The American Black Film Festival is powering its 30th anniversary with an undeniable slate of star power. Debbie Allen, Courtney Kemp, Mario Van Peebles and Michelle Buteau have joined the lineup for Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television panel, moderated by Nina Parker.
Allen and showrunner Felicia Pride will discuss the legacy and highly anticipated sequel of A Different World alongside the series’ new lead, Maleah Joi Moon.
Michelle Buteau, who just dropped the trailer for the third and final season of Survival of the Thickest and series showrunner and EP Amy Aniobi, director Mario Van Peebles and Beauty in Black actors Crystle Stewart and Taylor Polidore Williams will also participate.
The panel will also spotlight the creative forces behind Nemesis, including showrunner, creator and executive producer Courtney Kemp, co-creator and executive producer Tani Marole.
With ABFF 2026 serving as its “Homecoming” celebration, the organization is committed to presenting a slate featuring influential voices across entertainment, sports, culture, and storytelling.
“Thirty years in, what excites us most is that ABFF continues to evolve while staying true to why we started,” said Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD.
“This year’s lineup brings together storytellers, creators, athletes, executives, and cultural voices who are shaping conversations across entertainment and beyond. From honoring legacy to spotlighting what’s next, the programming reflects the energy, influence, and creative community that has always been at the heart of ABFF.”
Joining the roster is a compelling look at historical preservation with The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), commemorating 10 years of documenting Black history through moving images. That includes GLAAD’s “From Story to Impact,” an important conversation exploring the power of queer storytelling to humanize the HIV experience and inspire meaningful dialogue and change.
The festival will also welcome Cross showrunner Ben Watkins to “Storyteller Unleashed: The Creative Powerhouse Behind Your Favorite Amazon MGM Originals.”
CBS Daytime will bring its successful series Beyond the Gates for a first-look session featuring legendary actors Clifton Davis and Daphnée Duplaix, along with executive producer Sheila Ducksworth.
Ahead of its June 12 premiere, STARZ will host “Kanan’s Evolution: An Inside Look at Season Five of Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” featuring its stars Mekai Curtis, London Brown, and more.
ABFF’s 30th anniversary will take place in Miami, May 27-31.