This June, America’s blackest film festival will be taking over Miami Beach once again. The 2019 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an amalgamation of panels, screenings and networking events ensconced in a diversity mission, championing major partners such as HBO.
Each year, the festival names an ambassador to lead the mission and host the festivities. This year, the ambassador is none other than La La Anthony (Power, Killer Curves). Anthony joins previous ambassadors Regina Hall, Idris Elba, Jay Ellis, Taraji P. Henson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Common, Morris Chestnut and Omari Hardwick.
“It is an honor to be named the 2019 ABFF Ambassador. I have admired the work of the American Black Film Festival for many years and am looking forward to being a part of the great work they do in the black film community,” Anthony said via press release.
“I have a tremendous amount of admiration and respect for La La as an artist and entrepreneur,” noted ABFF Ventures CEO and Founder Jeff Friday. “She is a true renaissance woman and her success proves that talent and determination have no bounds. We could not be more pleased to have her serve as this year’s Festival Ambassador.
Trapped-in-a-hot-bathroom feeling notwithstanding whilst gallivanting through Miami in June (whew chile, the humidity!), ABFF is actually one of my favorite film festivals as a patron. I’ve never felt so embraced by a film community (lovers and creators alike) who all happen to look like me. I’m a film festival enthusiast and the bigger ones certainly have their appeal, but I can’t help but mention the privilege of not having to search through the grapevine (ha!) for a black or brown face.
ABFF 2019 will take place June 12-16 in Miami.