American Black Film Festival

Your Guide to One of Miami Beach's Biggest Events

The sunny city of Miami is full of reasons to visit, from the beaches to the nightlife to the developing art scene. Beyond these reasons that are a great excuse at any time of year, there are also annual events worth planning a trip around. If you're into film, one of the biggest events of the year in Miami is the American Black Film Festival. This festival takes place every June, bringing together film fans, actors, and executives who all want to see what narratives, shorts, and documentaries are being screened this year.

The 2012 Festival

In 2012, the American Black Film Festival is taking place from June 20 through June 23 in Miami Beach. All of the screenings are spread between two venues: the Colony Theater and Miami Beach Cinematheque . In addition to screenings, the festival also includes a number of workshops, talks, parties, talent contests, master classes, networking events, and awards presentations. This festival is the biggest in the world for showcasing African American and urban content. Founded by HBO, this festival will enter its 16th straight year in 2012.

Tickets

Tickets and passes for the American Black Film Festival are available only online. Depending on how involved you want to be in this festival, you can choose the appropriate pass for you. There are two types of ticket packages: a movies package for $50 that covers screenings and a two party package for $125 . If you're interested in really participating in the festival's activities, you will want to invest in one of the three festival passes: a Prestige Pass ($900) , M arquee Pass ($475) , or Essentials Pass ($250) . A prestige pass includes extras such as reserved seating at films and award ceremonies, express entry to parties, and more. For more details on tickets and passes, consult the official festival website.

Festival Events

The best way to figure out whether or not you would like to attend the American Black Film Festival is to check out the listing of events from previous years. These details will provide a good idea of what the festival typically includes. A general schedule is followed, including an opening night film and opening night party. The next day is full of workshops (such as camera basics), film screenings, talk series, and parties that can last as late as 4 a.m. The following day includes more film screenings, master classes (in writing, for example), more talks, and a screening of the Centerpiece Film . The final day of this four-day festival includes more master classes, film screenings, a screening of the closing film, and a final awards party.

More Festival Basics

There are a number of types of films shown at the American Black Film Festival, but they can be broken down generally into three categories: features, shorts, and documentaries. Each festival also includes talent contests designed to bring the spotlight onto emerging talent in acting, screenwriting, and filmmaking. Each year a total of 5,000 people attend the various events, parties, and workshops of this festival that over the years has featured over 600 films.

Miami Beach Lodging in Vacation Rentals

The American Black Film Festival is a very popular event in Miami Beach. If you're planning on attending this June event, you're going to want to make reservations for a Miami Beach vacation rental in advance. If you want to take advantage of the local beaches, choose an oceanfront rental. If you would rather spend time between screenings indulging in the Miami shopping scene, an oceanfront location won't be as important. With the space and convenience of a vacation rental, your film festival experience will be an even better Miami getaway.