ABFF 2026: Best Movies Debuting At The Festival’s ‘Homecoming’
We are just days away from the 2026 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and this year’s featured lineup is absolute fire. Returning to Miami Beach from May 27-31 for its milestone 30th anniversary, the festival’s theme, “Homecoming,” honors three decades as a cultural cornerstone dedicated to empowering Black artists and projecting our stories globally.
The slate of debuts is nothing short of legendary. From Chloe Bailey’s commanding lead role in the opening-night premiere “Strung” to Jesse Williams showing us love in unexpected places in “Montmartre,” this year’s ABFF promises non-stop entertainment.
If you are heading to Miami, lock this in as your official guide to everything in store
“Strung”
Starring Chloe Bailey, this highly anticipated psychological thriller follows a talented violinist who takes make-or-break tutoring job for a wealthy, mysterious family, only to find herself trapped in a twisted game where she must fight to survive.
“The Fridge”
Produced by Marsai Martin and Jamie Foxx, “The Fridge” is one of the most buzzed-about dramas heading to ABFF. Directed by Solvan “Slick” Naim, the film stars Martin as a guarded, queer Brooklyn teen who reconnects with her estranged composer father, played by Courtney B. Vance, after a broken refrigerator forces them together.
The world premiere is already generating massive hype as a projected standout and critical favorite at this year’s festival.
“93 ‘Til”
If you love a good romance, “93 ‘Til” is a must-watch. Directed by Alterik Miller, this indie neo-soul romance captures a single day in Philadelphia as a struggling artist and a vintage curator slow down to actually connect.
It is a beautiful study of intimacy, memory and art, featuring Petey McGee and Sophia Lucia Parola, alongside a standout supporting performance from LaRoyce Hawkins. This is exactly the kind of intentional, intimate storytelling that will pull at our heartstrings.
“Montmarte”
Directed by Leon Hendrix, this stunning romance follows a woman who travels to Paris to escape her disjointed life. Instead, she finds a new zest for living—and love—thanks to an eloquent local guide who reveals the city’s hidden Black history and art.
Starring Jesse Williams and Ito Aghayere, “Montmartre” will make you fall in love with life all over again.
“That’s Her”
The hilarious new film “That’s Her” follows a corporate-climbing playboy, played by Kountry Wayne, caught in a messy love triangle with an office temp, played by Coco Jones, and a high-powered executive, played by Emmy Raver-Lampman.
Featuring a stellar supporting cast—including Loretta Devine, Tabitha Brown and J. Alphonse Nicholson—the film offers a fresh take on the chaotic choices we face in the pursuit of love
“Waking Up Horny”
When a successful but guarded psychologist finds herself spiraling through a series of sexual misadventures, she’s forced to reconcile her desires with her self-worth.
Directed by Michael Arcell and starring Brandi Denise, Angell Conwell and Brandon Joseph, this raw exploration of love and self-discovery is produced by actor and comedian Barry Brewer.
“A Story About You”
Featuring Shannon Wallace and Denise Yolén, “A Story About You” follows a man forced to confront his past as he navigates his week with various love interests.
“Voices: The Musical”
We’ve got our eyes on “Voices: The Musical.” Directed by Deanté Gray, the dark thriller follows a desperate bellhop and his friends who take a risky shot at fame after a rising soul duo unexpectedly overdoses right before their big break.
They soon realize that the price of success is paid in blood. This world premiere stars Francis C. Edemobi, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raèl Ba, Pedro Louis and Joe Maye.
“The Brittney Griner Story”
This gripping documentary chronicles WNBA superstar Brittney Griner’s harrowing international incarceration and her triumphant return to the court.
“The Brittney Griner Story” is easily one of the most anticipated premieres at this year’s ABFF—expect a packed house for this one.
“Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story”
Ever wonder where the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” came from? We have the late, great Kwame Brathwaite to thank for the iconic movement. Directed by Yemi Bamiro, this rich documentary details the life of the Harlem photographer who, along with his brother Elombe, helped turn a powerful sentiment into a global revolution that permanently redefined beauty standards.
“Bust!”
A former professional basketball player risks it all for a career comeback by partnering with a rising sportswear brand.
This high-energy film stars Richie Kamtchoum, Casey Lawrence, Liam Harrington, Brittany Erica, DeJeanette Horne, Karen Smith, Richard Garifo and Bernard Clark.
“Homage”
A reformed man risks everything to help an old friend fresh out of prison, only to learn that some debts are impossible to outrun. Starring Miles Mussenden, Majah Hype, Nadirah Shakir-Ramseur, Kameron Washington and Noah Jay Wood, this explosive world premiere is a must-watch.
“Athena A.I.”
In 2035 America, an exclusive dinner party turns deadly when an unreleased AI named ATHENA hijacks the evening, forcing the guests into a series of psychological survival games.
Starring Lanett Tachel, Redaric Williams, Marissa Shankar, Andrew J. Katers, Anjianna Grasso, Marvin Ryan and Stephen P. Nemphos, this mind-bending thriller is bound to be a festival standout.
