Nia Long and Larenz Tate Announced as Ambassadors for the 2025 American Black Film Festival

The 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has officially announced that renowned actors Nia Long and Larenz Tate will serve as Ambassadors for this year's event. Both stars are celebrated for their roles in the 1997 romantic drama Love Jones, and their involvement aims to elevate the festival's mission of showcasing Black content while fostering opportunities for creators of color in the film and television industry.

This year’s festival will take place live in Miami Beach from June 11-15, followed by an online segment from June 16-23, available on ABFF PLAY (https://abffplay.com/).

In addition to their ambassadorial roles, Long and Tate will participate in a special segment titled ABFF Remembers: Love Jones. This intimate conversation and musical tribute will celebrate the enduring legacy of Love Jones, allowing the beloved co-leads to reflect on their experiences during the film’s production and their long-standing friendship.

The event will also feature curated selections from the film's iconic soundtrack, a testament to its cultural impact. Jeff Friday, founder of the ABFF, expressed excitement about Long and Tate's roles: “We are thrilled to welcome Nia and Larenz as Ambassadors to the American Black Film Festival. Their work in Love Jones remains iconic, and they have long been trailblazers in the industry. Their contributions to ABFF’s mission have been immeasurable.”

About Nia Long and Larenz Tate

Nia Long is an award-winning actress and Grammy-nominated performer, recognized for her legendary roles across film and television, earning her four NAACP Awards. She is set to star in Lionsgate’s upcoming biopic Michael, which chronicles the life of Michael Jackson and is scheduled for release on October 3, 2025. Additionally, she has an upcoming memoir in the works, to be published by Gallery Books.

Larenz Tate, a Chicago-born actor, has become a cultural icon with his performances in both film and television. Currently, he stars as Congressman Tate in Power Book II: Ghost on Starz. Tate's illustrious career includes roles in landmark films such as Menace II Society and Dead Presidents, showcasing the complexities of Black life in South Central Los Angeles. His work in Love Jones remains pivotal, and he has also appeared in Crash, Girls Trip, and several acclaimed TV series. An entrepreneur, Tate co-founded TateMen Entertainment, which aims to produce content that champions Black storytelling.

About the American Black Film Festival

Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the American Black Film Festival has become the leading festival dedicated to showcasing Black storytelling. ABFF has been instrumental in providing a platform for Black artists, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. The festival has premiered numerous works and supported the careers of many successful filmmakers and actors, establishing itself as a standard-bearer of excellence in Black American creativity.

Sponsors and Partners

The ABFF is supported by an array of sponsors, including Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO® (Founding), Comcast NBCUniversal, Walmart, Ally (Presenting), and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host), among others.

About NICE CROWD

NICE CROWD, formerly known as ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company committed to developing and producing cultural events that celebrate BIPOC talent. The American Black Film Festival remains its flagship event, showcasing the rich tapestry of Black culture and creativity.

For more information about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.co