The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has announced its 2025 film lineup — and African cinema takes centre stage. With over ten films from across the continent competing in various categories, this year’s festival promises a rich celebration of African storytelling.
Highlights include:
- The Fisherman (Ghana): A magical realist comedy about Atta Oko, an elderly Ghanaian man who dreams of owning a boat — with a talking dead fish’s help. Directed by Zoey Martinson, this Venice Film Festival winner blends whimsy and heart.
- It Comes In Waves (Rwanda, Canada): This poignant drama follows a Rwandan family fleeing genocide only to find new struggles as refugees in Ottawa.
- Treasure Hunt (South Africa): A desperate ex-con stumbles upon lost jewels but soon faces a ruthless gang trying to exploit him.
- Fight Like a Girl (DR Congo): Based on true events, this story follows a young woman who escapes illegal mining and finds hope in an all women’s boxing club.
- Black Women and Sex (South Africa): Godisamang Khonou’s documentary explores the complex relationship between Black women and the politics of sex in Africa.
- A Beauty Supply in Queens (Nigeria, USA): A Nigerian mother and daughter fight to save their beauty store in New York amid fierce competition.
- Demons (Nigeria, UK): A London cop returns to Lagos to seek justice for his lover’s murder, battling corruption and his inner demons.
Other notable films include Balaclava, Breaking Free, Love Through The Lens, and Rearview — all from South Africa — each telling powerful stories about freedom, resilience, love, and survival.
Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF is dedicated to empowering Black filmmakers and showcasing stories by and about people of African descent. The festival includes screenings, panels, masterclasses, and networking events, attracting over 7,000 attendees globally.
ABFF 2025 runs from June 11 to 15 in Miami Beach, USA.
