[1] The festival is held annually in Miami, Florida and features films, documentaries, and web series with black writers, directors, and actors.

What we have plan[ned] is more of the same, which is more information, more network opportunities, and to further our mission to provide minorities and people of color with a fair shot at breaking into the Hollywood system.

[4] The Oscars had historically had a reputation for leaving out Black members of cinema; until 1980, only two African-Americans had won Academy Awards for acting.

[5] The founders of the ABFF decided, though, that rather than investing time and energy in supporting a boycott, they would hold an event of their own to celebrate black cinematic achievements, and thus the festival was born.

Early hosts and presenters included Robert Townsend (1997), Denzel Washington (1998), Isaac Hayes (1999 and 2000), and Mari Morrow and Kim Whitley who co-hosted the event in 2001.

Since its transformation in 2002, the ABFF has drawn new corporate sponsors (including Grey Goose, Ford, NBC, CBS, and Nickelodeon) and a dramatically increased attendance.

While initially successful, the change in venue ultimately resulted in a decline in attendance from members of the actual Black filmmaking community.