Latest news with #JeffFriday
Business Wire
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
American Black Film Festival Partners With the Art in Black Foundation to Introduce The South African Collective
BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the Art in Black Foundation to present The South African Collective —a debut curatorial art exhibition spotlighting five dynamic visual artists from South Africa. The exhibit, open exclusively to festival attendees, will be on view during ABFF, taking place June 12–14, 2025, at the New World Center in Miami Beach. The catalog of available artwork is HERE. Curated by Allana Foster Finley of Cur8Africa, The South African Collective is the inaugural fine art initiative of the Art in Black Foundation—founded by Ellis Friday, a visionary young creative committed to cultural connection, with support from his parents, Nicole and Jeff Friday. This curated experience marks an evolution in ABFF's programming, expanding the festival's cultural offerings to include global visual art in dialogue with Black film, media, and storytelling. The idea for this collaboration was born during an immersive art tour through South Africa led by curator Allana Foster Finley and attended by Jeff Friday. Inspired by the depth of artistic talent and cultural expression, the journey laid the foundation for what would become this inaugural showcase. 'This exhibition is an exciting step forward in ABFF's mission to uplift global Black creatives,' said Jeff Friday, founder of ABFF. 'We are proud to provide a platform where African art and cinematic storytelling can exist in conversation, inspiring deeper cultural connection.' Featured Artists: Steve Maphoso - A self-taught Angolan-born artist, Maphoso blends acrylic and charcoal to create emotionally resonant portraits. His current series centers on twin boys guided by ancestral intention, exploring themes of migration, ritual, and brotherhood through symbolic narrative and layered abstraction. Thabiso Dakamela - With roots in Venda and Ndebele heritage, Dakamela's Afrocentric work examines identity and emotion. His expressive style—often rendered in powerful blues—has earned national recognition, and his DKS Project House supports emerging artists in South Africa. Assan Taylor - Known for textured portraits combining oil, charcoal, gold leaf, and found materials, Taylor's work bridges tradition and innovation. His bold, multilayered pieces reflect the vibrancy of contemporary Southern African culture and human connection. Siyabonga Mlambi - Originating from South Africa's Eastern Cape, Mlambi's art is deeply rooted in Nguni tradition and modern innovation. His unique style, Khanda-Art Superblur African Synthetic Cubism, employs fabric, stones, and mixed media to evoke unity, imagination, and spiritual energy. Ayanda Moyo - A Zimbabwean artist whose work in charcoal and acrylic explores identity and culture, Moyo's emotionally rich paintings invite deep reflection on the shared human experience through bold, expressive techniques. Together, these artists bring their individual perspectives to a collective narrative that intersects visual art with the broader mission of ABFF—celebrating and amplifying Black stories worldwide. About the Art in Black Foundation Formerly the Film Life Foundation, the Art in Black Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting works that reflect the richness and diversity of the Black experience. The organization aims to bridge communities through storytelling across all artistic mediums, highlighting the humanity and creativity of people of African descent. About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival is the leading festival dedicated to showcasing film and television content by and about people of African descent. Now in its 29th year, ABFF continues to serve as a vital platform for emerging and established Black artists, attracting attendees from around the world to celebrate the power of storytelling in all its forms. For updates, visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
South African filmmakers shine on the global stage
South Africa's storytelling power took the spotlight on Miami Beach as the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), in partnership with NICE CROWD, proudly announced the winners of the inaugural 'South African Stories' Short Film Showcase — a new program introduced for the 29th edition of the festival. This landmark initiative will place five emerging South African filmmakers on an international platform in June, showcasing the richness, authenticity and global relevance of Mzansi's creative voice. Audiences are taken on deeply personal and culturally resonant journeys — and the response has been electric. The winners truly reflect the extraordinary potential and voice of South African cinema. Jeff Friday, ABFF founder and CEO of NICE said: 'We were blown away by the quality, originality and emotional power of the submissions we received from South Africa this year.' Meet the Visionaries Behind the Screen: Ayanda Halimana, whose short film Sent is making waves, is a prolific writer, producer and commissioning editor with nearly two decades in South Africa's film and television industry. Her career has spanned SABC, Mzansi Magic, and NFVF training initiatives, now culminating in international recognition. Director Kopedi Aphane and writer Nthabiseng Letsoela stunned audiences with the short story Breaking Free, a gripping story of domestic survival and emotional rebirth. Aphane's bold directorial style is rooted in Soweto's culture, while Letsoela makes her screenwriting debut with this poignant narrative. Donna Sibande, creator of the short story Love Through The Lens, continues to push boundaries with award-winning stories that capture the soul of South Africa. Her previous work has earned accolades at both local and international film festivals. Chris Djuma, a published playwright and actor-turned-director, earned top honours for the short story Rearview. His unique vision, honed at the Market Theatre Laboratory and the NFVF Youth Filmmaker Program, is now being celebrated globally. Nondumiso Buthelezi-Masache, producer and director of the short story Umhlaba Wokhokho, is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented narratives. Her film, steeped in history and land justice, echoes the soul of rural South Africa. South African Stories is more than a film showcase — it's a cultural bridge, connecting African and African-American creatives while reaffirming that our stories matter everywhere. The ABFF continues its online screenings via ABFF PLAY from June 16-24, inviting global audiences to experience the bold, brave and beautiful visions of South Africa's rising stars. Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, ABFF is the leading festival celebrating black film and television. Renowned for discovering and promoting black talent, ABFF has been a launch pad for many of today's most celebrated artists and storytellers.
