beasts_of_the_southern_wild_web.jpgMIAMI — The leading film festival in the world for African-American and urban content, the American Black Film Festival, kicks off June 20 in Miami Beach and will run through June 23 with screenings and other events. Full pass and ticket information for the 16th annual event can be found at abff.com

Established in 1997, the core mission of the ABFF — a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and film distribution company founded in 2000 by Jeff Friday (CEO) —  is to promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry. Through its film showcases and special contests, it annually introduces the top echelon of emerging artists to the film and television industry.

Since its inception the ABFF has showcased more than 600 films, rewarding and redefining artistic excellence in independent filmmaking. Each year the ABFF attracts approximately 5,000 artists, executives and film fans, providing a strategic vehicle for companies to reach this trendsetting and influential audience.

This year Beasts of the Southern Wild will open the festival, with Raising Izzie closing out the event. Other highlights including celebrating the success of Think Like a Man, based on Steve Harvey's best-selling book and close to a record-breaking $100 million domestically.

With diversity and social responsibility at its core, the festival supports aspiring actors, filmmakers and industry executives. In addition to its cinematic showcases, the ABFF nurtures its attendees in a variety of  disciplines, offering panel discussions, workshops and symposia hosted by leading media companies. Upscale entertainment and exclusive events complete the festival.

ON THE NET
abff.com

Photo: PHOTO COURTESY OF ABFF

Beasts of the Southern Wild