The American Black Film Festival kicks off its pop-up tour in D.C. this fall, launching a three-day showcase of films, conversations and industry programming at Union Market’s Angelika Pop-Up.
The event runs Sept. 25 through 27 and is designed to give D.C. audiences a taste of the flagship festival, which “just celebrated its 30th anniversary,” according to Raeshon Morris, the senior manager of event production operations for Nice Crowd, which produces the festival.
Morris said the pop-up tour takes “the best elements of the American Black Film Festival” and brings them to cities across the country, including New York, Atlanta and Houston.
Starting in D.C. carries special meaning not only for Morris, but also for “our founders and presidents, Jeff and Nicole Friday,” who are all Howard University graduates.
“It’s the nation’s capital. It’s the prime representation of who we are as American people,” he said. As a Howard alum, “I grew up in D.C., I feel like I became an adult in D.C.,” he said.
The festival opens with “Three Colors,” a narrative feature that won ABFF’s Grand Jury Prize at this year’s festival, which was held in Miami in May. Morris said the film is unique because “three directors … came together to make one feature film,” creating an anthology that forms a single story.
The D.C. pop-up weekend also includes panels, conversations and a master class presented by the New York Film Academy.
One of the festival’s longest-running traditions also comes to Washington: the HBO Short Film Competition, which ABFF has hosted for 29 years..
Morris noted that director Ryan Coogler “came out of that program” and won the HBO competition in 2011.
He said the pop-up tour is built around community, inspiration and access.
“When you’re an artist, it can be isolating,” he said. “You want to know that there’s people out there who understand what you’re trying to do.”
Morris hopes attendees find networking opportunities, resource sharing and new pathways into the industry: “Everyone has a story, and we truly believe that it belongs with us in ABFF.”
The festival will also host networking sessions after each event.
“Come ready to learn and have a good time,” Morris said. “Stay. Don’t go anywhere. We have something for you.”
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