This program celebrates the nearly 30-year partnership between the American Black Film Festival and HBO’s Short Film Competition, one of the most influential platforms for the discovery and advancement of Black filmmakers, and a rare example of a sustained collaboration between a major media corporation and a Black-owned cultural institution.
Featuring ABFF Founder Jeff Friday, HBO/Warner Bros. Discovery’s Dennis Williams, and distinguished alumni of the competition, Steven Caple, Jr. (Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) and Christine Swanson (The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel and All American: Homecoming), the conversation reflects on how long-term access, creative risk-taking, and shared commitment helped spark a modern renaissance in Black storytelling across film and television. Both a tribute to legacy and a look forward, this program honors the enduring power of opportunity, partnership, and belief in shaping careers and expanding cultural impact.
This program celebrates the nearly 30-year partnership between the American Black Film Festival and HBO’s Short Film Competition, one of the most influential platforms for the discovery and advancement of Black filmmakers, and a rare example of a sustained collaboration between a major media corporation and a Black-owned cultural institution.
Featuring ABFF Founder Jeff Friday, HBO/Warner Bros. Discovery’s Dennis Williams, and distinguished alumni of the competition, Steven Caple, Jr. (Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) and Christine Swanson (The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel and All American: Homecoming), the conversation reflects on how long-term access, creative risk-taking, and shared commitment helped spark a modern renaissance in Black storytelling across film and television. Both a tribute to legacy and a look forward, this program honors the enduring power of opportunity, partnership, and belief in shaping careers and expanding cultural impact.
Step behind the curtain of the world-famous Apollo Theater. Located at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria’s Laura & Frank Baker Gallery, Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories is a first of its kind exhibition curated by The Apollo Archives. This collection of rare photographs, video recordings, and artifacts offers a rare glimpse into The Apollo’s 91 year history.
Free and open to the public with select viewings and conversations throughout the season, this stunning exhibition offers a glimpse into the many roles that The Apollo has played and continues to play in service to the arts, the Harlem community, and global pop culture at large.
Open Daily 10am – 6pm & 2 hours before curtain during performances
Singer, songwriter, pianist, and historian Nia Drummond moves fluidly through opera, jazz, soul, gospel, and spirituals — genres that form the living archive of Black musical expression. In this month of Black History and Love, join Nia for an evening of music that lives at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.
The Essence of Lace is the debut fashion viewing of the Christopher Reavley Collection, presenting a 30-piece women's luxury ready-to-wear collection crafted with precision, elegance, and modern femininity. This immersive experience celebrates the timeless romance of lace while reimagining it through contemporary silhouettes, elevated tailoring, and refined textures.
For 30 years, the American Black Film Festival and HBO® have created an ecosystem and launch pad for talent development, exhibition, and recognition, helping propel the careers of trailblazing filmmakers from short films to Oscar winners, Critics Choice and NAACP Image Award recipients, creating box office and television history. Their global cultural impact has been felt across films such as The Black Panther, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, King Richard, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, and more.
This program celebrates the nearly 30-year partnership between the American Black Film Festival and HBO’s Short Film Competition, one of the most influential platforms for the discovery and advancement of Black filmmakers, and a rare example of a sustained collaboration between a major media corporation and a Black-owned cultural institution.
Featuring JOEY B., KHRISTIN Y.S.F. BROOKS, COMEDIAN BUDDY LOVE
HOSTED BY DREW FRASER
Turn down the lights and get ready for a night of Quiet Storm with singer and songwriter Alex Tyree. With lush vocals and unhurried melodies, Alex creates a night of music written in the sacred language of life and love.
The Story of Florence Mills by Renee Watson, is an electro-acoustic story experience, presented by sound scientist and imaginationist LaFrae Sci. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Florence Mills discovered early on that her light, birdlike voice captivated audiences. Her talent carried her to 1920s Broadway, where she inspired writers and performers alike. Despite her fame, she witnessed the impact of prejudice and used her platform to uplift Black artists and advocate for civil rights. Harlem’s Little Blackbird tells her inspiring story of justice, equality, and following one’s dreams.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with The Apollo and Harlem-based film collective Melanin Madness. After a sold-out 2025 Halloween-themed screening, we’re running it back, this time for the ladies. As always and in true Apollo fashion, the audience is a part of the experience so grab your crew and get ready to talk back, cheer and join the party in this evening of community, culture, and fun.
Featuring SOFIA NEGRON, DEZZ WHITE, SHAWN HARVEY
HOSTED BY LARRY LANCASTER
From Lotus Avenue to the A-train, ELHAE makes a quick stop in Harlem for an acoustic performance that blends alternative R&B with Hip Hop. His catalog includes thematic and seductive gems such as “Fun Fact”, “I Choose You (w. Ambre)”, “Doesn’t Matter (w. Kehlani)” and the deliciously pulsating dance hit “Touch (w. GoldLink)“.
The Girl Who Heard the Universe follows Zuri, a brilliant young sound scientist whose heart beats to rhythms no one else can hear. By day, she experiments with waves and vibrations in her Brooklyn bedroom-turned-laboratory, composing melodies that echo her boundless curiosity. By night, she gazes up at the stars, dreaming of how quantum particles might dance and sing across the cosmos. Blending music, science, and imagination, this story celebrates the power of wonder, the beauty of Black girl brilliance, and the belief that every sound—no matter how small—can change the universe.
Accessibility
The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.
The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.
All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.
