ABFF to Feature Tika Sumpter and Salli Richardson-Whitfield

This December, the American Black Film Festival is bringing its Pop Up Tour to Los Angeles on December 13 and 14, and the city is more than ready. For a place shaped by the creativity, resilience, and imagination of Black artists, the arrival of ABFF feels like a cultural homecoming. It is a moment that honors the storytellers who have always been here, the ones on the rise, and the ones still waiting for their breakthrough.

ABFF has built a powerful legacy since 1997. The festival was created to uplift underrepresented filmmakers and shift the narrative around what Black creativity looks like in film and television. The Pop Up Tour is a continuation of that impact. It brings the spirit of ABFF directly to the communities that have poured into the culture for decades. Los Angeles is the final stop on the four city tour, and its energy signals a meaningful close before ABFF enters its 30th anniversary year.

Featured programming includes:

BEYOND THE ROLE: WEALTH, WORTH & WOMANHOOD — A CONVERSATION WITH TIKA SUMPTER
A powerful discussion centered on identity, legacy, and the fullness of womanhood. This conversation highlights Tika Sumpter’s voice not only as an actress, but also as a woman navigating leadership, purpose, and evolving definitions of success.

HIT SERIES CROSS RETURNS FOR SEASON 2
Presented by Prime Video
A special look at the hit series and what audiences can expect from its second season. This is an opportunity for fans and creators to come together around a story that blends thrill, depth, and representation in a meaningful way.

“A CREATOR CONVERSATION” WITH SALLI RICHARDSON-WHITFIELD
Sponsored by AARP
A deep dive into creativity, craft, and the evolution of a career that has influenced television and film for decades. Salli Richardson-Whitfield brings honesty and insight to a dialogue that honors both experience and vision.

In addition to these signature events, the pop up includes independent and award-winning films, industry panels, and community focused discussions that highlight both established and emerging talent.

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Why Los Angeles Needs This Moment

Hollywood continues to shape global storytelling, yet access remains uneven. Black creatives are often required to prove themselves in ways others are not. ABFF has long stepped into the gaps that the industry has left open. The festival has championed filmmakers, writers, and actors who later became the faces of the industry. It has been a point of entry, a training ground, and a community built on belief in Black talent.

The Pop Up Tour expands this mission in a tangible way. It brings resources and visibility directly to the people who need them. It builds networks and nurtures careers. It honors the lived experiences that become the heart of Black cinema.