In the next couple of weeks, the black community will be set ablaze with empowering events at the African American Festival and the American Black Film Festival, uplifting black art and culture.
Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14, at the AMC Empire 25 movie theater in Times Square in New York City, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will host an array of screenings, including narratives, documentaries, shorts, spotlights, and webisodes, along with workshops, master classes and parties. At ABFF festival-goers will have the opportunity to learn, network, engage, and experience all things television and film. From “Writing for Television”, to the “Fundamentals of Producing”, to “The Life of a Showrunner”, ABFF attendees will get an inside look at creating content and having control of your work in the thriving film and television industry.
In addition to workshops, screenings, and classes, ABFF will also host networking lounges where attendees can connect and share ideas, along with a TV Expo where attendees can check out upcoming shows, learn about diversity initiatives, and find out about any recruitment opportunities. The ABFF Talk Series returns this year with panel discussions and celebrity talks on the business and creative aspects of the film and television industries, and candid interviews with some of Hollywood’s most accomplished artists. ABFF also offers talent competitions, portrait studios, and a host of entertainment.
As if ABFF weekend isn’t thrilling enough, Black Enterprise will continue the celebration of black art and culture the very next week at the African American Festival (AAF). Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, the city of Baltimore will host non-stop family fun at the AAF, celebrating over 35 years of life, music, and culture.
The AAF will include memorable performances from Faith Evans, Will Downing, Stephanie Mills, and many more. There will be empowerment sessions, competitions, giveaways, meet and greets, interactive exhibits, and attractions for the entire family. When you’re not catching one of the stellar performances, you may want to check out the Health and Wellness Pavilion, which is committed to total health and well-being; the Beauty Bar, where you will learn from experts how to create your own style; and the BE Empowerment Zone, featuring Q&As with celebrity guests, real talk about relationships, and a game show that will test your Love & Money smarts. The AAF takes place in Baltimore, Maryland at the Camden Yards Sports & Entertainment Complex.
You can keep up with all the activities at both the ABFF and AAF with the Black Enterprise Events app. The BE Events app allows users to fully access event schedules, general information, maps to event locations, and sponsor information. And it features a cool social media component that you can utilize to connect with other attendees.
Exciting news for ABFF app registrants! Use the BE Events app to register for ABFF and enter to win a trip for two to ABFF’s 20th anniversary in 2016. The app is available on iTunes and Google Play. AAF attendees can also download the BE Events app on iTunes or Google Play. After downloading, open your desired festival, accept the push notifications, click register, enter your info, and enjoy the event!
For a full list of screenings, classes, workshops, and activities for ABFF, visit http://www.abff.com/. For updates via Twitter and other social media sites, check the hashtag #ABFF.
Visit http://www.africanamericanfestival.net/ for more information about the African American Festival. For updates via Twitter and other social media sites, check the hashtag #BmoreAAF, or follow Black Enterprise @blackenterprise and the AAF @BmoreAAF.