 (L to R) Lucien Laviscount, Chloe Bailey, Malcolm D. Lee, Lynn Whitfield, Coco Jones |
 (L to R) Nicole Friday, Chloe Bailey, Jeff Friday  (L to R) Nicole Friday, Regina King, Jeff FridayThe 30th American Black Film Festival opening night heats up Miami Beach with the premiere of Peacock and Blumhouse’s thriller Strung. In attendance were film stars Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Coco Jones, Romy Woods, Shaun Sutton, and Donna Biscoe. Also in attendance were director Malcolm D. Lee, producer Dominique Telson, and executive producer Giselle Johnson-Morris. Written by Alan McElroy, Strung is produced by Peachtree & Vine, Blumhouse, in association with Blackmaled Productions, with Tyler Perry, Jason Blum, Tim Palen, Malcolm D. Lee, Dominique Telson, p.g.a. as producers; Philip Waley, Shaun S. Sutton, Alan McElroy, Giselle Johnson-Morris serve as executive producers. Additional attendees included Jeff Friday (Co-Founder/CEO, NICE CROWD), Nicole Friday (Co-Founder/President, NICE CROWD), Regina King(Festival Ambassador), Kountry Wayne and more. Ahead of the premiere, the Florida Memorial University’s (FMU) ROAR Marching Band delivered an electrifying 30‑minute performance that set a vibrant, celebratory tone and drummed home the 2026 theme: The Homecoming. With powerful sound and dynamic movement, they transformed the arrival experience into an unforgettable kickoff for the evening. The celebration continued at the Opening Night Party at The Bass, where guests gathered to toast the kickoff of the 30th American Black Film Festival. About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier festival dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing film and television content created by and about people of African descent. Widely regarded as the industry’s leading pipeline for emerging Black storytellers, ABFF has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and creative voices. Each year, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry executives, and audiences from around the world for a five-day celebration of storytelling, culture, and career advancement through screenings, panels, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. About NICE CROWDNICE 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 its philosophy, 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 harnesses that energy to deliver culturally relevant experiences while generating measurable economic impact for its partners. Through expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD creates platforms that celebrate groundbreaking artists and innovators while connecting brands, media, and audiences in meaningful ways. |
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Where the arts come together
THE 30TH ANNUAL AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL OPENS WITH THE PREMIERE OF MALCOLM D. LEE’S STRUNG, WITH STARS CHLOE BAILEY, LYNN WHITFIELD, COCO JONES, AND LUCIEN LAVISCOUNT IN ATTENDANCEJEFF FRIDAY, NICOLE FRIDAY, REGINA KING, KOUNTRY WAYNE, AND MORE ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
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