Our Legacy

The ABFF has earned global acclaim for its profound impact on the entertainment industry. Over nearly three decades, the festival has been a vital platform for Black artists, offering them pathways to success within Hollywood and beyond.

Through a range of talent showcases and pipeline programs, the festival has supported countless actors, writers, and directors, often when they were still relatively unknown, and introduced them to the broader industry. As a result, the festival has become a beacon of opportunity, empowering diverse voices and reshaping representation in film and television. Reflecting its significance, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., has acquired photographs and other archival materials from the American Black Film Festival for its permanent collection.