Exploring the Highlights of S.O.U.L Fest and ABFF 2024: A Comprehensive Review

A celebration of black excellence in film took place at the British Film Institute from August 29th to September 1st. The event not only aimed to highlight Black talent but also provided valuable networking opportunities for collaboration. It was apparent that the event also sought to demonstrate support, recognition, and empowerment. Attendees, sharing similar cultural backgrounds and experiences, came together with a shared determination to succeed by creating opportunities and fostering a strong, culturally authentic community where they could thrive without compromising their values. ABFF and S.O.U.L FEST proudly championed Black Excellence, Recognition, and the strength of community support.

The SOUL Film Festival x ABFF Global: London returned for its sixth annual edition, running from 29 August - 1 September at BFI Southbank and, for the first time, at the Midlands Arts Centre (Birmingham). This year’s festival was a stellar line-up of films, exclusive previews, and special events that celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Black cinema. The festival opened with the highly anticipated “SING SING”, starring Oscar nominated Colman Domingo & Paul Raci setting the stage for a weekend of cinematic brilliance." Excerpt from Press Release

The event commenced in Birmingham on Thursday, August 29th, at The Mac, featuring a brief screening preview followed by networking. Subsequently, the event moved to London. I attended the networking session early on Friday, August 30th, and immediately sensed a vibe of professionalism, anticipation, mingled with a feeling of success and fulfilment. There was a prevailing atmosphere of excellence and entrepreneurship, echoing the timeless phrase in show business that 'the show must go on' or another phase 'Go Large or Go Home'. Attendees were displaying their talents and achievements proudly, showcasing greatness. This collective effort signified that the Glass Ceiling was no longer a barrier; in fact, it was being shattered as the Black Community/African Americans from the USA and the UK united to collaborate, innovate, exhibit, and pave their own way in the film and entertainment industry. They were not just aiming to be included at the same level as others but were extending invitations to the world to join them at their own table.

I was then invited back to cover the Sunday event where a series of panel discussions were hosted, the topics 'From Book & Stage to Screen: The Journey of adaptation' and ' 'Transcending Borders: Journey to the American Black Film Festival'.

The conversations delved deeply into personal experiences, providing valuable insights and advice on how individuals had navigated their path in the film industry or as authors/screen or script writers. Each participant shared their unique professional and personal perspectives on the obstacles they encountered, such as issues of representation, acknowledgment, racial prejudices, and cultural misunderstandings. These challenges influenced their approach to navigating their respective fields, the impact on their confidence, whilst recognisng the impact attending the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami had on them.

GO LARGE OR GO HOME: Numerous recipients of the 2024 ABFF awards shared their journey and experiences about their time at the ABFF Festival in Miami, which encouraged self-recognition and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of fully embracing their value and also solidifying their identity, as powerful, successful Black people/African Americans. The atmosphere, reminiscent of Hollywood, fostered high expectations to actively participate, pursue dreams, engage in extensive networking, and seize opportunities for collaboration and success. Immersed in a diverse community of ambitious peers with shared goals and visions, the experience redefined the significance of recognition and validation, making it an invaluable and transformative opportunity.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL

"A major highlight of the festival was the exclusive preview of “MR LOVERMAN”,

a television adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s acclaimed novel courtesy of the BBC, Fable Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment. This screening of the first two episodes was followed by a special Q&A session with the cast, including Lennie James, Ariyon Bakare, series producer Irma Inniss and author Bernardine Evaristo, which provided an intimate look into the making of this eagerly awaited series.

In addition, the festival spotlighted shorts from emerging talents in London and Birmingham, showcasing the next generation of filmmakers.

The SOUL Film Festival x ABFF Global: London also honoured actor Jimmy Akingbola with a special Impact Award, celebrating his significant contributions to film and television. To conclude the weekend, the festival will screen “THE LOST HOLLIDAY”, starring Jussie Smollett, who also serves as writer and director. Jussie Smollett and co-stars Vivica A. Fox, Jabari Redd, Londyn Carter and executive producer Tressa Smallwood, presented a post-screening Q&A offering audiences a unique insight into this compelling project."

PANEL DISCUSSION 1: The first panel discussion was 'From Book & Stage to Screen: The Journey of Adaptation' hosted by Hosted by Nels Abbey, acclaimed author and founder of the Writers Guild,. On the panel was TV producer Nadine Marsh-Edwards (Been So Long), Carol Harding Producer in Film and TV and author Caleb Azuma Nelson (Open Water) and who bring their unique insights into the adaptation process.

In Conversation with Caleb

PANEL DISCUSSION 2: The second panel 'Transcending Borders: Journey to the American Black Film Festival.' Was an opportunity to dive deep into the world of adaptations, perfect for storytellers, screenwriters and all lovers of great narratives! Panelists: Directors- Ogoddinife Okpue (A Song From Dark, 2023 Winner Best Director, Narrative Feature); Ethosheia Hylton (Dolapo Is Fine, 2020 HBO Short Film Winner); Greg Francis (1Up, 2024 Voices of Culture) and Ninth Life directed by JOMO (Tajana Tokyo and Sannchia Gaston produced by Alli Maxwell, Scarlett Anderson.

Brief interview with Sannchia and Tajana - JUMO.

• Iyare Igiehon, Director of the SOUL Film Festival

• Akua Gyamfi, Founder of The British Blacklist

• Anthony Andrews, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Parable

• Nicole Friday, Producer of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) & President, NICE CROWD

• SOUL Films

ABOUT S.O.U.L FEST: Founded in 2019 S.O.U.L. Fest is a collaboration between three organisations who serve Black audiences and talent - We Are Parable, The British

Blacklist and S.O.U.L Film.

For more information visit: https://www.abffglobal.com/ https://www.soulfilmfest.co.uk/