The annual American Black Film Festival saw Naturi Naughton and Malcolm D. Lee headline the New York City Pop Up edition.

The event took place on October 25 and 26 in New York City, marking the first stop of the newly launched ABFF Pop Up Tour.

The festival opened with American singer and ‘Power’ TV series star Naughton’s engaging panel, ‘Money Wellness and the Creator’. 

She shared an intimate look at her journey toward financial independence, setting an empowering tone for the weekend.  

The day featured the screening of The Fisherman, winner of this year’s Best Narrative Feature and Best Director awards, followed by a talkback with writer and director Zoey Martinson and producer Korey Jackson.

Attendees also enjoyed an encore of the 2025 HBO Short Film Showcase and an in-depth discussion with filmmakers Princess Adenike, Nick Buchheit, and Yasmine Crawley.

On Sunday, the energy continued with BOB Talks, a panel celebrating Black-owned brands and entrepreneurship, providing practical insights to inspire future business leaders. 

The screening of Fatherless No More was paired with a conversation featuring director and producer Kayla Johnson and Pastor Tim Johnson.

The highlight of the weekend came when Lee took the stage for a heartfelt ‘Creator Conversation’. Lee reflected on his creative process, career milestones, and insights into the evolving landscape of contemporary cinema.

The ABFF Pop Up concluded with the much-anticipated screening of Can You Stand The Rain, followed by a talkback with director and writer Eden Marryshow.

Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the ABFF began as a platform to showcase and uplift Black filmmakers and storytellers who are often overlooked in Hollywood and around the world. 

In 2025, ABFF expanded its reach with the launch of the ABFF Pop Up Tour, created by Jeff and Nicole Friday’s NICE Crowd, to bring the festival’s spirit beyond Miami. 

The tour features film screenings, celebrity panels, and industry talks celebrating Black creativity and entrepreneurship, with its debut stop in New York City, followed by Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles.