American Black Film Festival Expands Into Theatrical Distribution With ABFF97 Launch

Exclusive: The new distribution arm will partner with AMC Theatres to create a theatrical pathway for more independent films.

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The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is expanding into theatrical distribution with the launch of ABFF97, a new initiative created to bring select independent films to audiences in mainstream US markets through curated theatrical releases.

AMC Theaters will serve as the inaugural theater provider for the initiative, and is planned in key markets including Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte and Philadelphia.

Named for the festival's founding year, ABFF97 builds on ABFF's 30-year history of discovering and supporting emerging filmmakers by expanding that work beyond the festival circuit and into theatrical release. Related Stories The New Sense and Sensibility introduces a different Marian Dashwood and a failed star in Esmé Creed-Miles.

"For three decades, ABFF has helped discover filmmakers and connect their work with audiences," said Jeff Friday, founder of ABFF and co-founder and CEO of Nice Crowd. “As the theatrical market gains momentum, we see an opportunity to bring more independent films into the ABFF97 mentorship, expanding our role from discovery to distribution, building on the audience relationships and cultural reach we've built over 30 years. "With AMC as the primary theater provider, we have a strong foundation to bring these films to market."

The initiative also builds on the success of ABFF's 2026 Pop-Up Tour, which has stopped in Washington, DC and New York, with Atlanta and Houston to follow in the coming weeks. Audience response has fueled interest in experiencing independent films on the big screen and helped ABFF expand into theatrical distribution.

The launch establishes ABFF97 as a new theatrical avenue for independent films and expands ABFF's year-round work. ABFF97 curates selected films, develops theatrical release strategies, and directs marketing, advertising and audience engagement. These releases are designed to build visibility, demonstrate audience interest, and enhance opportunities for licensing and subsequent distribution on other platforms.

Priority will be given to films screened at ABFF, while the initiative will also consider independent films outside the festival as the platform grows. The opening schedule and release schedule will be announced later.

The 2027 edition of ABFF will be held from May 20 to 23 in Los Angeles. Nice Crowd is a live events company founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday to produce high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major US cities and global markets.