NICE CROWD, a leading events company dedicated to showcasing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) creators, has announced the appointment of Issa Rae, a prolific writer, producer, and multi-talented entrepreneur, to the newly established role of Creative Director for the 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). In this pivotal position, Issa Rae, a vocal advocate for underrepresented creators in the entertainment industry, will collaborate closely with ABFF co-founders and producers, Nicole and Jeff Friday, to curate the festival’s lineup and promote its mission of spotlighting Black talent and discovering emerging voices.
The 28th annual ABFF is scheduled to take place from June 12 to 16, 2024 in Miami Beach.
NICE CROWD, previously known as ABFF Ventures, organizes year-round events spanning comedy, health and wellness, food, and fine art, all of which celebrate BIPOC culture and accomplishments. The company’s name, NICE CROWD, underscores the significance of collective gatherings.
Nicole and Jeff Friday, co-founders and producers of ABFF, commented on Issa Rae’s appointment, stating, “Throughout the course of her career, Issa Rae has made an indelible impact within the entertainment ecosystem ranging from her wide array of roles – in front of and behind the camera – to her fierce advocacy for equitable representation and opportunities for Black creatives. We couldn’t think of a better partner to help us continue to embody the ABFF mission of showcasing Black talent — and discovering and amplifying new voices.”
In response, Issa Rae expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I’m honored to join NICE CROWD as Creative Director for the 2024 American Black Film Festival. As one of the first major festivals to showcase my work, ABFF continues to elevate Black creatives from the ground up, and I’m excited to join its co-founders and producers, Nicole and Jeff Friday, in that mission.”
Connie Kinnard, Senior Vice President of Multicultural Tourism & Development for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), affirmed their support for ABFF, emphasizing its positive impact on Greater Miami’s tourism landscape. Kinnard noted the festival’s commitment to shining a spotlight on diverse emerging talent, ultimately benefiting the Greater Miami and Miami Beach community.
Since its inception, the annual ABFF has become a cornerstone for diversity in Hollywood, premiering works and bolstering the careers of numerous successful filmmakers, actors, writers, and stand-up comedians. It is widely recognized as a beacon of excellence for Black creativity.
Issa Rae’s affiliation with ABFF dates back to the festival’s recognition of her earlier work, and in 2022, she served as the Ambassador. With her distinctive style and infectious humor, Rae first gained attention for her award-winning web series and the accompanying New York Times best-seller, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” She created and starred in the Peabody-award-winning HBO series “Insecure,” which earned her multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominations. Rae has also made a mark on the big screen, with roles in “BARBIE,” “INTO THE SPIDERVERSE,” and the upcoming release “AMERICAN FICTION.”
In 2020, Issa Rae established HOORAE, a versatile media company focused on breaking boundaries in storytelling and representation. HOORAE comprises HOORAE Media for film, TV, and digital; Raedio, the music label, music supervision company, and “audio everywhere” company; and ColorCreative, its management division. Through HOORAE’s WarnerMedia deal, Issa has expanded her Executive Producer portfolio with the Emmy-award nominated “A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW” and the critically acclaimed MAX series, “RAP SH!T.”
Sponsors and partners for the 2024 ABFF, as of now, include Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal (Presenting); City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), (Major); American Airlines, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official).
The 2024 American Black Film Festival is slated to be held in Miami Beach, Florida, from June 12 to 16. For festival-related information, including submission deadlines and details on obtaining an ABFF pass, please visit www.abff.com. Stay updated by following @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.
