American Black Film Festival

American Black Film Festival, Presented by Allstate

Spike Lee. John Singleton. Julie Dash. Black filmmakers have changed the landscape of modern film. So it's important to keep the next generation of talented artists inspired. The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) does just that. It's a five-day retreat and international film market whose mission is to strengthen the African-American filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development.

Allstate and the Beyond February initiative are proud to present the 2008 American Black Film Festival. Allstate is committed to being in the African-American community everyday and this partnership builds on that commitment.

2008 American Black Film Festival Highlights

Allstate Blue Carpet
You've heard of the Red Carpet. This year, Allstate had people step up to the Blue Carpet. Allstate's Good Hands® Reporter, Tricia Mann, was on the scene at the ABFF to get the scoop on everything and everyone. Come get all the details—from the premier night, the celebrities, the filmmakers and much more. Click the images below to view video.

ABFF & Allstate's sponsorship - Dennis Haysbert (actor), Diane Watson (LA Congresswoman), Jeff Friday (ABFF founder) and Roger Bobb (producer) share thoughts on ABFF and Allstate's sponsorship.	Film industry advice from the pros! - Mel Jackson (actor), Anthony Mackie (actor), D.B. Woodside (actor), and Ira Hart (Allstate representative) share priceless insight!
Upcoming films - Malcolm Goodwin (actor), D.B. Woodside (actor), Preston Whitmore (writer/producer), publicist Cassandra Butcher (publicist), Michael Kimbrew (actor), and Marcus Turner (actor) share information on upcoming films soon to be on the big screen.	You're in Good Hands! - D.B. Woodside (actor), Dorian Gregory (actor), Carlon Jeffrey (actor), Roger Bobb (producer), Dorien Wilson (actor), William L. Johnson (actor), and Gabrielle Dennis (actress) let you know that you're in good hands!

The papparazi were out in full force at the ABFF. Go behind the scenes and check out all the pics—from the opening night party to the screenings to the cocktail reception. ABFF was the place to be! Click here for photos.

Allstate's Beyond February "Be Reel" Contest

2008 Winner — Roy Clovis for his film, The Lucky Suit
New York filmmaker and Cornell University graduate, Roy Clovis was announced as the winner of the Beyond February "Be Reel" contest at the 12th Annual American Black Film Festival.

The award earned him $5,000, which he says will go toward producing a feature film. He will also meet with Jeff Friday, the CEO of the American Black Film Festival for a mentoring session. The Lucky Suit demonstrates how one man's unselfish act affects the life of a total stranger in his community.

"The "Be Reel" competition gave me the opportunity to create a film that delivers a message that demonstrates how something so small can be so important," said Clovis. "I wanted to inspire and motivate people to give back through small acts of kindness."

Congratulations Roy! We hope your career prospers.

Click the images below to see the winning film and the events leading up to award night.

“The Lucky Suit” directed by Roy Clovis.	2008 "Be Reel" Contest

Meet the "Be Reel" Finalists

Beyond February's call for entries for the "Be Reel" short film contest was met with great enthusiasm. The three finalists included Roy Clovis for The Lucky Suit, Dana Hannah for Lend a Hand and Travis Dent for Simple Things. The Lucky Suit by Roy Clovis was the winning entry.

Dana Hannah — Lend a Hand
Dana Hannah is from New Jersey but now makes her home in Los Angeles. Lend a Hand is a testament to the need for people to step up and help others. Dana says, "In today's society so many people choose to look the other way when they see someone in need of help. If we come together as a community and lend a helping hand instead of walking away, great things can happen."

Dana is in negotiations with producers regarding Jaded, an original screenplay. She is also the one of the founders of an online networking group called Actors United, who meet once a month to discuss their craft and encourage fellow actors, writers and directors.

Travis Dent — Simple Things
Travis Dent grew up in Georgia, where his love of the arts led him to Savannah State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. His film Simple Things, takes viewers into the life of a school crossing guard who not only guides children to school, but through life.

He directed the number-one rated news show is Savannah, Georgia for six years. In 2006, he moved to Shreveport, Louisiana. A year later he wrote a screenplay called Freshman 101, based on his college years. Currently he is working on his second screenplay and producing commercials for a local Fox Network affiliate. While attending 2007's ABBF, he was inspired to further seek his dream of filmmaking.

Click below to view the finalists' films and to learn more about them.

“Lend a Hand” directed by Gary Sturgis and produced/written/submitted by Dana Hanna.	“Simple Things” directed by Travis Dent.

Dana Hana	Travis Dent	Roy Clovis

2007 ABFF Sponsorship Highlights

Beyond February "Be Reel" Contest:
Last year's introduction of the Allstate sponsored Beyond February "Be Reel" contest drew numerous aspiring filmmakers who told their stories of "doing good in the community". Click on the image below to view our 2007 "Be Reel" Grand Prize winning video, Give Along the Way.

"Give Along the Way" directed by Alrick Brown.
"Allstate gave me a platform to express myself, honor those doing good work in my community and challenge those who are still waiting."

As part of Allstate's sponsorship of the ABFF, we brought together film industry professionals to talk about their experiences in the business and give advice about breaking into the film industry. The panel discussion was titled "Artists Who Broke the Mold."

“Artists Who Broke the Mold” Panel Discussion (Click on the image below to view the video)