ABFF 2016 WinnersPosted by Wilson Morales
June 20, 2016
The 20th Anniversary of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced the winners of their independent film awards in the Loews Grand Ballroom in South Beach, Miami on June 18, 2016.
Blackfilm.com would like to thank The ABFF and The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for hosting us at this year’s American Black Film Festival. Having us stay at The National Hotel provided us the opportunity to not only be within walking distance to festival, but enjoy the comforts of the pool, bar, and working atmosphere.
Hosted by comedian Chris Spencer, the event was filled with awards, music by Gourdan Banks and many actors and producers (producer Will Packer, director Robert Townsend, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Anthony Anderson and Salli Richardson-Whitfield) giving praise to ABFF founder Jeff Friday and wife Nicole for their work and devotion in keeping the festival going for 20 years.
The HBO Short Film Award was given to ‘Flowers,’ which was written and directed by Nikyatu Jusu and Yvonne M. Shirley. The $10,000 grand prize award was presented by Dennis Williams, Vice President, Cultural and Social Responsibility of HBO.
When Brooklyn teens Mya and Erin seek revenge on a teacher their well-calculated plans quickly spiral out of control.
This year’s NBC Universal Star Project grand-prize winner was Kelcy Griffin, who currently plays Dominque in POWER on Starz Network. The award was presented by Karen Horne, vice president, Programming Talent Development and Inclusion for NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios.
Star Project is an international acting competition for emerging multicultural artists. The winner will receive $1,000 towards performance training classes, $500 towards professional headshots and VIP access to the NBCU Short Film Festival Finals.
In the TV One Screenplay Competition, the winner was N’Zuri Za Austin of Dallas, Texas for her feature film screenplay entitled, ‘Tale of a Script.’ The $5000 Grand Prize award was presented by actor Malik Yoba and D’Angela Proctor, Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Production of TV One. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and development of their screenplay that will premiere on TV One and at next year’s ABFF.
In search of the next best screenplay, script reader Brandon shares a collection of short stories he found in a pile of “unreads” that narrate the dangers of social networking. The stories, each telling of the dangers that await us behind the keystroke of our computer screens, are a puzzle piece that will lead us on a journey of deceit.
The award for best documentary was given to ‘Daddy Don’t Go,’ directed by Emily Apt. The award was presented by Rodney William and singer/ actress Brave Williams.
The award was accepted by actor Malik Yoba, who was an executive producer on the film along with Emily Abt, Keryn Thompson, Suzette Burton and Omar Epps.
“Daddy Don’t Go” explores the crisis of fatherlessness in America, documenting two years in the lives of four disadvantaged fathers in New York City as they fight to defy the odds against them. It provides compelling portraits of men who are unwavering in their commitment to parenthood despite the challenges they encounter.
Presented by Comcast Xfinity’s Ramcess Jean-Louis, the winner of the ABFF Web Originals was 2 Self Help Books From Perfect, created by Kimberly Young.
Directed by Lopez Williams, the cast includes Kimberly Young, DJ Cipha Sounds, Nate Gill, Carmen Lynch, Sharron Paul, Jourdan Guyton, Jared Prudoff-Smith, Lauren Besser, Gibran Saleem, Godfrey Taylor, Jr., and Sue Berch.
In “2 Self Help Books Away from Perfect,” we follow Kimmy Monroe, a bright-eyed Brooklynite who, through a series of hilarious and sometimes awkward events, learns that finding true love first begins by accepting one’s true self.
Presented by director Malcolm Lee and Gayle Hill, a spokesperson for McDonald’s, the winner of the McDonald’s “My Community” Video Competition was Tyshun Wardlaw of Milwaukee for “Be The Seed.” The winner will take home the grand prize – a film equipment package valued at $2,500 and an opportunity to have the winning video featured on McDonald’s 365Black.com.
McDonald’s and ABFF returned for the second year with a call to entries for up-and-coming filmmakers nationwide to create one 90-second video illustrating McDonald’s 365Black platform mantra, “Deeply Rooted in Your Community.” By focusing on ‘my community,’ the campaign provides an opportunity for the filmmakers to showcase and celebrate the diverse communities they represent. Not confined to just the neighborhood in which they live, ‘my community’ includes shared passions, hobbies, interests and social organizations.
The Audience Award, presented by VH1, for Best Film was given to The Fix, written and directed by Paris Bauldwin.
The film stars Meta Golding, Eric Roberts, Asia Queen, Nicole Steinwedell, Blaine Gray, Jeremy Suarez, Sean O’Bryan, Timon Kyle Durrett, and Jeremy Luke.
Abigail Hunter’s affinity for emptiness, has led her to seek the companionship of drugs and lassitude. However, the struggling waitress’s aimless drift is disrupted when a young runaway, Fallon, appears, claiming to be her daughter. Fallon’s search for family and affection interrupts Abigail’s free fall and the two decide to define family in their own terms. However, past demons, secrets, and spurious friends threaten the foundation Abigail and Fallon work so arduously to build.
The Grand Jury Prize for Best Performance by an Actor was given to Cory Hardrict for his performance in ‘The Destined.’ The award was presented by actress Tichina Arnold and actor David Ramsay.
“Destined” tells the parallel stories of Sheed and Rasheed, portrayed by the same actor (Cory Hardrict). A pivotal moment in a 13-year-old’s life splits off into two possible outcomes: in one, he becomes an up-and-coming architect being used by cynical real estate developers to gentrify and destroy his old neighborhood, and in the other he becomes a powerful drug lord who rules his surroundings but may regret what he’s built.
Presented by TimeWarner Foundation and Dennis Williams of HBO, the Grand Jury Award for Best Screenplay was given to Tahir Jetter for ‘How To Tell You’re A Douchebag,’ with the producers of the film accepting on his behalf.
Ray Livingston (Charles Brice) is a relationship-blogging hack (“freelance writer, actually”) responsible for Brooklyn’s infamous blog, “Occasionally Dating Black Women.” The well-written, if not controversial, blog has generated some notoriety, but Ray is chafing from an overextended stay in New York, romantic ennui, and a stagnating writing career. After a particularly crappy week, he goes off on a tirade and harasses a gorgeous random passerby, only to discover that it’s Rochelle Marseille (DeWanda Wise), one of New York’s up-and-coming authors. Moving to make amends in an effort to preserve his media clout, Ray is stunned when Rochelle gives him more than he ever thought she would.
Cadillac presented the Grand Jury Prize for Best Director to Qasim Bashir for ‘Destined.’ Bashir will receives film stock valued at $25,000.
“Destined” tells the parallel stories of Sheed and Rasheed, portrayed by the same actor (Cory Hardrict). A pivotal moment in a 13-year-old’s life splits off into two possible outcomes: in one, he becomes an up-and-coming architect being used by cynical real estate developers to gentrify and destroy his old neighborhood, and in the other he becomes a powerful drug lord who rules his surroundings but may regret what he’s built.
Presented by Prudential and Dondre Whitfield, The Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature went to ‘Service To Man,’ which was directed by Aaron Greer and Seth Panitch.
The film stars Morgan Auld, Christopher Livingston, Lamman Rucker, and Keith David.
It’s 1967 and Eli Rosenberg has a problem; only one medical school in the country will accept him: Meharry Medical College, an all-black medical school in Tennessee, a considerable distance from his life in Brooklyn, New York. Michael Dubois also has a problem; only one medical school in the country will do for him: Meharry Medical College, his successful father’s alma mater, and therefore his, whether he likes it or not. Both Eli and Michael have a problem: they are two outsiders from radically different backgrounds forced to work together inside the pressure cooker of medical school in the turbulent 1960s. Together they battle the intricate mysteries of medicine, demanding professors, and each other in their quest to, ultimately, become healers in the Service To Man.
