The American Black Film Festival is kicking off today with a range of films from documentaries to narrative features and short films.

This year, 5 short filmmakers are vying for the grand cash prize of $20,000 which will be handed out to the winner this July 9th. The ABFF has been running since 1997 and is regarded as one of the most important film festivals giving a voice to the black filmmaking community.

Below are this year's selections in competition for the HBO Short Film

For Flow
Directed by Jason Camp

The Turtle & The Nightingale
Directed by Gershon Hinkson

Page 36
Directed by Nelsan Ellis

Fig
Directed by Ryan Coogler

Salvation Road
Directed by Greg Hendrick and Ka'ramuu Kush

Festival details - Where and When

American Black Film Festival
Miami Beach July 6th-9th