The American Black Film Festival recently announced Issa Rae as their newest creative director for next year’s festival.
Starting from 1997 when it was first held, the film festival is an annual celebration of the works of Black filmmakers around the world.
Now, in an announcement made earlier this week, Rae will lead the organization in building the lineup for the festival’s 28th celebration as the creative director.
Scheduled to be held from June 12 to June 16 next year at Miami Beach, while next year’s festival will mark the first time that Rae serves as the creative director, the writer and producer was previously part of the American Black Film Festival’s board.
In 2022, Rae contributed to the festival as an ambassador while also showcasing her HBO Max series, “Rap Sh!t.”
In an official press release, the co-founders of the American Black Film Festival, Nicole and Jeff Friday, expressed their excitement for Rae’s new role, praising Rae’s extensive resume.
“Throughout the course of her career, Issa Rae has made an indelible impact within the entertainment ecosystem ranging from her wide array of roles – in front of and behind the camera – to her fierce advocacy for equitable representation and opportunities for Black creatives,” said the Fridays in a joint press release. “We couldn’t think of a better partner to help us continue to embody the ABFF mission of showcasing Black talent — and discovering and amplifying new voices.”
As the creator, writer and star of the hit show “Insecure,” Rae broke barriers as the first Black woman to create and feature as a character in a scripted series on a premium cable channel. Based on her YouTube series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl,” the show received multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, reeling in eight nominations for its fourth season.
Rae herself received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Issa Dee, receiving two Golden Globe Award nominations and three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her performance.
With “Rap Sh!t,” Rae’s on-going series has gained favorable reviews; having debuted at the American Black Film Festival in 2022, the series follows two-Miami based rappers who are trying to make it in the music industry.
Outside of shows, Rae is the founder of the TV, film and digital production company, Hoorae Media, and is a co-executive producer on “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” a series that has won three out 16 Primetime Emmy nominations.
Most recently, she also featured in the blockbuster hits “Barbie” and the animated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
