HOUSTON — The American Black Film Festival is bringing a two-day pop-up event to Houston for the first time, expanding one of the nation’s most prominent showcases for Black film and television talent into the city’s growing creative community.
The Houston stop is scheduled for Nov. 7–8, 2026, at Regal Edwards Houston Marq’E, according to the festival’s official tour site. Houston is one of four cities on this year’s ABFF Pop Up Tour, joining Washington, D.C., New York and Atlanta.
Organizers announced a program that combines film screenings, professional training and conversations about the entertainment industry. Scheduled events include a screenwriting master class presented by the New York Film Academy and the 2026 HBO Short Film Award Showcase, followed by a discussion with participating filmmakers.
The lineup also includes screenings of “The Rise: The New Moneyball,” an episode from a documentary series about the changing economics of college sports, and “Three Colors: Pan-African,” followed by a talkback. The program is scheduled to close with “Funny Feelings,” a romantic comedy-drama.
A panel titled “Making Movies Happen: Film Incentives in Texas and Houston” will examine the public programs intended to attract productions and support the region’s film workforce. That discussion gives the Houston stop a distinctly local focus at a time when city and state leaders are competing for entertainment projects and the jobs they bring.
Actor and producer Larenz Tate is also scheduled to participate in a live “Icons, Idols + Influencers” conversation. Tate’s career includes roles in “Menace II Society,” “Love Jones” and the “Power” television franchise.
Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF has developed into a major platform for Black writers, directors, actors and producers. The organization launched its Pop Up Tour in 2025 to bring festival programming to audiences beyond its annual flagship gathering.
For Houston filmmakers and filmgoers, the event offers access to screenings and industry conversations without traveling to the main festival. It also places local creators in a broader network devoted to developing and promoting Black stories on screen.
Tickets start at $15, plus fees, according to reporting published Sept. 9 by the Houston Chronicle. Event schedules and ticket availability may change as the November dates approach.
Sources: American Black Film Festival Pop Up Tour and Houston Chronicle, Sept. 9, 2026.
