By Charron Monaye
The American Black Film Festival came back in 2025 bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. Held in the heart of Miami Beach, from June 11-15, 2025, this year’s celebration lit up the city with joy, passion, and a whole lot of Black excellence. For its 29th year, ABFF reminded the world just how powerful our stories are when we tell them, our way with heart, truth, and creativity that cannot be denied.
One of the standout moments of the festival was the unforgettable tribute to the film that defined a generation of Black love stories, Remembering Love Jones. The crowd was buzzing as fans gathered to honor this cinematic gem that still makes us feel all the feels. Hosted by Scott Evans, with the iconic Nia Long & Larenz Tate, we were taken back to the poetry, the passion, and the powerful chemistry that made Love Jones a classic. It was a love letter to a film that helped shape the culture and continues to inspire storytellers today.
And the films this year? Pure fire. Can You Stand The Rain hadus in our emotions with its tender tale of love and resilience. Deadly Visitor brought the suspense and had folks gripping their seats with every twist. Director Okema T. Moore had the crowd talking with her impactful short film Laundry, which premiered as part of the Black and Unlimited Fatherhood Project presented by Nice Crowd and Walmart. It was a beautiful and bold look at the depth of Black fatherhood. Then there was Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green, a visually stunning and thought-provoking piece that pushed boundaries and left audiences in awe. Each film added something special to the lineup and proved once again that Black filmmakers are raising the bar and shifting the game.
Of course, ABFF is also where we give flowers while legends can still smell them. This year’s honors were emotional and well deserved. Aunjanue Ellis Taylor and Giancarlo Esposito were celebrated for their phenomenal work and legacy. Keke Palmer, our Renaissance Queen, received a standing ovation for her game changing presence and versatility. Marla Gibbs, a true icon, was honored with the Hollywood Legacy Award for decades of unforgettable work. And Aaron Pierre was named one to watch, showing us that the future of Black cinema is in very good hands.
– ADVERTISEMENT –
And it wasn’t just about the films. Gabrielle Union stole the spotlight with an inspiring conversation on financial wellness, sparking powerful dialogue about building wealth and wellness in our communities. The festival ended on a high note with Community Day in Historic Overtown, where free screenings and cultural events brought the festival directly to the people. It was joy. It was unity. It was everything.
Couldn’t make it to Miami? No worries you can still catch the energy. Many of ABFF 2025’s films are streaming now on ABFF Play, the festival’s online platform that brings these powerful stories right to your screen. ABFF 2025 was more than a film festival. It was a family reunion, a block party, and a celebration of everything we love about Black culture and creativity. If you missed it, do not miss it for yourself next year!