For over a decade, singer Raheem DeVaughn has been on a mission to create music that evokes change while maintaining the energy of love. Today he pushes that goal forward with the release of his latest single, “Marvin Used To Say.” The poignant and timely song speaks directly to the ongoing social turmoil and the unfortunate fact that not enough has changed since fellow D.C.-native Marvin Gaye asked “What’s Going On?” nearly 50 years ago.

Over a soothing, guitar-driven track produced by The Colleagues, DeVaughn sings the plight of the people, the sometimes disheartening feeling that our prayers fall on deaf ears and even the added uncertainty created by COVID-19. But he also sings hope and encouragement, not just through the song’s lyrics, but with a direct shout out to community and thought leaders like activist Tamika D. Mallory, journalist Angela Rye and rapper Mysonne.

Arriving on the anniversary of the March On Washington, “Marvin Used To Say” also serves to introduce Raheem DeVaughn’s eighth studio album, “What A Time To Be In Love”. Produced entirely by The Colleagues, the forthcoming project finds the three-time Grammy Nominated crooner fully embracing what he sees as his social responsibility: to inspire and encourage his listeners as they fight for justice and equality. While the album is defined as Movement Music, DeVaughn recognizes the importance of also nurturing and encouraging the emotional connections needed to sustain us during this fight. As such, fans can also expect the new album to embody and reflect the musical legacy that has earned the singer his place amongst R&B royalty as the “Love King.”

Director: Phillip Yaw Domfeh
Screenwriter: Phillip Yaw Domfeh
Producers: Priya Domfeh, Taylor Rae, Phillip Yaw Domfeh
Cast: Emily Anne Browning, Amanda Tarver, Candice Renee, Bret VandenBos, Sire Dhone
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Logline: Afraid that she’ll be negatively associated with unfavorable patrons of a Jamaican Restaurant, a white woman falsely claims to be the distant cousin of mid 2000s Dancehall Super Star Sean Paul

Director: Moise Morancy
Screenwriter: Moise Morancy
Cast: Moise Morancy, Teren Carter, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Kayden Jackson, Chinyere Stevens, Marc-Antoine Louis, Rodrikus Springfield, Keenan Scott II
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Logline: “When a Tree Falls,” tells the story of a 19-year-old African-American male who is caught in the cycle of poverty, drugs and violence. One day he finds out a devastating secret that will change his life forever.

Director: Letia Soloman
Screenwriter: Wes Akwuobi
Producers: Anne Brashier, C. Craig Patterson, Ben Cory Jones
Cast: Nigel Cox, Kerrice Brooks, Juan Gil, O’Shay Neal, Nelcie Souffrant, Alexander Robinson, Michael Devon
Logline: A young Black rapper in Philadelphia must confront his sexuality when he finally gets the chance to perform on the big stage.

Journalist Jemele Hill (The Atlantic, Unbothered) interviews Mary J. Blige, the 2020 ABFF Ambassador, about her career in music and successful transition to film and television.

Panelists discuss the history of race and representation in media across the last 100 years and their role in the industry as well as offer advice for the next generation.

Romany Falco, Night School
Carlos Watson, Host of “The Carlos Watson Show”
Lamorne Morris, Actor, Woke, New Girl
Moderator: Ramcess Jean-Louis, Global Head, Diversity & Inclusion, Verizon Media

A discussion with actor and producer/director, Salli Richardson-Whitfield about her long-standing career and approach towards financial planning.

Moderator: Delvin Joyce, Managing Director of the South Florida Financial Group, Prudential Financial

Join the cast and creators to discuss the newest chapter in the POWER universe.

Panelists:

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson – Executive Producer
Michael Rainey Jr. – Actor/ portrays Tariq St. Patrick
Naturi Naughton – Actor/ portrays Tasha St. Patrick
Mary J. Blige – Actor/ portrays Monet Stewart Tejada
Cliff “Method Man” Smith – Actor/ portrays Davis MacLean
Moderator: Yohana Desta, Editor, Vanity Fair

Bravo Media presents an intimate conversation in which our panelists discuss their personal experiences and perspectives around diversity both in front of and behind the camera. To further the dialogue regarding unscripted television, they will exchange thoughts on the importance of Black producers ensuring that our stories aren’t overlooked and we are represented equally in today’s diverse culture landscape.

Panelists:

Garcelle Beauvais from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
Gizelle Bryant from “The Real Housewives of Potomac”
Kandi Burruss from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”
Dr. Simone Whitmore from “Married to Medicine Atlanta”
Salena Rochester, Director, Current Production, Bravo
Moderator: Alicia Quarles, Senior News correspondent for DailyMailTV

The culminating event of the festival where the competitive film award winners are announced.

Presenters:

Best Director – Telva Mcgruder, Cadillac; Lee Daniels, Director (The United States vs. Billie Holliday)
Best U.S. Narrative – Salene Hitchcock-Gear, Prudential Financial and La La Anthony, Actor (The Chi)
Best Screenplay – Sinqua Walls, Actor (BET’s American Soul)
John Singleton Award for Best First Feature – Spike Lee, Director (Da 5 Bloods) and Jeff & Nicole Friday (ABFF)
Best International Narrative – Keith La Goy, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker
HBO Short Film Award – Bevy Smith, Television Personality (Bevelations sirusXM)
Best Web Series – Keesha Boyd, Comcast and Logan Browning, Actor (Dear White People)
Best Documentary – Latasha Gillespie Amazon Studios and Laz Alonso, Actor (The Boys)

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