The American Black Film Festival officially returned to Miami Beach for its highly anticipated 30th anniversary celebration, continuing its legacy by showcasing Black excellence in film and television.
This year’s festival will have an exciting lineup of screenings, panels, and special events honoring Black creatives both in front and behind the camera.
Academy Award-winning actress and director Regina King serves as this year’s festival ambassador. Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to see her participate in a special panel sponsored by American Airlines, moderated by Gia Peppers. During the conversation, King will discuss her journey across film and television, from her breakout roles to her longevity and cultural impact.
The opening night at ABFF featured Director Malcolm D. Lee’s new psychological thriller Strung. The red carpet welcomed the film’s director alongside the cast including Coco Jones, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Romy Woods, and singer-songwriter-producer Chloe Bailey, who stars as the film’s lead.
Opening Night Red Carpet during Day 1 of the 2026 American Black Film Festival at the New World Center in Miami Beach, FL on May 27, 2026 (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton / ABFF)
This is not Bailey’s first time stepping into the thriller genre. Audiences previously saw her in Swarm, a series created by Donald Glover, where she portrayed the character Marissa. In Strung, Bailey plays Laila, a talented violinist who accepts a prestigious position as a live-in music tutor for the gifted daughter of a powerful elite family.
Bailey shared her excitement about what drew her to this film. “One, Laila’s discipline and love for music. Two, the twist and turns, I love some mess.” Bailey shared. “And I’ve never seen musical instruments being used as weapons before.”
Here is to an amazing ABFF.
