The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), held in Los Angeles, serves as a portal to the minds of filmmakers; where actors, directors, producers and art lovers from all over the world can network, have first looks at films and conversations with industry professionals. On October 10, the sprit of the festival returned to NYC for the second time.
Held at AMC Lincoln Square 13, the ABFF Pop Up kicked off with a New York Film Academy Screen writing Masterclass and ended on October 11 with a screening of Armani Ortiz’s Otra, the Latino musical that won the 2026 ABFF Directing Award.
The Knockturnal tapped into day two of the event that began with “New York Stories, Everywhere Short Film Showcase.” Five films were shown: TIGUERONAS, written and directed by Imani Celeste; EL TIGUERE, written and directed by Andrew J. Rodriguez; Fairytales, written and directed by Tiffani Holland; Mini Me, written and directed by a. b. oddman and Keep My Brother, written and directed by Sharona D’Ornellas.
Photo by The Knockturnal
Each a labor of love, it was only right there was a talk back after exploring themes of heartbreak, mental health challenges, the cost of immigration and more. “I got so lucky to work with amazing artists who, in front and behind the camera, could bring this to life in a truthful way,” D’Ornellas expressed after sharing that Keep My Brother was inspired her father and uncle.
Similarly, Andrew J. Rodriguez dedicated his film to his parents. “I make films for my community, my family, my people that I love,” he professed.
As for NYU Tisch alum Imani Celeste, filming TIGUERONAS mirrored the excitement she experienced growing up in the Bronx. “ I just wanted to send a love letter to Black women, to friendship, to self love and just knowing your own power,” she told the Knockturnal on the red carpet.
Photo by The Knockturnal
Later that evening, journalist and TV personality Gayle King moderated a conversation between two of CBS’ male leads: LL Cool J and Mike Colter. While J solves crimes on Tuesday nights at nine p.m as Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: New York, Colter seeks justice as Michael Price in Cupertino on Thursdays at 10 p.m.
Photo by The Knockturnal
Both number one on the call sheet, J and Colter shared what that leadership and responsibility means to them. “A lot of being number one is about making sure that the weather is right in the environment,” J reasoned after Colter noted, “If I don’t allow them (cast and crew) to be relaxed, they can’t do their best work.”
An inspiration to actors and multidisciplinary creatives, King reminds J of a quote he shared with her, “There are no deadlines on your dreams.”
ABFF will continue to help shape dreams and dreamers on May 20-23, 2027 with a January 24 deadline for creatives interested in submitting their films.
