The American Black Film Festival has been a Chicago destination from its inception. Now celebrating its 29th year, the ABFF remains the preeminent event of its kind, empowering Black artists and spotlighting a diverse array of entertainment content created by and for individuals of African descent. An event like no other, the festival brings together enthusiasts of Black culture alongside industry executives and content creators from across the globe for five days filled with screenings, engaging talk events, exclusive parties, and invaluable networking opportunities.
This year’s festival will take place from June 11-15 in Miami Beach, followed by the online segment, June 16-24 on ABFF PLAY.
We got a chance to talk with Raeshon Morris, Manager of Event Production and Operations, about this year’s event, and he shared why the festival is more than just another gathering, but an opportunity to network and elevate Black filmmaking.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Raeshon, the American Black Film Festival is renowned for its unique atmosphere and commitment to Black voices. Could you tell us what truly makes ABFF stand out, particularly in its mission to uplift Black storytelling and talent?
Raeshon Morris: It’s a level of excellence. Co-founder and CEO Jeff Friday really cares about the details. Co-founder and President, Nicole Friday, brings that energy and warmth combined with a high-level production, and that’s what makes ABFF stand out on top of the films that we try to bring in. We showcase a wide range of films. We want to show the vast diversity of Black content and of Black and Brown people. And then it’s all in Miami – like having that vacation vibe while also networking, while also connecting with your favorites that you see on TV every day, while also meeting some newcomers. ABFF brings everything together in this really nice melting pot, all at one time, where we just take over Miami Beach and no one else can take over Miami Beach like we can – that’s what makes ABFF special!
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: You’re the Manager of Event Production and Operations. Can you walk us through your journey to this role and describe what it specifically entails to bring such a dynamic festival to life each year?
Raeshon Morris: I have to mention that I actually heard about ABFF back in college. Jeff and Nicole Friday are Howard University Alums. I went to Howard in undergrad, so I was familiar with ABFF. I actually applied and submitted a film to ABFF that did not get in. But after my undergrad at Howard University, I went to USC film school, where I learned even more and honed my craft even more. And then COVID happened, and I was looking for a job. There was actually an assistant role available, and I became the assistant to Jeff, specifically, and worked my way up.
But to answer your question more specifically, I was drawn to the fact that it was a Black company that was supporting Black storytellers like myself. It was also a way to meet other filmmakers and just learn more about different stories. And then just from there, I’ve just been working my way up, really getting to the live event space, and just learning from the best. So, it’s been a great experience, and I’m so happy to be here.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Nicole Friday is clearly instrumental in fostering ABFF’s welcoming environment. What’s a key lesson you’ve personally learned from working with her regarding the festival’s deep sense of community and inclusive spirit?
Raeshon Morris: Nicole, she’s the people person. She definitely makes everyone feel welcome and part of the ABFF family. And not just the executives, it’s the attendees. She talks to everyone. She makes sure that everyone feels like this is a place where they belong. And that’s actually our tagline for ABFF: “Everyone has a story. Yours belongs here.” And she makes sure that everyone knows that it’s a safe space at ABFF. If you’ve never done film before, come to ABFF. If you’ve done film all your life, come to ABFF, and this is the place where all those minds converge together.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Beyond the compelling film screenings, what other unique experiences, learning opportunities, and perhaps even memorable social events can attendees look forward to at ABFF?
Raeshon Morris: You know, I don’t want to be that person bragging about it, but we have some great parties coming this year. We have the opening night party. We have our legendary white party for our closing night event. And our folks love to put on an all-white outfit. And then we just have great content. We have over 68 films.
We have great panels with celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Ashanti, Chris Paul, and Ja Rule, and the list goes on and on. We definitely have a wide range of everything that you’re looking for, including “Masterclass,” which is one area that makes ABFF stand out. Not only do we give you access to celebrities, something to gives you that glitz, glam, and shine, but we also want to make sure you come out and learn something. I hate an uninformative panel. You know how sometimes you go to these panels and they’re just kind of vamping. At ABFF, we make sure that you get the education. We have masterclasses almost every single day where you can learn about producing, directing, writing, as well as low-budget filmmaking. We want to make sure you have all of that, on top of the parties, the glitz, and all the fun I mentioned earlier.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: The HBO Short Film Award Showcase is consistently a major highlight. Why is this specific competition so profoundly significant for emerging Black filmmakers, and what kind of talent does it bring to the forefront?
Raeshon Morris: The HBO Short Film Award Showcase is the prestigious short film award that we’ve been doing for 28 years now. And it’s the crème de la crème of film competitions. If you are a supporter of film, if you are a supporter of amazing artists, like Ryan Coogler, who has been killing the game right now and for years now, you will meet people like him who came out of this program.
For anyone who’s not familiar with it, the HBO Short Film Competition is a huge competition where five finalists have a chance to be picked and selected by HBO. And they have a chance to win thousands of dollars via HBO, and they’ll get to premiere their films on HBO and at ABFF. We give these filmmakers the red-carpet treatment – the big screen, the vibes, and give these emerging filmmakers a chance to really get that Hollywood glam experience. And then these artists are going to be major, so you always need to follow their tracks as well. So we have some great, great, great films this year.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: The Black and Unlimited Fatherhood Showcase is a powerful addition to the festival’s programming. What message does ABFF specifically hope to convey by dedicating a showcase to Black fatherhood?
Raeshon Morris: This is a program with Walmart, one of our great partners that we’ve been working with. They were really adamant about celebrating fatherhood. And then Jeff Friday is a father as well, so he really jumped on this initiative. Essentially, we just want to shine light on Black fatherhood, which is something we don’t talk about enough. A lot of times, it’s often seen as if Black men aren’t around for their children when it’s actually the complete opposite, if you even look at statistics. So we just wanted to give a platform for just positivity. This is a program we’ve been doing for three years now, and it’s a chance where three finalists get a chance to showcase their films about Black fatherhood specifically, at ABFF, to spread the message and the good news about all that Black men do for us.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: It sounds like ABFF truly has something for everyone. How does the festival successfully cater to both seasoned film lovers who just want to enjoy Black culture and those aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals who are looking to break into the business?
Raeshon Morris: The interesting thing about ABFF, we’re kind of a hodgepodge of it all. Like, honestly, there are some “aunties” who definitely want to just vibe and hang out. But then there’s also the grinding NYU student who really wants to get his film made, and he’s looking for that cinematographer. Then there’s also that lawyer who just loves Black culture, and he just wanted a great destination to experience Black people and see great content and great stories. Obviously, film is the one thing, the great equalizer. Everything that you need, you can find in film, you can find music, art, and you can find great characters, all in the art of cinema. And if you’re just someone who has no interest in being a filmmaker, but just wants to be around a bunch of multicultural people in a great tropical climate, in the summertime, and have a good vibe, ABFF’s the place.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: ABFF’s session on the power of the Black audience is crucial. What key messages does ABFF want to send to advertisers and the broader entertainment industry about the immense influence, buying power, and discerning taste of the Black audience?
Raeshon Morris: It’s all of the above that you mentioned. When we’re talking about concepts like DEI, I think people see it as a charity. I think they see it as something that’s just like, “Oh, we’re giving you this.” Actually, you’re just leaving money on the table. So if you want to do smart business, it’s important to see what’s out there and target these audiences and give them what they want. It’s not that we’re not ready and available to support. If anything, the movie “Sinners” tells you that, right? The money’s out there, people will support what’s good. But you just have to pay attention and put it out there. We really want to talk about that and make sure that our people know our own power and use it and wield it as best as possible.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: The American Black Film Festival has a genuinely strong and long-standing connection to Chicago. Can you elaborate on ABFF’s deep history and bond with the city?
Raeshon Morris: Yes. I attended one of those Chicago ABFF buzz parties a few years back. Chicago runs deep in the ABFF family. I definitely know there’s a longstanding history there. I know one of Jeff’s good friends, Randy Crumpton, was one of the first attendees at ABFF when we were in Acapulco back in 1997, and he was from Chicago. So, I definitely know the Chicago history, and Jeff and I riff about it often.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: This year, the festival is truly highlighting its Chicago ties by featuring Larenz Tate and Nia Long as ambassadors and celebrating Love Jones, an iconic film deeply connected to our city. How will ABFF uniquely honor Love Jones and its enduring legacy at the festival?
Raeshon Morris: Yes, yes, yes. Thank you for that. Larenz Tate and Nia Long, Love Jones is an iconic film. I’m going to go even further back because in 1997, the festival was founded, but before that, Jeff went to another film festival where this little iconic film called Love Jones premiered. He had a great time at that festival, but there weren’t many people who looked like us. There weren’t many women. And Jeff, instead of complaining to the festival about it, he said, You know what? I’m going to create my own thing, so that we can have our own.
Love Jones is that film that inspired ABFF because he thought it was an amazing film. And since then, Larenz Tate and Nia Long have been longstanding family members of ABFF. From years back in Acapulco to today in Miami, they’ve just been supporting us. We’re celebrating them and they’re our festival ambassadors this year. Our tribute to Love Jones will be right there on Miami Beach, and we’re going to have music, vibes, and poetry. Nia will be live and in effect, and Larenz, your Chicago guy, will be there as well. It’s just going to be an amazing experience, and it’s our closing night event. We’re going to end the festival with a bang, celebrating this amazing, amazing piece of art.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Building on that, what specifically is it about Love Jones that you believe continues to resonate so deeply with audiences, particularly the Chicago audience, even decades later?
Raeshon Morris: Well, thank you for the question. I’m drawn to it because it’s about young love. It’s a little bit complicated. It’s a little bit messy. And then the music, I think, is one of the things that really ties people to the film. If you think about that album, that soundtrack, it just keeps people connected to the film. I know a lot of people I talk to didn’t even realize, or might say, “Oh, that’s where I knew that song from.” It’s the vibe, the nostalgia of it all, the sex appeal, all of that combined just makes it fly.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: What’s your ultimate pitch to encourage our Chicago audience – film lovers, aspiring filmmakers, and the entire community – to experience this unparalleled festival firsthand this year?
Raeshon Morris: For the Chicago lovers, the Midwesterners, shout out to y’all. I love the city. I definitely encourage if you’re stuck as a filmmaker and you really don’t have resources, come to the festival. I came from St. Louis, Missouri. I had no resources. I had no idea how to get into this business. If you’re someone who is interested in being in entertainment, you’re someone who loves movies, come to ABFF. It’s a good chance to relax while also learning a lot. While also being able to see and be inspired by the folks who have made it. I really encourage you to come June 11th through the 15th. Go to abff.com and check us out. It’s a great time. It’s a great vibe. If you see me, say hello, don’t be weird. Don’t be fake. And I’ll make sure to give you a shout-out as well.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Raeshon, thank you so much for your time and for sharing so much about this year’s American Black Film Festival. And don’t you worry, the Chicago folks are never fake and will be sure to give you a warm Chi-town greeting.
