The festival is scheduled to run from May 27 to May 31, 2026, marking three decades since ABFF’s founding. Organisers say this milestone edition will be held under the theme “The Homecoming,” designed to reunite the festival’s alumni, industry professionals, and performers who have shaped its legacy.
In a statement, ABFF founder and NICE CROWD CEO Jeff Friday said the anniversary would honour the festival’s history while also focusing on the future of Black storytelling.
“For 30 years, we’ve built a platform where diverse talent could be seen, heard and supported,” Friday said. “The Homecoming is about celebrating the alumni who helped shape our legacy and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.”
Ahead of the main festival, the 2026 ABFF Honors ceremony will take place on February 16 in Beverly Hills, where actress and director Angela Bassett will be presented with the Excellence in the Arts Award.
The event will also recognize a range of high-profile figures, including Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and actor Damson Idris.
In addition, the ceremony will pay tribute to the creative team behind the film “Sinners,” led by filmmakers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Michael B. Jordan.