Whether you are a cinema fanatic or a first-time festival attendee, the American Black Film Festival offers a rich immersive experience, from world premieres to star-studded panels and industry networking. For nearly three decades, ABFF has served as a powerful platform for Black storytellers, fusing the worlds of cinema, culture, and community with fearless creativity sharing different perspectives on the complexity and diversity of the Black experience. With each moment and event at ABFF comes an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with industry changemakers, drawing inspiration from the diverse talent spanning from across the world here in beautiful Miami Beach.

With narratives that range from gripping dramas to laughing-on-the-edge-of-your-seat comedies, ABFF continues to deliver art that entertains, provokes, and inspires. Garner nuggets of knowledge, insights, and stories from headliners such as Gabrielle Union, Blair Underwood, Ashanti, Chris Paul, and more as they take their talents down to South Beach for a dynamic ABFF experience. In addition to the exciting celebrity lineup and programming, ABFF is a bastion for local and international filmmakers, bringing new narratives to the forefront, and progressing the cultural footprint in the world of cinema.

In addition to shedding light on the rich narratives featured in this year’s ABFF, this special issue of M•I•A magazine features a diverse tapestry of Black innovation and creativity in the Magic City, ranging from fashion to cultural spotlights. As editor-in-chief of M•I•A magazine with a knack for storytelling with style, I take great pleasure in all that is in store in our vibrant city reflected in this issue, including M•I•A’s first-ever Best Dressed edition.

Join us in honoring the artists, innovators, and trailblazers who are creating lasting legacy and impact through the lens of Black cinema. M•I•A magazine is proud to spotlight the festival-not just for its standout programming and cultural connectivity, but for the legacy it builds. As we welcome all the talented creatives to the American Black Film Festival, we celebrate the future of Black cinema, shining brighter than ever before.

Nikki Svec
Editor-in-Chief
M•I•A Magazine
nikkis@miamediagrp.com