One of the reigning queens of film, Regina King, will share her journey to stardom as the 2026 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) celebrates three decades of Black excellence homecoming style.
As part of ABFF’s 30th Anniversary celebration, American Airlines will present a special Legacy Talk honoring King’s storied career and return to the festival as ambassador of the milestone event.
The intimate conversation will trace King’s journey across film and television—from breakout roles to her Academy Award-winning work and evolution as a director and cultural force.
The impact of Black talent from throughout the diaspora will be spotlighted as ABFF assembles a star-studded lineup, a packed slate of premieres, and standout performances in Miami Beach, May 27-31.
Adding to the significance of this year’s milestone, the 2026 festival features a unique curatorial approach with a portion of the lineup shaped by ABFF alumni and longtime supporters. These artists, many of whom launched their careers on the ABFF stage, helped design and present programming that ensures “The Homecoming” theme resonates deeply with the community that has defined the festival’s impact over three decades, said ABFF founder Jeff Friday.
“ABFF has always been about discovery, celebration, and connection,” Friday continued. “For 30 years, we’ve built a platform where diverse talent could be seen, heard, and supported. The Homecoming is about honoring the alumni who helped shape our legacy and inspiring the next generation of storytellers to create work that will define the future.”
King will be joined by Marsai Martin, Coco Jones, Jamie Foxx, Jesse Williams, and more as the festival leans into its homecoming theme, bringing together projects from more than 10 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Cameroon, Nigeria, France, Brazil, Italy and Canada.
The five-day celebration will open with Malcolm D. Lee’s psychological thriller, “Strung,” led by Chloe Bailey. The story features a talented violinist and music teacher who finds herself entangled in the opulent and secretive world of her student.
Three of the festival’s most highly anticipated titles include “Girl Dad,” starring Marsai Martin and Courtney N. Vance and produced by Jamie Foxx and “Montmartre,” featuring Jesse Williams and Ito Aghayere, and “That’s Her,” which brings together Kountry Wayne, Coco Jones, and Loretta Devine.
Additional films in competition include “Funny Feelings,” “Otra,” and “Three Colors: Pan-African,” each offering a distinct perspective while contributing to the broader landscape of Black storytelling. Winners across categories will be announced during the Best of ABFF Awards on May 30, closing out a landmark year for the long-running festival.
For an overview of the full list of films slated for the 2026 ABFF, visit www.abff.com
