Hollywood Comes to Dallas: ABFF Pop-Up Tour Lands at NorthPark
The acclaimed American Black Film Festival (ABFF), renowned for launching the careers of industry giants like Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay, is bringing its first-ever national pop-up tour to Dallas this weekend. This two-day event at AMC NorthPark 15 promises a vibrant celebration of Black cinema and talent, offering unparalleled access to the film industry for local creatives and film enthusiasts alike.
A Legacy of Opportunity and Innovation
Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival has consistently championed emerging artists and provided crucial access to an industry often difficult to penetrate. Its mission to empower talented individuals who may lack traditional connections has solidified its reputation as a vital platform for Black storytellers. The festival’s success is evident in the trajectory of its alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve mainstream recognition and critical acclaim, reshaping the landscape of modern cinema.
Dallas: A Strategic Hub for Creativity
This national pop-up tour is a new initiative by Nice Crowd, the company behind the 30-year-old festival, and serves as a prelude to ABFF’s milestone 30th-anniversary celebration next May in Miami Beach. Nicole Friday, president and co-founder of Nice Crowd, emphasized the tour’s goal to expand industry access beyond the main Florida event. “We wanted to really bring some of the same energy and excitement of the festival to four cities where we could celebrate culture and creativity with regional talent and connect them to national industry opportunities,” Friday stated.
Dallas was intentionally chosen for its “vibrant creative hub” status. Friday noted that local residents have long expressed a desire for ABFF to bring a piece of its magic to the city, making this pop-up a highly anticipated event for North Texas.
What to Expect: Films, Masterclasses, and Celebrity Insights
The ABFF Pop Up Tour in Dallas is packed with diverse programming designed to inspire and educate. Attendees can look forward to a range of experiences, from hands-on masterclasses to engaging celebrity panels and screenings of critically acclaimed films.
Event Highlights
The two-day festival offers something for every type of creative and film lover:
- A masterclass presented by the New York Film Academy, “Break It Down: How to Bring Any Script to Life,” taught by actor Gerrard James.
- An insightful conversation on sports and storytelling featuring WNBA stars Syd Colson and Theresa “TP” Plaisance.
- The HBO Short Film Showcase on Saturday, spotlighting five finalists from this year’s ABFF, followed by a discussion with filmmakers Princess Adenike and Sam Henderson.
- A curated selection of independent films and award-winning shorts on Sunday, including “The Fisherman,” winner of best narrative feature and best director at the 2025 ABFF, and “Fatherless No More,” a compelling documentary about a former NFL player mentoring inmates.
Nicole Friday assures that whether you’re an aspiring writer or actor, a devoted film connoisseur, or keen on the business of sports, the ABFF Pop Up has a program tailored for you.
Schedule at a Glance
To help you plan your visit, here’s a quick overview of the diverse offerings:
| Day | Event Focus | Key Features/Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Nov 15 | Skill Development & Industry Insights | “Break It Down” Masterclass with Gerrard James; Sports & Storytelling Panel with WNBA stars Syd Colson & Theresa Plaisance; HBO Short Film Showcase & Filmmaker Discussion. |
| Sunday, Nov 16 | Film Screenings & Celebrated Shorts | Independent Films; Award-winning shorts including “The Fisherman” (Best Narrative Feature/Director) and the documentary “Fatherless No More.” |
Practical Details for Attendees
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Hollywood’s finest and discover the next generation of filmmaking talent right here in Dallas. The festival runs from 11 a.m. on both days.
- Dates: November 15-16, 2025
- Time: Starting at 11 a.m. daily
- Location: AMC NorthPark 15, 8687 N Central Expy #3000, Dallas
- Tickets: Prices range from $15-$30, depending on the specific event. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)?
The ABFF is a prestigious film festival launched in 1997 to provide opportunities for emerging artists and talented individuals, particularly Black creatives, to gain access and exposure within the entertainment industry. - Why is the ABFF Pop Up Tour coming to Dallas?
Dallas was chosen due to its vibrant creative community and strong local demand from residents who expressed interest in hosting an ABFF event. It’s part of a national initiative to expand access to the industry. - Who should attend the ABFF Pop Up in Dallas?
The event caters to a broad audience, including aspiring writers, actors, film connoisseurs, independent film lovers, and anyone interested in the intersection of sports and storytelling. - What kind of events can I expect?
The pop-up offers a variety of programming including film screenings (short films, narrative features, documentaries), masterclasses taught by industry professionals, and celebrity panel discussions. - Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets for individual events range from $15 to $30 and are available for purchase via Eventbrite.
The ABFF Pop Up Tour offers a rare chance for Dallas locals to immerse themselves in a world of creative storytelling and connect with the broader film community. Make sure to check the schedule and secure your tickets to support and celebrate these powerful voices.
ABFF Pop Up Tour Brings Black Cinema to Dallas
