‘Laundry’ and ‘Reconciliation’ Among American Black Film Festival Winners (EXCLUSIVE) – Variety

By Jazz Tangcay
Artisans Editor
Okema T. Moore’s “Laundry” and Ian Phillips’ “Reconciliation” were among the winners of this year’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF), presented by Nice Crowd and Walmart as part of the third annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s competition.
The 29th annual ABFF will return to Miami Beach from June 11 through June 15, and is dedicated to elevating the stories of Black men as fathers and leaders within their communities.
George Tillman, Jr. returns to ABFF as a mentor to the emerging filmmakers, providing invaluable feedback and industry insights through dedicated and purpose-driven sessions.

The winning directors will also receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to attend and screen their films at the festival. Each film will also be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s online global platform, and Walmart’s YouTube channel from June 16-24.

The competition will culminate with the premiere screenings of the top three winning films, followed by an insightful onstage panel discussion moderated by Dr. Brandon Frame of The Black Man Can, with the three winning directors, offering a personal glimpse into their father-child dynamic.
ABFF, a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards’ short film categories, was founded by Jeff Friday in 1997. Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.
2025 Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Winning Films
“Laundry” *World premiere
After his son’s tragic accident, a husband struggles to save his marriage and himself, until a chance encounter at a laundromat shows him that even in grief, hope and healing can all come out in the wash.
USA – 18m 50s
Director: Okema T. Moore
Writer: Alterik Miller
Producers: Alterik Miller, Okema T. Moore, Wink Woodall
Cast: Danielle Monè Truitt, Tobias Truvillion, Aaron Kingsley Adetola
“Reconciliation” *World premiere
A young man reconnects with his father after many years of distance.
USA – 16m 07s
Director: Ian Phillips
Writer: Ian Phillips
Producers: Ian Phillips
Cast: Elijah Gbotoe, Nathan Gbotoe, Gershan McKenzie

“Freshman. Again.”
Learning has no age limit.
USA – 20m
Director: Aji Bass
Writer: Geeta Gandbhir
Producers: Mikha Grumet, Geeta Gandbhir
Cast: Lenny Bass, Deva Grumet Bass

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