ABFF Announces “South African Stories” – A Short Film Showcase at 2025 Festival (EXCLU)
EXCLUSIVE: The 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced today a special presentation of short films titled “South African Stories” that highlights the artistry and perspectives of emerging South African filmmakers as part of its commitment to celebrating the richness and global influence of Black storytelling. This year’s festival will take place live in Miami Beach June 11-15, followed by an online segment June 16-24 on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).
“South African Stories” will feature a curated selection of 5 independent short films that showcase the dynamic storytelling, cultural depth, and social themes shaping contemporary South African cinema. Each film offers a unique lens on life in South Africa, from personal narratives and historical reflections to explorations of identity, resilience, and artistic expression. Following the screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the directors, gaining insight into their creative processes, inspirations, and the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking in South Africa. This conversation will foster cross-cultural dialogue, strengthening connections between African and African American storytelling communities.
“Through initiatives like ‘South African Stories,’ ABFF remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating underrepresented filmmakers and broadening our global impact,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday, Founders of NICE CROWD. “This program is more than just a showcase; it’s a vital bridge, amplifying the powerful narratives of South African filmmakers and connecting audiences across continents. We are celebrating the shared experiences and stories that bind the African diaspora, all through the transformative power of cinema.”
2025 “SOUTH AFRICAN STORIES” SELECTIONS
Title: Sent
Director/Writer Name: Ayanda Halimana
Logline: Gullible Thulile (7) embarks on her first trip to the shop alone, she gets distracted by the cunning Swazi until she can’t find her way home.
Runtime: 16:06
Premiere Status: World Premiere
Title: Breaking Free
Director Name: Kopedi Aphane
Writer Name: Nthabiseng E Letsoela
Logline: Isolated from family and friends by her husband, Lerato vows to free herself from an abusive and toxic environment she finds herself in.
Runtime: 21:00
Premiere Status: World Premiere
Title: Love Through The Lens
Director/Writer Name: Donna Sibande
Logline: Two lonely souls accidentally connect during a corona-virus outbreak, they find love in each other, until tragedy strikes and one of them gets infected.
Runtime: 20:27
Premiere Status: US Premiere
Title: Rearview
Director/Writer Name: Chris Djuma
Logline: The fast brutal streets of Johannesburg, not welcoming to strangers, and lives by its own codes.
Runtime: 25:08
Premiere Status: World Premiere
Title: Umhlaba Wokhokho – Land of my ancestors
Director/Writer Name: Nondumiso Buthelezi-Masache
Logline: Guided by a prophetic vision, iNkosi Mabaso reclaims his ancestral land and fulfills the meaning of his name, Zwelihle — Beautiful Land — by leading his community in its preservation.
Runtime: 17:14
Premiere Status: US Premiere
Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.
ABFF sponsors and partners to date are Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Host); Comcast NBCUniversal, Ally, Walmart (Presenting); City of Miami Beach, Amazon MGM Studios (Major); American Airlines, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official); Netflix, STARZ (Supporting); NYFA, Getty Images, A&E (Industry); Los Angeles Times, Variety (Media).