Actors Laya DeLeon Hayes and DaSan Frazier Named 2026 I Aspire Ambassadors

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival (HBCUFLF) returns to Howard University November 5 -7, with STARZ as its inaugural presenting sponsor.

Under the theme "How to Be the Next," the three-day Festival will create an immersive experience connecting students and emerging creators with HBCU alumni actors, filmmakers, producers and industry leaders through screenings, master classes and interactive, hands-on sessions.

Actors and content creators Laya DeLeon Hayes (Doc McStuffins, Why Did I Get Married Again) and DaSan Frazier (Tough Love: Atlanta, Straw) will serve as the festival's 2026 I Aspire Ambassadors and host the Salute THEM Awards luncheon, where winners of the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, selected from more than 450 entries, will be announced and awarded $5,000 and internship opportunity.

The luncheon will also celebrate the 2026 I Aspire 25, recognizing HBCU alumni across five categories: Visionaries, Changemakers, Storytellers, Filmmakers and Entrepreneurs. This year's honorees include Michael Strahan, Eva Marcille, Jamila Mustafa, Colby Muhammad Nixon and Tone Bell, among others.

HBCU First LOOK's growing network of entertainment, media and brand partners is central to its professional development mission, helping build the pipeline of HBCU talent through industry insight, direct interaction and career-building opportunities.

STARZ, home to the critically acclaimed and award-winning drama "P-Valley" and the iconic "Power" franchise, continues to take the lead by creating opportunities for women and underrepresented audiences in front of and behind the camera. The network will participate in key programming during the festival, further underscoring its commitment to supporting diverse talent and emerging storytellers.

As one of the founding sponsors of the Festival, ANDSCAPE will celebrate its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of powerful storytelling at the intersection of sports and culture. The celebration will feature a special Clips & Conversations tribute with award-winning producers, Sheila Matthews and Jesse Washington, showcasing memorable stories and ANDSCAPE's cultural impact.

The 2026 lineup includes producer Autumn Bailey-Ford, who will examine the increasingly global nature of film production, and actress and filmmaker Nicky Micheaux, who will lead a master class on the rise of vertical storytelling. Grammy Award-winning producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis will explore the relationship between music and film.

Creator-focused sessions will feature Alexis Powell, creator of The Jennifer Hudson Show's viral "hit" Spirit Tunnel; Howard University alumnae and content creators Jade & Jadah; media personality Jamila Mustafa; and independent filmmakers and producers the Vanzant Brothers.  Actress and I Aspire 25 honoree Kennedi Reece, who appears on CBS' Beyond the Gates and featured in Netflix's upcoming A Different World reboot, will participate on a leading lady panel.

New this year, aspireTV hosts a Clips & Conversation spotlighting its expansion into original scripted programming with New State of Mind, an HBCU-set comedy from producer Bentley Kyle Evans that follows first-year students navigating college life.

"HBCU First LOOK was created to build a pipeline that turns exposure into experience," said Sheila Eldridge, founder of the HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival. "This year, 12 Howard University students are helping produce the festival, lending a direct voice to programming and interactive elements presented. It's truly produced by students, for students—giving them a seat at the table and an active role in bringing the festival to life."

Black Girl Vitamins will host Fueling Your Future; a two-day wellness and career activation centered on how physical well-being supports the sustainability needed for creative careers.  TV One returns with a 'red carpet' readiness experience supports Micheaux's master class on vertical storytelling.

Additional partners include HBCUgo.tv, Storytellers Lab, Café Mocha Network, the Howard University Radio Network and the D.C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME).

The HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival will take place at the Armour J. Blackburn University Center at Howard University, 2397 6th Street NW, Washington, D.C. For registration, programming updates, media coverage and additional information, visit www.hbcufirstlook.com and info@hbcufirstlook.com. 

On all social platforms @HBCUfirstlook  #hbcufirstlook #Elevatefilmmakers #TAKETHELEAD,  #BeTheNext

About HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival

Founded by Howard University alumna Sheila Eldridge, the HBCU First LOOK Film & TV  Festival inspires a new generation of diverse talent and storytellers in film, television and broadcasting. The festival provides a platform for emerging creators to showcase their work, connect with executives and build a pipeline of career opportunities while celebrating Black filmmakers rooted in the HBCU culture.

Past sponsors and media partners include iHeartMedia - Black Information Network,  HBCYOU, Andscape, NBC, ESPN, TVOne, Oxygen True Crime, Howard University Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT), Howard University Radio Network, SiriusXM Channel 141 & 142 and the Cafe Mocha Radio Network.

About STARZ
STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning "We're All Adults Here." Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.

About ANDSCAPE
Andscape is a content studio that explores the depth of Black identity through its power in sports and culture. Magnified by the power and reach of The Walt Disney Company, the Andscape umbrella includes daily journalism, film, television, book publishing and music.

About aspireTV
AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV+ is a subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. For more information, visit www.aspire.tv, facebook.com/AspireTV, @TVaspire on YouTube, Instagram and X. UP Entertainment is the home for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. In addition to aspireTV and aspireTV+, brands under the UP Entertainment umbrella include UP Faith & Family, UPtv, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tracy Anderson
Miles Ahead Entertainment
Tracy@milesaheadentertainment.com
646.372.9006

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/4th-annual-hbcu-first-look-film--tv-festival-returns-to-howard-university-november-57-with-starz-as-inaugural-presenting-sponsor-302896118.html

SOURCE Miles Ahead Entertainment