathering’s “next chapter.”
Each year ABFF champions films, television, and digital content created by and about Black people.
Founded in 1997, the festival began in Acapulco, Mexico as the Acapulco Black Film Festival. Co-founder Jeff Friday later acquired full rights to the event, renamed it the American Black Film Festival, and moved it to Miami, Florida.
Related: ABFF Founder Jeff Friday Urges Black Hollywood to ‘Open the Doors’ to Others
The move to Los Angeles is not entirely unheard of. ABFF was previously held in the City of Angeles from 2007 through 2010, before returning to Florida, where it remained through May 2026.
“For more than three decades, we’ve built ABFF with the belief that access can change the trajectory of a career and that creating space for new voices strengthens our entire industry,” Jeff Friday said in a statement to Urban Hollywood 411.
He added, “As we look to the future, our responsibility is to keep pushing forward, expanding what’s possible, and creating greater opportunities for the next generation of storytellers. That’s what this next chapter represents.”
The upcoming festival will be held across multiple venues in L.A.
AMC The Grove will host film screenings, while the SLS Beverly Hills hotel will serve as the hub for panel discussions, master classes and professional development sessions.
The Original Farmers Market, which is next door to The Grove, will host community experiences and activations, while the nearby Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will serve as a venue for marquee events. Per ABFF, complimentary daytime shuttles will take attendees to the various locations.
The festival will also introduce several new programs in 2027, organizers said Tuesday.
ABFF First Look: The Studio Showcase will offer previews of upcoming projects from studios, independent distributors and streaming platforms through exclusive footage, announcements and appearances by filmmakers and talent.
ABFF Sports is described as a “festival within the festival” exploring the intersection of sports, storytelling, entertainment, media, business and culture. Programming will include screenings, panel discussions and presentations featuring athletes, filmmakers, journalists and executives from the sports and entertainment industries.
Crossroads will welcome filmmakers from all backgrounds. The non-competitive category will showcase narrative and documentary features exploring culture, identity and community.
HBO is set to return as founding sponsor, marking the 30th year of the HBO Short Film Award Showcase, one of ABFF’s cornerstone program’s for emerging talent.
Submissions are now open for ABFF 2027, for narrative features, documentaries, episodic projects and short films. Filmmakers can review eligibility requirements and submit projects through ABFF’s FilmFreeway.
The 31st edition of ABFF will take place May 20–23, 2027 in Los Angeles.
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