“ABFF is one of the single most instrumental institutions in my career. This is more than just a festival for me,” Packer said in a statement to Variety. “Its very existence guarantees there will be more Will Packers making movies from a unique perspective and telling the stories of underserved audiences.”
The ABFF jury presidential appointment is also a homecoming for the producer of hit films like Think Like A Man and Ride Along. Packer got his start when his independent feature film Trois premiered at the festival in 1999.
His films Girls Trip, Think Like A Man Too, This Christmas, Takers and Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain all premiered at the festival in the past as well. Packer also received the Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award at ABFF Honors in 2016.
