ABFF Ventures LLC today introduced the start of For the reason that They are Amusing (BTF) Comedy Competition, a a few-day event showcasing comedic talent within just BIPOC communities. A spinoff of the American Black Film Festival, BTF will propel a new generation of stand-up comedians to stardom and showcase information in the comedy genre.
The festival, programmed for comedy admirers and market pros alike, will get place October 6-8, 2023, at The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC. Situations DC, the leading host of conventions, sports, entertainment and cultural occasions in the nation’s funds, is the festival’s presenting companion.
The centerpiece of BTF is the “Next Up Comedian of the Yr” levels of competition, a contest to find rising comedians from all-around the globe and guidebook them to productive professions in Hollywood. Up to 20 contestants will be decided on to complete at the festival to contend for a $25,000 grand prize and talent keeping deal with a significant studio or network. Comedians interested in the level of competition are invited to check out www.becausetheyrefunny.com for specifics. The festival lineup will also attribute headline reveals, new comic spotlights, celebrity conversations, screenings and exclusive functions. BTF will be promoted nationally, attracting upscale tourists as well as residents of the DMV market.
“We are very pleased to develop our occasion houses to incorporate the comedy style,” reported Jeff Friday, founder and president, ABFF Ventures LLC. “BTF extends our 27-calendar year legacy of supporting Black expertise and giving pipelines for emerging artists in the amusement business. We are thrilled to associate with Angie Gates and the Activities DC group to carry BTF to the nation’s funds for the inaugural celebration.”
“We adore welcoming artists and visitors to DC. We also appreciate uplifting Black creatives. We specially like when we can combine welcoming people to DC and celebrating the creative community,” explained DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. “A large amount of proficient comedians have began and grown their careers in DC, and we are not able to wait around to welcome the long run of comedy and comedy followers from throughout the region to Washington, DC this October.”
“Washington, DC is culturally varied and inclusive, on top of staying a hub for politics, social movements and American lifestyle. The partnership with the American Black Movie Festival is a great way to broaden our leisure portfolio to the District and its people though supporting potential BIPOC talent,” claimed Angie M. Gates, Events DC president and CEO. “With our various theaters and vast assortment of functionality spaces, the comedians of Because They’re Amusing are guaranteed to really feel at household and attract audiences completely ready for a excellent chortle and a fantastic time.”
“Contrary to any other city in the globe, we have a dynamic, flourishing neighborhood, national and worldwide local community,” explained Max Brown, Situations DC chairman. “We welcome the American Black Film Festival’s Mainly because They are Funny Comedy Festival and friends to see why the nation’s capital is the greatest area to dwell, get the job done and enjoy.”
The American Black Movie Competition has a extensive legacy of supporting emerging Black comedians, courting back to its inception in 1997. Quite a few of today’s most important names in comedy have done at the competition in the early phases of their occupations including Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, JB Smoove, Chris Spencer, D.L. Hughley, Sheryl Underwood, Earthquake, Tommy Davidson, Monthly bill Bellamy and Ricky Smiley amongst other people.
