Acclaimed Director George Tillman, Jr. Returns to ABFF as Mentor
LOS ANGELES, CA (April 2, 2025) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), presented by NICE CROWD, and Walmart are proud to announce the winners of the third annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s competition. This powerful initiative, returning to the 29th annual ABFF in Miami Beach (June 11-15, 2025), is dedicated to elevating the stories of Black men as fathers and leaders within their communities.
Following its successful launch at the 2023 ABFF, this year’s program will once again champion independent filmmaking by providing these emerging directors with a platform to share their unique perspectives. Esteemed director George Tillman, Jr. returns to ABFF as a mentor to the three filmmakers, providing invaluable feedback and industry insights through dedicated and purpose-driven sessions.
The competition will culminate with the premiere screenings of the top three winning films listed below, followed by an insightful onstage panel discussion moderated by Dr. Brandon Frame of The Black Man Can. between a celebrated artist and their child, offering a personal glimpse into their father-child dynamic.
2025 Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Winning Films
Laundry *World premiere
After his son’s tragic accident, a husband struggles to save his marriage and himself, until a chance encounter at a laundromat shows him that even in grief, hope and healing can all come out in the wash.
USA | 18m 50s
Director: Okema T. Moore
Writer: Alterik Miller
Producers: Alterik Miller, Okema T. Moore, Wink Woodall
Cast: Danielle Monè Truitt, Tobias Truvillion, Aaron Kingsley Adetola
Reconciliation *World premiere
A young man reconnects with his father after many years of distance.
USA | 16m 07s
Director: Ian Phillips
Writer: Ian Phillips
Producers: Ian Phillips
Cast: Elijah Gbotoe, Nathan Gbotoe, Gershan McKenzie
Freshman. Again.
“Learning has no age limit.”
USA | 20m
Director: Aji Bass
Writer: Geeta Gandbhir
Producers: Mikha Grumet, Geeta Gandbhir
Cast: Lenny Bass, Deva Grumet Bass
From the pool of submissions, these three directors were selected to receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to attend and screen their films at the 2025 American Black Film Festival taking place in Miami, June 11-15. Each film will also be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s online global platform, and Walmart’s YouTube channel from June 16-24.
For additional details, please visit the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project page HERE.
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black stories. Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work, and supported the careers, of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.
About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.
To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.
Download Film Images, Filmmaker Photos & Bios HERE.
Media Contact:
abff@ledecompany.com
For 2025 ABFF Media Credentials please apply HERE.
