MIA Magazine 2018 American Black Film Festival

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. Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine Twi�er and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine #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

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