The 28th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival and Innovation Summit has officially concluded, marking a milestone in the evolution of cinema and technology. Held from November 13–17, 2024 in the heart of New York City, this year’s festival shattered expectations, drawing thousands of visionary creatives, thought leaders, and storytellers from across the globe.

The festival cemented its position as the premiere platform for groundbreaking films, pioneering tech, and dynamic cultural conversations. Founding partner HBO and prestige partner Warner Bros. Discovery, alongside an esteemed roster of industry supporters, made this year’s festival an unforgettable celebration of the power of film to ignite change and amplify diverse voices.

Revolutionizing the Industry: Innovation Summit Highlights

The beginning of this year’s festivities was the highly anticipated Innovation Summit powered by the FutureCast Foundation, featuring thought-provoking discussions on the future of storytelling. Industry leaders from Netflix, Roku, The Handy Foundation, and Jobs for the Future shared insights into how AI, virtual reality, and digital storytelling transform the industry. A masterclass from Urbanworld founder and MoviePass CEO, Stacy Spikes provided invaluable perspectives on the convergence of culture and cutting-edge technology. 

From AI-driven music demos by King Willonius to deep dives into emotional intelligence led by Julian Newman and career development, the Summit served as a beacon of innovation, inspiring the next generation of storytellers to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Summit Ambassador, Chiké Okonkwo emphasized, the importance of leveraging technology to amplify underrepresented voices, ensuring that the stories of tomorrow are as diverse as the audiences they aim to reach.

A Celebration of Excellence in Cinema

Urbanworld’s 2024 screenings dazzled audiences, with 70+ films that transcended traditional storytelling. With sold-out screenings of Songs From the Hole, Criminal, and The Honorable Shyne, the festival captured the imagination of attendees, who were treated to a vivid tapestry of diverse perspectives and bold narratives. The Opening Night Party kicked off the festival with a vibrant celebration of creativity and high-energy networking, setting the tone for an electrifying five-day experience.

This year also featured unforgettable moments of recognition and inspiration, as the festival honored Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor with the prestigious Luminary Award, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to the film industry. Additionally, Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse received the Emerging Talent Awards, highlighting their remarkable artistry and promising futures in cinema.

Awards Brunch: Honoring Excellence

The festival’s awards brunch was a moment of pure magic, as filmmakers and industry pioneers were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the world of cinema.

The coveted awards went to:

• Best Narrative Feature – Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green, dir. J. Alphonse Nicholson
• Best Feature, World Cinema – From Ground Zero, prod. Rashid Masharawi
• Best Documentary Feature –It Was All a Dream, dir. dream hampton
• Best Documentary Short – A Family Portrait, Queens, dir. Billy Silva
• Best Narrative Short – Border Hopper, dir. Nico Casavecchia
• Best Narrative Short, World Cinema – My Son Went Quiet, dir. Ian Bawa
• Best Experimental Film – The Archive: Queer Nigerians, dir. Simisolaoluwa Akande
• Best Animation Short – Criminal, dir Robe Imbriano
• Best Young Creator – Primero, Sueño, dir. Andrés Lira
• Best Screenplay – If I Die in America, writer Ward Kamel
• Audience Award, Best Short – Fannie, dir Christine Swanson
• Audience Award, Best Feature – Songs From the Hole, dir. Contessa Gayles

From Hollywood to Harlem: Notable Films and Talent

This year’s festival brought A-list talent and acclaimed filmmakers into the fold. Lynn Whitfield, Gary Dourdan, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, and J. Alphonse Nicholson graced the screens, each bringing their passion and star power to the Urbanworld stage. A screening highlight, Albany Road, directed by Christine Swanson, starred the incomparable Lynn Whitfield, Renée Elise Goldsberry, J. Alphonse Nicholson and Gary Dourdan, setting the stage for a festival that celebrated both seasoned and emerging voices. The closing night film, The Honorable Shyne, a Hulu Original, took audiences on an emotional journey through Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s extraordinary story, presented by Andscape and Hulu. 

A Movement, Not Just a Festival

“Urbanworld is more than just a festival—it’s a movement,” said Karen McMullen, Urbanworld Film Festival Director. “This year’s lineup has been a testament to the power of storytelling to challenge, inspire, and uplift. We’re not just showcasing films; we’re sparking conversations that will shape the future of entertainment.”

From the documentary, Paint Me a Road Out of Here to thought-provoking shorts like Brand New, the festival continued to provide a powerful platform for voices that are too often underrepresented in the global entertainment landscape.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Urbanworld

As we reflect on the triumphs of the 28th edition, Urbanworld remains committed to its mission: to empower, elevate, and amplify diverse voices in the creative space. With plans for an even bigger and more dynamic experience in 2025, the Urbanworld Film Festival promises to continue its legacy as a leader in storytelling, technology, and cultural change.

Get ready for next year—where new voices, innovative stories, and expanded programming will further push the envelope on what’s possible in entertainment. Urbanworld is just getting started. Urbanworld Film Festival – Shaping the Future of Storytelling, Today. 

For more information on the festival, visit urbanworld.org.

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