Luxury brands have increasingly turned to celebrity partnerships for everything from red carpet endorsements and event sponsorship activations activations activation activations; but more brands are taking things a step further with projects providing budding filmmakers a platform from which they can tell their tales. Cadillac LYRIQ played an essential part in showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation through their Ride & Drive event, held on May 24. The 'Ride & Drive' Event The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the nation's premier annual gathering for African American cinema and television enthusiasts, premiering entertainment content created specifically for black audiences while supporting filmmakers, actors, writers, producers and stand-up comedians in their careers. Each year it brings thousands of upscale consumers and industry stakeholders from around the globe for five days of film screenings, master classes, panel conversations and hospitality events in Miami Beach. Cadillac and artist Brandan Odum joined forces to provide attendees with an unforgettable cultural moment during ABFF 2023, by co-creating an interactive work of art using their Cadillac LYRIQ as canvas and providing digital input on what the future of Black storytelling should be like. Odum then translated those insights into a live mural they could experience first-hand during their festival experience. Cadillac used this event as an opportunity to showcase their impressive fleet. Their display included SUVs and sedans such as their all-electric LYRIQ that was sure to draw admiration in Miami streets. As part of each test drive, $20 would be donated to ABFF Foundation Greenlighters - an organization supporting emerging talent within film and entertainment. Cadillac also showcased an impressive fleet of vehicles at their event, as well as hosting engaging talks about the power of story to help individuals overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Lance Gross served as host, while author, filmmaker, and founder of Nice Crowd Jeff Friday shared their insights. ABFF will expand this year with new events celebrating comedy and food from BIPOC communities and individuals, while its Global Film Series returns in partnership with S.O.U.L Fest to visit various cultural hubs yearly - fulfilling its commitment to helping film and entertainment industries grow from within. The 'Creating Cultural Capital' Panel ABFF 2023 celebrated creativity and innovation through movie premieres, industry workshops, panels and networking events. Cadillac collaborated with MACRO - General Motors' multicultural agency of record - to host an impactful panel discussion focused on how films impact culture change through discussions facilitated by Stacey Walker-King at MACRO, with participation by Tarshena Armstrong (Director of Diversity Marketing for General Motors), Franklin Leonard (Blacklist), Tommy Oliver (Confluential Films) and Liliana Lopez (Spike DDB Cadillac's multicultural agency). Lena Waithe, an Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and actress served as festival ambassador and engaged in meaningful dialogue at this year's ABFF. From discussing her new Amazon series 'That's Our Business" to raising awareness for Black-owned small businesses - Waithe's passion for social good was undeniable as her dedication towards women empowerment was apparent. Cadillac also hosted a panel featuring Tabitha Brown, an accomplished UPS employee and business mogul known for her authenticity, love of family, and inspiring social media content. Together they discussed empowering women through work while sharing strategies on how to prosper in today's ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Cadillac showcased their revolutionary vehicles at this year's festival to show how they are leading the charge towards a sustainable and clean future without compromising luxury or performance. Of particular note was their all-electric LYRIQ model with zero emissions capability that can charge in under 5 minutes for long term durability and has advanced battery technology that charges quickly when required. The all-new Cadillac XT5 was another highlight of the lineup and impressed guests with its sophisticated technology that makes driving enjoyable. Now available at select Cadillac dealers, this vehicle provides an eco-friendly alternative for drivers seeking an upgrade from their current ride with plenty of room and versatility for passengers and cargo alike. Cadillac donated $20 per test drive of their all-new XT5, in support of ABFF Foundation Greenlighters - an organization focused on supporting BIPOC artists entering film and television industries - for each test drive taken of this vehicle - helping BIPOC professionals succeed. The 'RapCaviar Presents' Event The American Black Film Festival is an annual film and television event in Miami that recognizes and showcases the best in black entertainment. Attracting filmmakers, actors, writers and producers to present groundbreaking new works by black artists; premieres are hosted alongside networking events where attendees can mingle with industry insiders and celebrities. The festival has long been considered an integral component of Hollywood, creating some of its most successful actors, directors, producers and writers. Furthermore, this event provides invaluable support for emerging filmmakers while serving as a platform to bring black talent both behind and in front of the camera to Hollywood. Cadillac has long been an avid supporter of the American Black Film Festival, and this year saw an opportunity to create an impactful cultural moment for attendees. They enlisted artist Brandan Odum's services in creating an interactive work of art that allowed festival goers to leave their mark. Odum's mural blends images of popular rappers with images depicting people affected by police brutality or other social issues. He intended it to encourage viewers to identify characters or stories related to African-American experiences that have yet to be told on film or TV. Cadillac joined forces with the MACRO Foundation at ABFF 2023 to host an interactive driving event, providing attendees with an opportunity to test drive a brand-new Cadillac LYRIQ all-electric vehicle powered by rechargeable lithium ion battery that is capable of traveling up to 220 miles on one charge. Attendees were treated to the power and elegance of the LYRIQ as they navigated Miami Beach streets. For every person who took control of this vehicle, $20 was donated to ABFF Foundation Greenlighters; an organization dedicated to supporting BIPOC professionals within film and entertainment. Cadillac presented their full line-up of luxury vehicles at ABFF 2023. From the sleek Escalade SUV to the sophisticated CT6 sedan, all highlighted Cadillac's commitment to delivering excellence in performance and craftsmanship. The 'RapCaviar Takeover' Event ABFF 2023 hosted an impressive line-up of events to showcase both rising talent and industry veterans alike. From RapCaviar Presents docuseries to Hulu series with some of hip hop's biggest artists, ABFF made sure its events highlighted its dedication to supporting and celebrating emerging Black creatives and their works. At the iconic Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, a full lineup of music and film events drew crowds and celebrities alike. Kickstarting proceedings was the premiere screening of Netflix satirical conspiracy caper film They Cloned Tyrone featuring John Boyega, Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx; after which Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter YG provided attendees with an unforgettable experience. At this evening event, attendees experienced Cadillac's groundbreaking electric car, the LYRIQ. Expert handlers displayed its exceptional craftsmanship and performance for participants to appreciate before leaving them with lasting memories of this unforgettable vehicle. Emmy-winning actress and writer Lena Waithe was announced as this year's festival ambassador, appearing at numerous talks and panels throughout the week and making her Showtime drama series debut at 'Lena Talks' series on Thursday. RapCaviar, Spotify's 14 million follower Hip Hop playlist, is expanding its brand offerings with the introduction of an exciting video podcast series entitled "RapCaviar Presents." The docuseries will explore various topics through candid and compelling storytelling from some of the most acclaimed hip hop artists; touching upon issues like mental health, women's sexuality, criminalization of rap music, social media use etc. This podcast will feature discussions ranging from creative to financial advice for emerging Black filmmakers. Ultimately, its goal is to help foster and shape a future generation of storytellers and creators. Furthermore, interviews will take place with several high-profile talent such as rapper/producer Brandon Jenkins (co-founder and head of A&R at LVRN), radio personality Bootleg Kev, Trent Clark from TMZ Hip Hop as well as writers Rembert Browne and Jasmyn Lawson.
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