MIA Magazine 2018 American Black Film Festival | Page 2
2BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018
Editor’s Note
South Beach is already an
electrifying city. However, when the
22nd annual American Black Film
Festival rolls into town, the energy from
all the red carpet events, celebrity
sightings, and movie screenings sends a
huge jolt to the Miami area for one
unforgettable week.
As a fan of documentaries, I’m most
looking forward to screening the array of
docs featured at this year’s festival from
“Whitney” and “The Bobby Brown Story”
(Brown makes an ABFF appearance June
15) to “G-Funk,” which explores the
origins of West Coast rap.
But the documentary that will likely
stir my emotions during the ABFF
chronicles the brief life and tragic death of
17-year-old Trayvon Martin. “Rest in
Power: The Trayvon Martin Story” is
executive produced by Jay-Z and
Trayvon’s parents.
Over the past few years, I’ve worked
closely with Sybrina Fulton and Tracy
Martin through the Trayvon Martin
Foundation, which operates on the
campus of Florida Memorial University,
where Fulton graduated and where I teach
journalism. In a climate where Black lives
continue to be challenged daily, this
docu-series is a must see.
“It’s going to be very
informational, very educational,” said
Martin, who’ll be appearing at the festival
with Fulton. “A lot of things will be
revealed that didn’t come out in the trial.” “Rest in Power” is set to premiere on
the Paramount Network in July.
Finally, I am proud to present this
exclusive digital-only edition of MIA
magazine's ABFF issue. We encourage
you to flip through the pages while you're
on the go. Whether you're standing in
line waiting for an ABFF screening or
taking a break at the corner coffee shop,
MIA magazine is available at your
fingertips. Enjoy the festival!
Multicultural Jewels” as it is important
that all of Miami is showcased to our
visitors and convention delegates. We are
excited about the festivities on Miami
Beach and super excited about the
community day of activities scheduled at
the Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown,
which is open to the general community
to participate.
Thanks to all of the visitors that
decided to attend ABFF in Miami this
week. It is our hope that the hospitality
shown while here in the city of Sun, Fun and Culture will exceed your
expectations. In addition to the ABFF
hashtags of #ABFF2018 #WeAreABFF,
please also tag Miami in your social media
posts by using #FoundinMiami
#MulticulturalMiami #MiamiFilmMonth
Russell Motley
Editor-in-Chief,
MIA Magazine
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Miami Convention &
Visitors Bureau is excited to partner once
again with the 22nd annual American
Black Film Festival.
The ABFF is highly regarded as
the premier film and entertainment
conference in the country dedicated to
helping elevate persons of color in the
industry and is definitely one of Miami’s
premier events.
The theme for GMCVB’s
Multicultural initiatives is “Engage,
Embrace and Rediscover Miami’s
Yours Truly,
Connie W. Kinnard
Vice President, Multicultural
Tourism & Development
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
City of Miami Commissioner
On behalf of the City of Miami, I am
honored to welcome back the American
Black Film Festival. This annual
showcase continues to highlight stories
of African Diaspora.
Our Magic City is a cultural enclave
with rich history of the arts. From the
Historic Lyric Theater to the Olympia,
film and entertainment are an essential
part of Miami’s story.
I trust that the festival will continue
to elevate the stories of people of color,
and enlighten the world of experiences.
The City of Miami thanks you for all that
your organization has done and
continues to do for our community.
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#ABFF2018 #WeAreABFF
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS
"The Black Press believes that America can best lead
the world away from racial and na�onal antagonisms
when it accords to every person, regardless of race,
color or creed, full human and legal rights. Ha�ng no
person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to
help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as
long as anyone is held back."
Keon Hardmon
Chairman
Miami City Commission
Member of the
Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)
Dexter A. Bridgeman
CEO & Founder
Russell Motley
Editor-in-Chief
Zachary Rinkins
Editor-at-Large
Yanela G. McLeod
Copy Editor
Shannel Escoffery
Associate Editor
Md Shahidullah
Art Director