The American Black Film Festival kicks off next week with major events, celebrity guests, and big-time movie premieres. The festival returns to Miami this year for its twelfth year.

The festival kicks off June 24th with an opening night gala and the opening night film, "Why We Laugh: Comedians on Black Comedy," directed by Robert Townsend. The film features appearances from Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Cosby, Wanda Sykes, the Wayans brothers, and more.

"Black Dynamite," a spoof of black 1970's action films, closes the festival. The comedy stars Michael Jai White in the titular role.

Other events taking place within the festival include master classes from directors Robert Townsend and John Singleton. The 12th annual HBO Short Film competition will also take place, where five short film-makers vie for ,000 prize.

The awards ceremony and closing night party, at Miami's Karu & Y, take place on June 27th. Miami has previously hosted the American Black Film Festival for five years.