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The Film Life and HBO American Black Film Festival: 10th Anniversary Flows with Passion
Miami Beach in July is always a good place to be. For it is in July that Film Life’s annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) takes place. The ABFF endeavors to direct more awareness and offer increased opportunities for those in Black and urban cinema. Backed by a strong supporting cast of sponsors including HBO and Wal-Mart; and a cadre of tier one brands such as Lincoln, Eastman Kodak Company, Boost Mobile, AXE Bodyspray, Blockbuster and Time Warner, the ABFF was able to empower its independent filmmakers, directors, actors/actresses, and special guests with the knowledge needed to become successful in the film world.
 As the leader in international offerings for Black cinema, the ABFF comprises nine competitions and six film categories, and gives out over $200,000 in prizes. “These awards are an invaluable method through which the industry gives its nod to distinguished, talented independent filmmakers,” said Jeff Friday, co-founder of the ABFF.
On the automotive scene, Lincoln hosted its “Define Lincoln Luxury” contest which challenged filmmakers to produce 30 to 60 second spots communicating their rendition of Lincoln luxury. Javier Prato took home $10,000 in cash and a two-year lease on a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr for his winning commercial. “ABFF provides an outstanding platform to showcase the many innovative and original perspectives of the Black experience,” Said Tom Grill, Lincoln Brand Manager. In addition to Lincoln’s film competition, the luxury auto division of Ford also shuttled guests around town in Navigator SUVs and hosted a vehicle display at the Loews Hotel with a customized Zephyr and the aggressive 2007 DUB Navigator L with its 26” chrome rims.
On the actual film side of the ABFF, a special screening was held for the world premiere of Shadowboxer with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and for the festival premiere, Crossover, which explores the gritty play of street hoops.
Notable participants of this year’s festival included Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Robert Townsend, Cuba Gooding Jr., Chris Spencer, Anthony Mackie, Eriq La Salle, Guy Torry, John Singleton and many others. Visit www.ABFF.com and www.LincolnLounge.com for more information.
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Earvin Magic Johnson & UniWorld's Ed Boyd |
On Set with the DUB Navigator L |
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Magic, Javier & Marc Perry |
Javier Prato Loves his new Lincoln Zephyr |
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The Nightlife |
The Playmakers |
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Jeff Friday Addresses Sponsors and Guests |
You see the Rims! Kimatni wth Lincoln's flipped Zephyr |
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Magic with Automotive Rhythms' Publisher Kimatni Rawlins |
Automotive Rhythms Eric Elston & Anthony Mackie |
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Kimatni & the Navi |
26 Inch Chrome |
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The Lincoln Navigator was the official vehicle of ABFF |
Ford's Marc Perry, Javier Prato & Robert Townsend |
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