Saturday, June 18
TV Production – The HBO Way
Master Class Instructor: Bruce Richmond, Executive Vice President, Production, and Gena Desclos, Senior Vice President Production, for Home Box Office
(Master Class ticket required)
June 18 | 9:00 am – 12 noon | Venue: Ritz Ballroom, Salon 2 & 3
Join Bruce Richmond – executive vice president, Production, for Home Box Office. Inc., responsible for supervising production on HBO original series, miniseries and films as well as Cinemax original series – for this dynamic class on all aspects of physical production inclusive of hiring, budgeting, scheduling and post.
The Power Lounge
Hosted by Cadillac
June 18 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Venue: Loews Hotel, Cowrie 2
Catered breaks and celebrity meet & greet with Tichina Arnold (4 pm – 5 pm). This event is a perk for Deco passholders.
American Airlines Passholder Lounge
June 18 | 12 noon – 5:00 pm | Venue: Ritz Carlton Hotel, Salon 1
An oasis amidst the festival for ABFF passholders to network and experience American Airlines’ brand of hospitality.
Bishop T.D. Jakes Talks Faith, Film & TV
June 18 | 10:30 am | Venue: Loews Hotel, Americana 3 & 4
T. D. Jakes, one of the most influential voices in America, discusses his latest faith-genre film and television entertainment ventures, his extraordinary journey and how faith remains the center of his universe.
Moderator: Shaun Robinson, journalist & author
Spotlight Screening: UNITED SHADES OF AMERICA
Courtesy of CNN Original Series
OPEN TO PASSHOLDERS & FREE FOR SOUTH FLORIDA RESIDENTS. SOUTH FLORIDA RESIDENTS MUST PRESENT GOVERNMENT ISSUED I.D. FOR FREE ENTRY.
June 18 | 11:00 am | Venue: Colony Theatre
Join comedian and political gadfly W. Kamau Bell for a sneak peek of a new season’s fascinating exploration of this country, and the groups and subcultures that dwell within.
Moderator to be announced.
Official Film Screenings
Narrative Feature & Documentary Sections
June 18 | 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Venue: Regal Cinemas (Screens 17 & 18)
Attend world premieres of dynamic new content by Black writers, directors and producers.
Spotlight Screening: BAD DAD REHAB
Winner of the 2015 TV One Screenplay Competition
World premiere, courtesy of TV ONE
June 18 | 2:00 pm | Venue: Colony Theatre
After turbulence with their respective baby mamas and ex-wives forces them to take definitive action, four men attend a rehab for deadbeat dads that employs unusual methods to help them become true fathers.
Followed by a Q & A with the writer Keronda “KiKi” McKnight, director Carl Seaton and cast members including Malik Yoba, Wesley Jonathan, Robert Riley, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri’chard and Kandi Burruss.
Black Women in Hollywood: The Future Looks Bright
Presented by Planned Parenthood of America
***ABFF Women’s Initiative
June 18 | 2:00 pm | Venue: Ritz Ballroom, Salons 2 & 3
A new crop of diverse and highly talented actors are changing the complexion of our industry. Meet the players as we discuss and celebrate their work.
Panelists include Teyonah Parris (Survivor’s Remorse, Chiraq), Nikki Beharie (Sleepy Hollow) Emayatzy Corienaldi (Miles Ahead) and Aja Naomi King (The Birth of a Nation, How to Get Away with Murder).
Moderator: Soledad O’Brien, journalist & CEO (Starfish Media Group)
NEXT…ON HBO
June 18 | 5:00 pm | Venue: Colony Theatre
Join us for a conversation with stars from HBO hit series and hear how they’ve made it onto many of television’s best shows and films! Plus enjoy an exclusive screening of the premiere episode of Ballers, Season 2.
Panelists include: Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones), Nathalie Emmanuelle (Game of Thrones), Jazmyn Simon (Ballers) and John David Washington (Ballers).
Moderator: Bevy Smith
Spotlight Alumni Screening: RINGSIDE
Courtesy of TV One
June 18 | 5:00 pm | Venue: Regal Cinemas (Screen 18)
An undefeated boxer prepares for a game-changing fight. In order to win, he must zone out of the chaos, groupies, gambling and other distractions, including his family and friends.
Followed by Q & A with director and ABFF alum Russ Parr and cast members Tyler Lepley, Sevyn Streeter and Jackie Long.
The Art of Storytelling Through Costume Design
Presented by Prudential Financial
June 18 | 5:00 pm | Venue: Ritz Ballroom, Salons 2 & 3
Acclaimed costume designer Ruth E. Carter (Roots, Selma, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Sparkle, Malcolm X) discusses the collaborative process of planning the wardrobe for a film, and its powerful impact on story. Includes a preview of up-and-coming designer Laquan Smith.
The “Best of the Festival” Awards Ceremony
June 18 | 9:00 pm | Venue: Loews Hotel, Americana 3 & 4
The festival’s star-studded closing night ceremony, announcing the 2016 award-winning films and filmmakers.
Host: Chris Spencer
Hennessy Post-Awards Reception
June 18 | 11:00 pm | Venue: Loews Hotel, Americana Foyer
Hennessy Cognac pays tribute to the ABFF’s 20 Year Legacy