ABFF Launches ABFF97 Theatrical Distribution With AMC

The American Black Film Festival announced ABFF97, a new theatrical distribution initiative, with AMC Theatres serving as its inaugural theatrical provider, according to IndieWire. The announcement was made on October 14, 2026.

ABFF97 is designed to bring select independent films to audiences in major U.S. markets through curated theatrical releases. Releases are planned in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte and Philadelphia.

Under the initiative, ABFF97 will curate select films, develop theatrical release strategies, and lead marketing, publicity and audience engagement. Priority consideration will be given to films that have screened at ABFF, though the initiative will also consider independent films from outside the festival as the platform grows.

Background and Leadership

ABFF97 is named for the festival's founding year and builds on ABFF's 30-year history of discovering and championing emerging filmmakers. The initiative is led by Nice Crowd, the live events company co-founded by Jeff Friday, who is also ABFF's founder, and Nicole Friday.

The inaugural slate and release schedule will be announced at a later date. The 2027 edition of ABFF will take place May 20–23 in Los Angeles. The ongoing 2026 ABFF Pop-Up Tour has completed stops in Washington, D.C. and New York, with Atlanta and Houston to follow in the coming weeks.