American Black Film Festival (ABFF) selects Oscar-qualifying HBO Short Film Showcase finalists

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today the selection of finalists who will compete in its Annual HBO Short Film Award Showcase and Series and Voices of Culture lineup. The 27th annual ABFF will take place in Miami Beach June 14-18 and will be available to a global audience June 19-25 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/). 

“We have curated a diverse lineup of authentic stories created by talented artists that give visibility to Black creatives in the industry,” said Nicole Friday, president, COO ABFF Ventures and Festival Producer. “Over 25 years ago, we launched the HBO Short Film Award, spotlighting groundbreaking filmmakers and elevating Black content for mainstream audiences to experience.  Many dynamic storytellers have been a part of the ABFF community, and we are proud to continue our legacy of showcasing gifted creators.” 

Winners of the 2023 independent film awards and talent contest winners will be presented during the Best of the ABFF Awards hosted by Emmy-nominated actor/author Dondré Whitfield, Saturday, June 17, in the Miami Beach Convention Center. Sirius XM’s Bevy Smith (Bevelations) will host the HBO Showcase. ABFF is a qualifying festival for the short film categories at the Academy Awards. 

The annual five-day festival, held in locations in and around Miami Beach and the City of Miami, will showcase a selection of exclusive programs from networks and streamers including spotlight screenings, conversations and panels with award-winning directors, producers and top-line talent. For a complete schedule of programming, full list official film selections and to purchase passes for the 2023 American Black Film Festival, visit www.abff.com.

The HBO Short Film Award finalists, Web Series and Voices of Culture lineup is listed below.

HBO Short Film Award Showcase 

Now in its 26th year, the HBO Short Film Award, sponsored by HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the world. Five filmmakers are selected as finalists, one grand prize winner will be presented with the HBO Short Film Award and a cash prize of $10,000. The following films represent the finalists for the 2023 HBO Short Film Award.  

Radio Silence 

As a successful radio DJ, Tracey made a career out of her love for music and its connection to the human experience. But when confronted with her mother’s illness, she is forced to reevaluate her own life. Divided between the hauntingly beautiful memories of her past, fears of the future and the painful realities of her present, she gives herself the ultimate challenge – a broadcast of reconciliation. 

USA | 2023 | 20 minutes 

Written by: Nakia Secrest  

Directed by: Ric Serena  

Jelly 

Jelly is a young Black girl in Bed-stuy with a peculiar fascination with death. While trying to solve the mysterious case of a missing neighbor, she comes to terms with a more personal disappearance. Narrated by André Holland. 

USA | 2023 | 10 minutes 

Written and Directed by: Anndi Jinelle Liggett 

Fathead 

When one of the last free children of Junkyard Paradise has her brother stolen away from her, no ragamuffin army or vicious beasts will stop her from getting him back. 

USA | 2023 | 20 minutes 

Written and Directed by: c. Craig Patterson 

Recovery Chain 

After being evicted by his mother, a rebellious teen must adapt to life with his distant father and his father’s new family. 

USA | 2022 | 17 minutes 

Written and Directed by: Quamé A. Hamlin  

Jerome 

Basketball connects Jerome to his long-absent father, though not in the ways he wishes. As he wrestles with his own concept of family, he must confront his father’s legacy on and off the court. 

USA | 2023 | 14 minutes 

Written and Directed by: Gianfranco Fernández-Ruiz 

Series 

A competitive section for short-form episodic television directed by and/or both written and produced by persons of African descent. Each series in this section will compete for the Jury Award for Best Series (Television or Web) (presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, $2,500 cash prize). The following are the 2023 official selections in the Series category: 

Being Alex *World Premiere  

An eclectic high school sophomore embarks on an entertaining journey of self-discovery amidst a spiraling pandemic and life-changing social revolution.   

USA | 11 min 

Written and Directed by: Christopher J. Love  

Producer: LaShanda Simmons-Calhoun 

Cast: Koby Calhoun, Roman Vargas, Paula Velasquez 

Bloom Room *U.S. Festival Premiere  

In the midst of a global pandemic, a group of twenty-somethings explores the complexities of Black mental health and the bonds of chosen family in an online plant care community. 

Canada | 8 min 

Directors: Tristen Sutherland, Christian Anderson, Yasmijin Nicolle, Sochima Nwakaeze,  Ajhanis Charley 

Writers: Tristen Sutherland, Christian Anderson, Yasmijin Nicolle, Sochima Nwakaeze,      Ajhanis Charley, Maryan Haye, Anthony Meeks, Yonas Ogubu 

Producers: Alexx Bryant, Caleb Phillips, Anthony Jhade, Kelvin Omori, Rochelle Chambers, Funsho Elegbeleye 

Executive Producers: Alison Duke, Ngardy Conteh George 

Cast: Lane Webber, Brittany Miller, Blane Soloman, Jordan Henry 

Buzz Kill *World Premiere  

A charismatic and chubby Black queer millennial’s life is shaken up when romance, career and family issues collide.   

USA | 15 min 

Director: Jessie B. Evans 

Writers: Jessie B. Evans, Terrance ‘Mo County’ Williams 

Producers: Jessie B. Evans, Credere Joseph, Terrance ‘Mo County’ Williams 

Cast: Terrance ‘Mo County’ Williams, Marcel J. Sawyer, Danielle Carter, Stewart Jewett, Christian Omari, Jessie B. Evans 

Criblore: A Horror Anthology*World Premiere  

An anthology series that follows a group of eccentric characters and their encounters with witches, werewolves, mermaids, trolls, and more.  

USA | 14 min 

Written and Directed by: Lucien Christian Adderley, Richard “Byrd” Wilson  

Executive Producer: Moon Lee Ferguson (Creator of Series) 

Cast: Terayle Hill, Brittany S. Hall 

Dolla Van  

Two Trinidadian siblings, Jordana and Khalid, face challenges starting their own Flatbush Avenue dollar van service.  

USA | 9 min 

Director: Gabriel A. Tolliver 

Writers: Gabriel A. Tolliver, Vinay Chowdry 

Producers: Vinay Chowdry, Kecia Élan Cole, Kuye Youngblood 

Cast: Jordana Persad, Khalid Hamid, Arthur Gregory Pugh, Walter T. Mudu 

I Was a Soul Train Dancer  

“I Was a Soul Train Dancer” is a mini-docs series that profiles some of the most recognizable and memorable Soul Train dancers from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.  

USA | 11 min 

Written and Directed by: Timiza Sanyika 

Producer: Timiza Sanyika 

Cast: Aretha Jackson, Larry “Bobcat” Jefferies  

I‘ll Make You Better: Thomas Jules, Knicks Fan Counselor *U.S. Festival Premiere  

An aspiring self-help guru tries to strengthen his reputation while not alienating his loyal clientele of rabid Knicks fans.  

USA | 2 min 

Director: Andrew Edghill 

Writers: Andrew Edghill, Lee O. Valentin   

Producer: Andrew Edghill 

Cast: Lee O. Valentin 

Love Trial *U.S. Festival Premiere  

Two young Atlanta professionals hit it off fast, but find out rather quickly that finding love, and maintaining it — are two totally different journeys.  

USA | 15 min 

Written and Directed by: Brandon Henderson 

Producers: Brandon Henderson, Ruben Ahortor 

Cast: Kiah Alexandria, Brandon Henderson, Keon Mitchell, Christen Sharice,                          Tuki Daily, Phylicia Morgan 

Shadowboxing – Round 1 *World Premiere  

Andre desires to be the perfect boyfriend for the love of his life, Desi, but he struggles with         a secret…Sex Addiction.   

USA | 15 min 

Director: Mo McRae  

Writer: Mustafa Speaks  

Producers: Mustafa Speaks, Michelle Mitchenor, Mo McRae, Lex Scott Davis, Anna Notarides 

Cast: Mustafa Speaks, Adriyan Rae, Diego Parada, Jerrell Pippens, Lex Scott Davis, Shakira Barrera  

The Federation *World Premiere  

Flex Incredible navigates the explosive world of professional wrestling in the 1990s, where the line between fantasy and reality is subjective in more ways than one.  

USA | 15 min 

Written and Directed by: Kola Olasiji 

Producers: Kola Olasiji, Molly Neville Olasiji 

Cast: Kola Olasiji, Miles Burris, Byron Hopkins 

The Lesbian Homie  

A man tries to forget his recent past failed toxic situationship by pursuing another woman who he finds to have a lot of the same traits and attitude as the previous woman…..Deja Vu maybe?  

USA | 10 min 

Director: Jahdai Pickett 

Writers: Jahdai Pickett, J. Antonio Figueroa 

Producer: Dirty Chucks Entertainment 

Cast: Jahdai Pickett, Stephanie Nelson, Kraig Smith, G. Wayne, Marche’ Howell,  

Lisa Yaro, Marlin Minks, Ciera Angelia 

The Table *World Premiere  

The journey of London and Ed’s relationship is told over seven years primarily at their dining room table.  

USA | 12 min 

Directors: Caralene Robinson, Jamal Hodge, Crystal Whaley 

Writers: Caralene Robinson, Nina Simone Moore  

Producers: Caralene Robinson, Deborah Riley Draper, Crystal Whaley, DeDe Brown, Jamal Hodge  

Cast: Devin Nelson, Brandon J. Shaw, Bevy Smith, Yvette Ganier 

Third Wheel Material 

When a perpetual third wheel struggles to find love and a sense of belonging, he decides to ask his two best friends, a couple, for help.  

USA | 11 min 

Director: Lyandre Pierre 

Writer: Lyandre Pierre 

Producers: Julian Park, Tezeta Solomon, Rickey Larke, Lyandre Pierre 

Cast: Jerry Madison Jr., Charlotte Williams Roberts, Christian Robinson 

Wallflower *World Premiere  

When a shy teenage girl is gifted a family heirloom, it sparks the courage to live life on her own terms; but as she evolves and becomes unrecognizable to the people closest to her, she must decide who she wants to be.  

Canada | 15 min 

Director: Tristan Barrocks 

Writers: Safia Bartholomew, Kern Carter  

Producer: Leah Rifkin 

Associate Producer: Corey Kareem 

Cast: Kayla Kuhnke, Courtenay Field, Shirley Jackson, Romello Griffith, Ayan Elmi, Andrew James, Grace McDonald  

Voices Of Culture 

A noncompetitive section of narrative short films directed by persons of African descent.  

The following films represent the 2023 official selections in this category: 

Bizarro World *World Premiere  

Six unrelated, humorous, absurd stories, shot in and around LA.  

USA | 8 min 

Directors: Jonathan Salmon, Abdi Ibrahim  

Writers: Khari Johnson, Jonathan Salmon 

Producer: Khari Johnson 

Cast: James Chrosniak, Mark Mandia,Jonathan Salmon, Jak Knight, Upendo Moore, Nona P Johnson, Zack Fox, Tyree Norwood, Mekki Leeper, Khari Johnson, Felice Levair, Kate Hollowell, Matt Law 

Blackifier *World Premiere  

After watching an odd TV infomercial advertising a magical spray called blackifier, that when used can make anyone appear to be black to everyone else around them, Karen goes on a journey inside an alternate TV universe to see just how exciting the Black experience is.  

USA | 15 min 

Director: Christian Kamaal  

Writer: Jalen Young 

Producers: Cory Gorman, Jordan Shanks  

Cast: Diane Sargent, Christopher Grossett, Chanda Wallace, TyNae Miller, Brandon James Somerville, Peace Ikediuba, Seth Carter, Michael Duisenberg 

Burning Rubber *U.S. Festival Premiere  

Down on his luck, Duane Ruiz is out of college and out of options and has to choose between his responsibilities or following his passion and competing in the high stakes, Burning Rubber Wallball tournament.  

USA | 7 min 

Director: Chris Fequiere  

Writer: Dara King  

Producers: Dara King, Amanda Miller  

Cast: Dante Hoagland, Gorilla Nems, Alexandria Benford, Melvin Lee Douglas, Colin Ki/Kenny, Mike Smith Rivera, Oliver Fequiere 

Chidera *World Premiere  

A coming-of-age story of a teenage girl bound from birth to a higher calling; but as the traditional ceremony looms she struggles to choose between her destiny and the freedom she yearns.    

USA | 18 min 

Directors: Sope Aluko, Adaora Nwandu-Earl  

Writers: Sope Aluko, Shola Dada  

Producer: Sope Aluko 

Cast: Sope Aluko, Courtney Williams, Dasan Frazier, Bridget John  

Fifty-four Days 

One girl’s grief drives her to extraordinary lengths.  

UK | 18 min 

Directors: Cat White, Phoebe Torrance 

Writer: Cat White 

Producer: Cat White 

Cast: Cat White, Celia Imrie, Juliet Cowan, Delroy Brown, Josh Williams 

Grown 

Having recently lost his father, Rogelio (14) devises a plan to sneak into a strip club with his pals Larry and Chaz, as the night takes an unexpected turn.  

USA | 18 min 

Written and Directed by: Jocko Sims 

Producers: Jocko Sims, Christopher Santiago, Chaz Hazlitt, Andrew Zolot 

Cast: Josiah Santiago, Tristan-Lee Edwards, Giovani Cristoff, Angela Mejia-Loggia, Eliza Ramos 

Love Taps *World Premiere  

A young boy trying to cope with his parents separation gains a new perspective of his father after discovering his affair with another man.  

USA | 14 min 

Written and Directed by: Derrick Woodyard 

Producers: Tara Sheffer, T. Bankolé 

Executive Producer: Spike Lee  

Cast: Rahim Barry, Parish Bradley, Emmanuel Kerry, Omrae Smith, Rayvon Southerland 

Monochromatic *World Premiere  

The inevitable moment a six-year-old girl realizes the world operates with bias when it comes to the color of her skin.  

UK | 13 min 

Written and Directed by: Karen Bryson 

Producers: Lorraine Bhattachary,  Shakyra Dowling 

Cast: Stephanie Levi John, Kenedy McCallam Martin, Elisha Robin 

Oba *World Premiere  

In an Afro-Futurist future, the King of a prominent Nigerian village has died. The Kingmakers select an unsuspecting boy from South London to ascend him.  

UK | 11min 

Written and Directed by: Femi Ladi 

Producer: Ray Okudzeto 

Cast: Samuel Adewunmi, Funke Adeleke, Philips Nortey, Richard Olátúndé Baker 

Pema  

Murphy, a young Black girl of Congolese descent, suffers from depression. In opposition to a particularly religious and superficial family, Murphy has no other choice to survive than to take refuge in her bed …   

France | 19 min 

Written and Directed by: Victoria Neto 

Producers: Anais Lonkeu, Lena Bapt 

Cast: Lorena Masikini, Pauline Mbaku, Pol White, Dorea Da Rozalia, Cindy Wadja 

Port Of A Prince  

A young Haitian boy must decide if joining a gang is the right path for him.  

USA/Haiti | 15 min 

Written and Directed by: JR Aristide 

Producers: Gilbert Mirambeau Jr., JR Aristide 

Cast: Personna Wilensky, Guerrier Giovanni, Edmond Erthon, Rolando Etienne 

Reunion *World Premiere  

“Reunion” tells the story of what happens when a West African immigrant living in the Bronx discovers the child soldier who destroyed her family years ago is now a best-selling author living in NYC.   

USA | 16 min 

Directors: Zainab Jah, Tim Naylor 

Writers: Tim Naylor, Zainab Jah  

Producer: Djaka Souaré 

Cast: Mayaa Boateng, Obi Abili 

Somebody *World Premiere  

As Jared contemplates ending his life, his plan is disrupted by a lost child seeking directions.  

USA | 12 min 

Director: JoJoe Earley 

Writer: Ava Mone’t 

Producer: Julio Mata Jr. 

Cast: Kamil McFadden, Nyle Mckenzie 

Speak Up Brotha! 

After a brief encounter with an enigmatic woman in his car, a rideshare driver must learn to communicate in ways beyond his understanding to win her heart.  

USA | 15 min 

Director: Wes Andre Goodrich 

Writers: Roderick Lawrence, Obbie West, James J. Johnson 

Producers: Salma Qarnain, Roderick Lawrence, Dario Harris, Patrick Nichols 

Executive Producers: Ron Gillyard, Will Campbell, Ike Mbanefo, Obbie West, Cameron Carr 

Cast: Roderick Lawrence, T.C. Carson, Toni Lachelle Pollitt, Madeline Grey DeFreece, Alphonso Walker Jr., Justin Winley, Jaleeca Yancy 

The Fairchild  

The new membership desk assistant at an exclusive museum becomes a special exhibit when staff and visitors obsess over him and his hair instead of the art on the walls.  

USA | 15 min 

Written and Directed by: Danny Rogers 

Producers: Alyssa Katalyna, Celai Ahmadzai  

Cast: Danny Rogers, Eric Davis, Sierra Marcks, Lauren Killer, Ben Newton, Hunter C. Smith, Susan Priver, Frank Poynton, Maria Brodeur, Aeron Macintyre 

TikTok Challenged  

An elderly woman with Hollywood dreams enlists her grandson’s help to go viral on TikTok.  

USA | 9 min 

Written and Directed by: Ivan Rome 

Producer: Yoko Kohmoto 

Cast: Christine Smith, Thomas Walter Booker, Winter-Lee Holland, Kendel Rome 

Welcome to Afrotree  

After being fed up with life in the city, Steven and Janet move to a gated community where all the residents are Black. But, they soon realize their dreams have become a nightmare.   

USA | 21 min 

Written and Directed by: Chase Parker 

Writer: Chase Parker 

Producers: Chase Parker, Greg Rhem   

Cast: Charlie Q. Smith, Wilson Christopher, Tra’Lynn Husbands, Colin Pieters