Feeling Nostalgic: American Black Film Festival, Miami 2018

In 2018, I made the spontaneous decision to buy a ticket to attend the American Black Film Festival! Now if you know me, you know I love movies. I also hope to someday be a writer for television and film, so I thought the perfect place to be immersed in the culture was at a film festival. Not to mention, I would be surrounded by so many creative and ambitious people of color. The highlight of my experience definitely had to be getting to hear Ryan Coogler drop some gems on his story from being a college football star to becoming a world-renowned director. Despite him only having directed 3 big movies (Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther), he has made a tremendous mark on the film industry at such a young age. If that’s not goals, I don’t know what is.

The biggest reassurance that I gained from the festival is that my creative voice matters. Hearing from individuals who have found success in the media industry was enlightening. Not only were some of these actors, producers, writers, in the same generation as me; but, they’d also charted their own path while staying true to who they were. After watching some of the films, I felt inspired to come up with new ways to bring my creative ideas and stories to life.

Also, this was my first time in Miami and I can’t wait to go back! In between screenings, my mom and I ventured out into the Wynwood Arts District and it was absolutely amazing. Next time I visit Miami, I definitely want to spend more time there enjoying the murals and galleries,  and trying the food of course. I’ve attached some photos below of my experience!

Enjoy!