The American Black Film Festival is officially underway. Come inside to peep pics of this year’s ambassador Common, funnyman Cedric The Entertainer, actor Cory Hardrict and more at the Central Intelligence screening….
The American Black Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend (and TheYBF.com is a media sponsor!) launching the fun-filled 5-day festival in Miami for this year’s festivities. Over 25 narrative features, web originals, short films and documentaries will be showcased starring several of your YBF faves and some new faces.
Rapper/actor Common will serve as this year’s ambassador following Taraji P. Henson. And this year’s opening film is none other than Central Intelligence, which stars ABFF alum Kevin Hart and Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson.
On the carpet, Common linked up with ABFF CEO and founder Jeff Friday and his wife Nicole Friday before heading inside to peep Kevin’s new film.
Jeff talked about the diversity in the films that were selected to be screened during the festival. He said,
“This year’s films not only reflect diverse storytelling and diversity within the Black experience, but also the technological advances of the times — from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, to a narrative feature film shot entirely on the iPhone 6s. We have people coming from all around the nation to support the work of these talented filmmakers, and we hope that the local community will take part in ABFF as well,.”
Actress Danielle Nicolet, who stars in Central Intelligence and also "Born Again Virgin," was also in the mix for the special screening. The fab chick is currently filming a new drama titled Believe.
Singer Brave Williams, who starred on “R&B Divas: L.A.” was on the scene to kick off the festival. She is starring in a film titled Bad Dad Rehab that will be screened during the festival. The film premieres July 3rd on TVOne. We're obsessed with this dress and color by the way.
Funnyman Deon Cole stepped out to hit up the screening before he screened a new episode of his comedy series "Angie Tribeca." Yes, he looks like he just left somebody's BBQ.
Star Jones, who’s currently working on her new scripted drama “Satan’s Sisters,” was all smiles in a blue printed jumpsuit.
Industry legend Bill Duke is on hand to share his knowledge in the industry. He presented at an Actors Boot Camp panel today.
After the show, the afterparty went down at Story nightclub:
Common chopped it up and shared laughs with comedian/actor Cedric The Entertainer.
Brotherly Love actor Cory Hardrict came out to party before screening his two-character role in Destined.
Chocolate City star Robert Ri'chard, Notorious star Dennis White and Whitney star Wesley Jonathan, who will star in the upcoming New Edition biopic, came out to party. Robert & Wesley also co-star in the pcoming mocie Bad Dads with hottie Rob Riley. They're screening that movie this weekend as well.
Common hit the DJ booth with DJ D-Nice to hop on the mic and spit a few rhymes.
Meanwhile, Brave and Estelle caught up in the VIP section.
Peep this foolish clip from the afterparty below:
Fun times!
Photos: Getty/Common's IG/Estelle's IG/blackfilm_com/@americanblackfilmfestival