As founding and premier sponsor of Film Life's 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), HBO will once again have a major presence at the industry retreat, playing an integral part in the festival's efforts to call attention to the universality of black cinema through competition, workshops and panels, networking opportunities and the sharing of creative resources and visions. The ABFF is being held in Miami's South Beach, June 19-23.
This year, HBO will celebrate its long-standing partnership and support with three key events. In addition, three cast members from HBO's award-winning original series - Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), Sufe Bradshaw (Veep) and Michael K. Williams (Boardwalk Empire) - will be in attendance. The 16th Annual HBO Short Film Award Thursday, June 20th/8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m./Colony Theater Presented by HBO HBO's prestigious award has been part of the ABFF's competitive film program since it was established in 1998 to honor the writing and directing talents of emerging Black filmmakers. A special screening will showcase the five films selected for the final round of competition: The Adventures of Edson Jean, written/directed by Edson Jean; Black Girl in Paris, written/directed by Kiandra Parks; A Different Tree, directed by Steven Caple, Jr.; Stone Cars, written/directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and Sweet Honey Child, directed by Talibah Newman, co-written by Newman and Amanda Brennan. The grand prize winner, who will be awarded $10,000, will be announced during the ABFF's Awards presentation on closing night.Videos