ABFF Pop Up

The Nation's Capital Joins ABFF's Expanded Four-City Pop Up Tour Featuring Film Screenings, Industry Conversations, and Community Programming

NICE CROWD, the company behind the acclaimed American Black Film Festival (ABFF), announced today that the ABFF Pop Up Tour will make its Washington, DC debut September 25 -27 at the Angelika Pop Up at Union Market. In partnership with Events DC, the three-day experience serves as the first stop on this year's tour.

"We're excited to bring the ABFF Pop Up Tour to Washington, DC for the first time. With its vibrant arts and cultural community, Washington is the perfect setting to share a curated selection of films, conversations, and industry programming that reflects the spirit of our flagship festival. We're proud to partner with Events DC to create a weekend that connects audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals through the shared experience of film," said Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD.

Taking place during ABFF's 30th anniversary year, the Pop Up Tour extends the festival's reach beyond its flagship event, bringing its celebration of film, storytelling, and culture to communities nationwide. Following three successful years of the Because They're Funny (BTF) Comedy Festival in the District, this year's ABFF Pop Up DC debut marks the next chapter in NICE CROWD's commitment to delivering premier cultural experiences in the region while creating new opportunities to discover emerging talent and celebrate the future of creative storytelling.

"We are honored to welcome the American Black Film Festival Pop Up to Washington, DC," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "At Events DC, we champion the intersection of entertainment and community, and this event is a powerful showcase of that mission. Through our partnership with the American Black Film Festival, we will celebrate the vibrant, creative spirit of the District while underscoring our status as the Culture Capital."

The Washington, DC program will feature film screenings, industry conversations, educational programming, and community experiences throughout the weekend. Programming highlights include a screenwriting masterclass presented by the New York Film Academy, The Stories We Inherit: A Conversation Inspired by The Heir presented by Events DC, a special program presented by Ally focused on financial empowerment and legacy building, and an AARP-presented special event.

Programming Lineup includes:

Opening Night Film: Three Colors: Pan-African

Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm

Three Colors: Pan-African, winner of the 2026 ABFF Grand Jury Prize - U.S. Narrative Feature, directed by Elijah Davis, Allison A. Waite, and Tyler Ocasio Holmes. The film features three interconnected stories inspired by the colors of the Pan-African flag and stars Loretta Devine, Bashir Salahuddin (Best Performance Award - U.S. Narrative Feature), Peyton Alex Smith, Sibongile Mlambo, Stephen Bishop, and Kimrie Lewis.

Screenwriting Masterclass, presented by New York Film Academy (NYFA)

Saturday, September 26. 11:00 am

This 90-minute screenwriting masterclass will cover the basics of a three-act feature screenplay, along with elements that offer participants tools to enhance their screenwriting skills to create signature works that stand out.

The Stories We Inherit: A Conversation Inspired by The Heir, presented by Events DC

Saturday, September 26, 2:00 pm

The Heir, directed by Washington, DC filmmaker Tia A. Smith. Set in a rapidly gentrifying Washington, DC neighborhood, the film follows Addison Lee as she inherits her grandmother's home and must navigate family tensions, community expectations, and her own grief while deciding whether to keep or sell the house. The film stars Tiffany Black, Terri J. Vaughn, Greg Alan Williams, Terry Henry, Shay Mack, and DeEtta West, and will be followed by a special talkback.

Built to Last: Your Money Story, Your Legacy, presented by Ally

Saturday, September 26, 5:00 pm

Your money story doesn't start with a portfolio - it starts with what you've seen, what you've survived, and what you refused to accept. This conversation explores how the moves you make with your money today become the foundation you leave for everyone who comes after you. From the rise of Unrivaled - the women's 3-on-3 league rewriting what's possible for athletes on and off the court - to ABFF's 30 years of betting on Black storytelling before the industry caught up, to Ally's mission to close the wealth gap for good. Real talk about building wealth on your own terms, creating opportunity for the next generation, and making sure your legacy hits differently.

2026 HBO Short Film Award Showcase

Saturday, September 26, 8:00 pm

HBO® Short Film Award Showcase will screen five short films selected from the 30th American Black Film Festival. Reflecting the vitality, humor, and complexity of contemporary Black storytelling, the program features the 2026 winning film, Spilled Milk (Written and Directed by Jared Leaf; executive produced by Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions), alongside We Had Fun (Written and Directed by Linda Lô), Facade (Written and Directed by Modupe Thompson), The Truth About Space (Written and Directed by Jeremiah Towolawi), and FLY (Written and Directed by Carlton Daniel Jr.).

Black is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story

Sunday, September 27, 11:00 am

Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story, winner of the 2026 ABFF Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature, directed by Yemi Bamiro. The documentary chronicles the life and legacy of Harlem photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite, whose work helped popularize the "Black Is Beautiful" movement, and features appearances from Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Gabrielle Union, Jesse Williams, and Tyler Mitchell.

Special Presentation, sponsored by AARP

Sunday, September 27, 2:30 pm

Details to Come.

TRUE CRIME OBSESSED: Why We Can't Stop Watching Black Stories Presented by TV One

Sunday, September 27, 5:15 pm

True crime is more than headlines and reenactments - it's a lens into psychology, justice, and the lived experiences of Black communities. Join TV One for a conversation, exploring the evolution of Black true crime storytelling, the responsibility of telling these stories with cultural nuance, and why representation behind and in front of the camera matters. Featuring producers, talent, and industry leaders from TV One and beyond, this panel examines how the network is shaping the narrative around stories that focus on us, while making space for the broader community of storytellers pushing this genre forward.

THAT'S HER

Sunday, September 27, 8:00 pm

THAT'S HER, an ABFF World Premiere directed by Nina Lee and produced by Stephen "Dr." Love (They Cloned Tyrone, Shadow Force) and Dewayne Colley. The contemporary relationship story stars Kountry Wayne, Coco Jones, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Loretta Devine, Charity Jordan, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Tabitha Brown.

For the full schedule of events, visit here.

Tickets are now on sale here. For more information about the ABFF Pop Up DC visit abffpopup.com

ABFF Pop Up D.C. sponsors and partners to date include Ally Financial (Founding & National Presenting), HBO® (National Presenting), Events DC (Host), AARP, TV One (Official), and the New York Film Academy (Supporting).

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About Events DC

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Platinum-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and CareFirst Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit  https://www.eventsdc.com  and find us on social media - Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC).

About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier annual event dedicated to discovering emerging talent and shaping the future of film and television. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF is one of the entertainment industry's leading gatherings, annually bringing together thousands of filmmakers, artists, executives, brands, and audiences to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and innovation. Through film screenings, premieres, conversations, networking, and cultural experiences, ABFF has become a destination where entertainment, culture, and commerce intersect, fostering meaningful connections and business opportunities while inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company's mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com

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