Awards

American Black Film Festival - Best Screenplay

Presented by comedian Chris Spencer, the Grand Jury Award for Best Screenplay was given to Piper Dellums and Shia-Risse Smith for ‘Strive’. Accepting the award on their behalf was the film’s director, Robert Rippberger.

’Strive’ tells the story of Kalani Johnson (Joi Starr), a high schooler who chases her dream of getting into Yale University all while facing the challenging life in the projects and streets of Harlem, New York. With no one but her college counselor Mr. Rose (Danny Glover) by her side, Kalani must push against the world holding her back.