The American Black Film Festival returned to Miami Beach this week for its 30th anniversary, with psychological thriller Strung kicking off the celebration.
Malcolm D. Lee, the film’s director and producer, hit the red carpet at the New World Center on May 27. He was joined by the cast, including Chlöe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Coco Jones, Romy Woods, and Donna Biscoe.
On May 28, the team behind the Peacock thriller hosted a panel titled “Strung: From Script to Screen,” about the making of the thriller.
The film follows a talented violinist, played by Chlöe Bailey, who accepts a lucrative job as live-in music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential family. But secrets start to emerge and the tutor becomes entangled in the family’s world, forcing her to question her safety, dreams, and sanity.
“I love a good suspense thriller and a solid narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats,” Lee said in a previous statement. “I hadn’t had the privilege of directing a film in this genre, but when I read Alan McElroy’s script, I knew I had to dip my toe in this water.”
Strung is scheduled to begin streaming Friday, June 26, 2026 on Peacock.
ABFF celebrates stories from and about Black people. The festival debuted in 1997 and brings film screenings, panel discussions, star-studded parties, and networking opportunities to South Florida. This year’s festival is being held from May 27-31.
Key events include A Conversation with Regina King, honoring King’s legendary career from child star to Oscar-winning actress and filmmaker.
There’s also a short film showcase; a special screening of the documentary The Brittney Griner Story from director Alexandria Stapleton; and an inside look at season 5 of Starz crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Additional details on the festival can be found at ABFF.com.
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