Congrats are in order for Issa Rae!
The “Insecure” creator and star was recently named creative director for the 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF),Variety reports.
ABFF co-founders and producers Nicole Friday and Jeff Friday released a statement announcing Rae’s appointment.
“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,” the statement said. “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.”
The new role will let Rae work closely with the Fridays to program the lineup for the festival’s 28th edition. Next year’s festival will take place from June 12 to June 16 in Miami Beach, Florida.
“As one of the first major festivals to showcase my work, ABFF continues to elevate Black creatives from the ground up, and I’m excited to join its co-founders and producers, Nicole and Jeff Friday, in that mission,” Rae said, explaining that she was “honored” to sign on to be creative director.
This isn’t Rae’s first time working with ABFF. She most recently served as their ambassador in 2022 and previewed her Max series “Rap Sh!t” at the event for two years running.
“There’s no other festival highlighting us in this way, highlighting our film, highlighting our television shows, and it’s in an elegant way,” Rae told Variety. “That’s what I admire so much about this particular festival — it’s so intentional. Even thinking about the awards that they do later, ABFF as a brand is so solid, and I feel proud of having my work showcased here.”
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