Published on July 8th, 2024 | by Crystal Willis

Inside the Hottest Parties of the 2024 American Black Film Festival

The 28th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) lit up Miami Beach from June 12-16 with a spectacular lineup of social events and parties that left attendees buzzing with excitement. From exclusive brunches to star-studded soirées, here’s a recap of the hottest events we attended during this unforgettable celebration of Black excellence in film and entertainment.

The Legendary Opening Night White Party at M2 Miami

Despite being postponed for a night due to torrential rain and flooding, the Opening Night White Party at M2 Miami was well worth the wait. As we arrived, the atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was palpable. Special appearances by stars like NLE Choppa, Meagan Good, and Cory Hardrict added to the glamour of the evening. The crowd was on fire, especially when Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” played, proving that the energy was not just a California thing.

(Meagan Good and Cory Hardict; image courtesy of American Black Film Festival)

(photo credit: Crystal Willis)

Black Excellence Brunch Sponsored by Netflix

Netflix truly outdid themselves with the Black Excellence Brunch at Chotto Matte on Friday, June 14, providing an exclusive sneak peek at Lee Daniels’ highly-anticipated ‘The Deliverance’ starring Monique and Andra Day. Hosted by Trell Thomas, the Brunch featured a surprise virtual greeting from actress Andra Day expressing her gratitude for Lee Daniels and the film. Notable guests and press include: Bevy Smith (TV personality), Cory Hardrict (Beauty in Black), Jonica Booth (Rap Sh!t), Jessie Woo (Dish Nation), Sharelle Rosado (Selling Tampa) and Alexis Stoudemire (Miami Socialite). Attendees were also treated to previews of Netflix’s upcoming ‘Strong Black Lead’ slate of films and episodic series, underscoring the streaming giant’s commitment to Black storytelling. It was a morning filled with inspiring conversations and delectable cuisine, set against the backdrop of Miami’s vibrant atmosphere.

(Photos courtesy of Netflix: Getty, Koerner; The Hype Magazine Editors Jessica Williams and Crystal Willis)

Hoorae House Presented by Issa Rae’s RAEDIO

The Hoorae House, curated by ABFF Creative Director Issa Rae’s RAEDIO, hosted a series of incredible events throughout the weekend in their exclusive invitation-only lounge. We had the pleasure of attending the Come Thru Mixer finale, sponsored by UTA and Simply Lemonade. The evening was a perfect blend of fun and sophistication, as we partied alongside Issa Rae herself, enjoying sponsored cocktails and witnessing an epic battle of Uno with a massive deck. As a delightful parting gift, we received a bottle of Viarae Champagne, Issa Rae’s exclusive brand, now available in stores.

(photo credit: @DaEssence_)

Distilled Screening Sponsored by Pronghorn

The Distilled Screening, sponsored by Pronghorn, was a highlight for lovers of Black-owned spirits brands. This #allblackbar event featured the premiere episode of the docuseries DISTILLED, directed by Travis Michael. The series offers an intimate look into the vibrant world of Black-owned spirits brands, starting with the story of Delta Dirt Distillery, a family-owned craft distillery in the Arkansas Delta. The evening included an open bar with cocktails inspired by the series and a talkback session with the producers and talent, providing deep insights into the passion and innovation driving these entrepreneurs.

Check out this trailer:

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A post shared by Travis McMichael (@travisamcmichael)

Ally Private Dinner

During the ABFF 2024 Weekend, the ALLY Media reception dinner offered an exceptional opportunity to connect with industry professionals and celebrate the contributions of diverse voices in media. The atmosphere was filled with engaging conversations, inspiring stories, and a special guest appearance by Jeff and Nicole Friday, allowing attendees to engage in intimate discussions with them.

About the Festival

Now celebrating its 28th year, the American Black Film Festival remains the preeminent event of its kind, empowering Black artists and spotlighting a diverse array of entertainment content created by and for individuals of African descent. The festival brings together enthusiasts of Black culture alongside industry executives and content creators from across the globe for five days filled with screenings, engaging talk events, exclusive parties, and invaluable networking opportunities.

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Tags: #filmmakers, ABFF, ABFF2024, American Black Film Festival, black film, Issa Rae, Miami, Netflix

About the Author

Crystal Willis Crystal Willis is an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Entertainment Publicist and CEO of The Omni Firm. She is also a Transformational Life Coach and Founder of The Crysalis. Her personal story has been seen by millions of people on media outlets like Marie Claire Magazine, PBS, Blaze TV, Daily Signal and more.