🎬🎶 Event Overview
Official Name: American Black Film Festival (ABFF) – Music Experiences
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Venues: New World Center, Fillmore Miami Beach, Faena Forum, The Bass Museum, and beachfront performance spaces
Dates: Wednesday, June 11 – Sunday, June 15, 2025
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a leading global event dedicated to celebrating Black excellence in film, television, and digital media. Within this dynamic cultural gathering, the ABFF Music Experiences program stands out as a vibrant intersection of cinema and sound—a celebration of the music, soundtracks, and performances that bring Black storytelling to life.
Each year, ABFF Music curates live performances, panels, and showcases that connect emerging and established musicians with industry leaders, film directors, and thousands of fans. From rooftop DJ sets to conversations with Grammy-winning producers, ABFF Music is where the heart of Black film finds its rhythm.
🕰️ History and Background
Founded: 1997
Founder: Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures
The American Black Film Festival was created to amplify the voices of Black filmmakers and artists who were often overlooked by mainstream Hollywood. Since its debut in Acapulco, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone of Black entertainment culture.
Recognizing the integral role music plays in film and Black culture, ABFF introduced ABFF Music as a formal series of experiences in the mid-2010s. This component continues to honor the soundtrack of Black cinema, celebrate musical innovation, and create space for industry crossovers between the film and music worlds.
Key Milestones:
- 2015: First official “ABFF Music” showcase with live performances and DJ nights
- 2018: Expanded to include sync licensing panels and music video competitions
- 2022–2024: Featured artists like Muni Long, DJ D-Nice, and industry leaders from Spotify, BET, and Roc Nation
🌟 Why You Should Attend
Because Black music is the heartbeat of Black film.
At ABFF Music Experiences, you’re not just witnessing entertainment—you’re stepping into a cultural fusion of artistry, storytelling, and sound. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from both filmmakers and musicians as they discuss their craft, connect with peers, and vibe to curated performances under the Miami sun.
What Makes It Special:
- Live Music Events paired with film screenings and red-carpet premieres
- Black music supervisors and composers teaching how to break into TV/film
- Soundtrack showcases celebrating classic Black films
- Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and soul represented across genres
- A stylish, star-studded scene where industry networking meets creative celebration
🔥 What to Expect in 2025
Featured Artists & Speakers (TBA in April 2025)
Past years have included:
- Muni Long – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter
- DJ D-Nice – Curator of the “Club Quarantine” takeover
- Luke James – Actor and R&B artist
- Rico Love, Jozzy, and DJ Clark Kent in discussion panels
Expect exclusive DJ nights, soundtrack listening sessions, and surprise celebrity pop-ups during the weekend.
Event Highlights:
- ABFF Music Kickoff Party (Wednesday Night): Sunset beachside DJ set
- “Music in Film” Panel Series: Composers, sync agents, and artists discuss score placement and licensing
- Soundtrack Jam Sessions: Artists perform film/TV soundtracks live
- New Voices Showcase: Emerging indie artists perform for fans and music supervisors
- Wellness + Beats Morning Yoga with live instrumentalist and DJ combo
- Late Night Lounge: Invite-only rooftop afterparty with celebrity guests
🎟️ Tickets & Pricing
- General Festival Pass: $325 – Includes access to music events, screenings, panels, and networking mixers
- Music Only Pass: $149 – Access to ABFF Music concerts, panels & parties
- VIP Platinum Pass: $799 – Includes reserved concert seating, artist meet-and-greets, and early entry
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Airports:
- Miami International Airport (MIA): 20 minutes from South Beach
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL): 45 minutes
Getting Around:
- Rideshare: Uber & Lyft are fast and affordable
- Local Metrobus & Trolleys: Free South Beach trolley available
- Bike & Scooter Rentals: Widely available along Collins Ave
- Walking: Most venues are within a few blocks of one another
🏨 Where to Stay
Festival-Partnered Hotels:
- Loews Miami Beach Hotel – ABFF’s host hotel
- The Betsy Hotel – Boutique hotel with a rooftop jazz bar
- 1 Hotel South Beach – Sustainable luxury with beach access
- Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel – Affordable, stylish option with a pool party vibe
Festival discounts and group rates are available through the official website.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Local & Black-Owned Favorites:
- Red Rooster Overtown: Southern comfort food by Marcus Samuelsson
- Rosie’s: Elevated soul brunch spot
- Lil Greenhouse Grill: Farm-to-table excellence
- Chef Creole: A must for Caribbean seafood
Pop-ups and food vendors are also available at various ABFF Music venues.
🧠 Tips for First-Timers
- Dress Code: Miami chic—think linen, sneakers, sunglasses, and bold accessories
- Be Early: Music panels and showcases fill up quickly—arrive early to secure your spot
- Mix Business with Vibes: Bring business cards or your QR code—networking is everywhere
- Stay Hydrated & Sun Safe: May in Miami is hot—water bottles, hats, and sunscreen are essential
- Check the App: Use the ABFF mobile app for updates, venue maps, and artist alerts
📲 How to Stay Connected
- Website: www.abff.com
- Instagram: @abff
- Twitter/X: @abff
- Facebook: ABFF Official Page
- TikTok: @abffest
- YouTube: ABFF Channel
- Hashtags: #ABFF2025 #ABFFMusic #BlackFilmAndBeats
📝 Final Notes
Submissions & Applications:
- Musical Artist Showcases: Open until March 15, 2025
- Sync Pitch Sessions: Apply by April 5, 2025
- Press Credentials: Deadline April 20, 2025
- Vendors & Exhibitors: Submit via abff.com/vendors
Health & Safety:
All ABFF events follow CDC and Miami-Dade County public health guidelines. Sanitizing stations and medical staff will be available on site.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
The ABFF Music Experiences 2025 is your ultimate fusion of film, fashion, beats, and brilliance. Whether you’re a music lover, film student, industry vet, or cultural tastemaker, this is your space to learn, connect, and vibe—all against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
🎟 Register at www.abff.com
📍 June 11–15, 2025 | Miami Beach, Florida
📣 Tap in. Dress up. Turn it up. We’ll see you on the beach.
