Biography
Jeff Friday is one of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the film and television industry today. A successful producer, festival founder, film financier, champion of diversity and mentor to many, Friday has established a unique legacy in Hollywood, generating a tremendous amount of goodwill within the creative and corporate communities.
In his early career, Friday served as president of UniWorld Films, a division of UniWorld Group, Inc., the largest multicultural advertising agencies at the time. It was then, in 1997, he attended the Sundance Film Festival and was inspired by the opportunity to introduce filmmakers of color to the industry-at-large. From there, he launched the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now the nation's largest gathering of film and television enthusiasts, and considered the most prestigious festival in the world for Black content.
For more than two decades, the ABFF has been the standard-bearer of excellence in independent Black cinema, having premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today's most successful artists, including Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro). The festival serves as the pre-eminent pipeline for Black artists, in front of and behind the camera, and has assisted in expanding the range of diverse talent working in Hollywood.
Friday's passion for film and television has pushed the brand beyond the festival into production. He has financed numerous independent films, created & executive produced television specials - BLACK MOVIE AWARDS (TNT), ABFF HONORS (BET) and series - ABFF INDEPENDENT and IDOLS, ICONS & INFLUENCERS (Aspire) - and is currently producing a feature documentary STORM OF OVER BROOKLYN in partnership with Emmy and Oscar-winning production company Lightbox.
Jeff Friday currently serves as, CEO of ABFF Ventures LLC (ABFFV), a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and films focused on African American culture.
