.png) |
| (L to R) Lucien Laviscount, Chloe Bailey, Malcolm D. Lee, Lynn Whitfield, Coco Jones. Photo Courtesy of ABFF/Aaron J. Thornton & Kelvin Bulluck |
American Black Film Festival opens 30th edition with Peacock and Blumhouse thriller ‘Strung’
Additional reporting, on the ground, Cristy Trabadass
The American Black Film Festival opened its 30th edition in Miami Beach with the premiere of “Strung,” a new thriller from Peacock and Blumhouse.
The opening-night screening drew several of the film’s stars, including Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Coco Jones, Romy Woods, Shaun Sutton, and Donna Biscoe, along with director Malcolm D. Lee, producer Dominique Telson, and executive producer Giselle Johnson-Morris.
Written by Alan McElroy, “Strung” is produced by Peachtree & Vine and Blumhouse, in association with Blackmaled Productions. Tyler Perry, Jason Blum, Tim Palen, Malcolm D. Lee, and Dominique Telson are producers. Philip Waley, Shaun S. Sutton, and Alan McElroy are also executive producers.
Additional guests included Jeff Friday, co-founder and chief executive of NICE CROWD, and founder of the festival; Nicole Friday, co-founder and president of NICE CROWD; Regina King, festival ambassador; and comedian Kountry Wayne.
Before the premiere, Florida Memorial University’s ROAR Marching Band performed for 30 minutes, turning the arrivals into a spirited opening salute to the festival’s 2026 theme, “The Homecoming.” The evening continued with an opening-night party at the Bass, where guests gathered to mark the start of the anniversary edition.
Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival has become a leading platform for film and television work created by and about people of African descent. The festival has long served as an industry pipeline for emerging filmmakers, actors, and creative executives, with programming that includes screenings, panels, master classes, and networking events.
This year’s 30th anniversary festival runs through May 31, 2026, in Miami Beach.
NICE CROWD produces festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences focused on culture, entertainment, and tourism. The company’s work includes events designed to connect artists, audiences, brands, and media partners through live cultural experiences.
No comments:
Post a Comment