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On November 15 and 16, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will bring its dynamic programming to Dallas at the AMC NorthPark 15. This event is part of the ABFF Pop Up Tour, which aims to reach audiences across the United States while extending the festival’s renowned spirit beyond its traditional Miami Beach venue. Sponsored nationally by Ally Financial, this tour promises an engaging experience filled with creativity and community.
ABFF Dallas Pop Up programming highlights
The ABFF Pop Up Tour features a variety of events designed to inspire and educate participants. Attendees can expect a range of activities, from masterclasses to film screenings, all aimed at celebrating black storytelling. More details about the event schedule and ticket purchases are available on Eventbrite.
Masterclass: Breaking down scripts
One of the key events is a masterclass titled Break It Down: How to Bring Any Script to Life, led by NYFA instructor and actor Gerrard James. This session, scheduled for Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 am, will teach participants how to analyze scripts effectively. Attendees will learn to ask pertinent questions that activate their creativity and help them immerse themselves in the narrative world.
Exploring sports and storytelling
Later that day, at 2:15 pm, a fireside chat titled Creative Storytelling and the Business of Sports and Content will feature insights from Syd Colson and Theresa Plaisance (TP). This discussion will delve into how athletes and entertainers are not just performers but also storytellers and business owners. They will explore the powerful intersection of sports, narrative, and financial empowerment, illustrating how storytelling can facilitate education and wealth creation.
Film screenings and showcases
The film screenings scheduled for the weekend will showcase a diverse array of narratives reflecting contemporary black experiences. The first film, Love Offside, will screen on November 15 at 4:50 pm. This romantic drama follows a physical therapist who courageously blends traditional Jamaican remedies with modern techniques to aid a rugby star’s recovery, risking her career and personal happiness.
On the same evening, the 2025 HBO Short Film Showcase will take place at 8:30 pm. This captivating event features five finalists from the 29th American Black Film Festival, highlighting the richness of black storytelling through short films that evoke humor, complexity, and resilience.
A family-friendly experience
For families attending the event, the screening of The Fisherman on Sunday, November 16, at 1:00 pm offers a delightful blend of comedy and magical realism. The film tells the story of Atta Oko, an elderly Ghanaian man who aspires to own a boat and gain the admiration of his community, with help from a talking fish. This charming film won accolades, including Best Narrative Feature at the 2025 American Black Film Festival.
Redemption and reflection
Later that day, at 4:00 pm, audiences can watch Good Shot, a poignant story set in Watts. It follows Maxwell, a local legend, as he seeks redemption in his role as a father, grappling with his past and the pain he has masked with basketball.
To wrap up the festival, The Late Night Creep will be screened at 6:45 pm, featuring a comedic take on the trials of a married man navigating a night out without his wife.
Join the celebration of black storytelling
The ABFF Pop Up Tour is supported by various sponsors, including Ally Financial as the founding and national presenting sponsor, along with partners like Andscape and the New York Film Academy (NYFA). This initiative not only highlights the importance of representation in film but also fosters community and cultural engagement.
The ABFF Pop Up Tour features a variety of events designed to inspire and educate participants. Attendees can expect a range of activities, from masterclasses to film screenings, all aimed at celebrating black storytelling. More details about the event schedule and ticket purchases are available on Eventbrite.0