Atlanta Documentary Film Festival

Join us at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points for four days of documentary films, filmmaker conversations, awards, and social events.

Founded in 2006, the Atlanta Documentary Film Festival (ATL DOC), aka Atlanta Docufest, is Georgia's original documentary film festival and one of the longest-running celebrations of independent documentary filmmaking in the Southeast.

For more than two decades, ATL DOC has brought filmmakers and audiences together to share real stories, explore different perspectives, and celebrate documentary filmmaking.

Each March, the festival features documentary shorts and features, filmmaker Q&As, awards, mixers, and after-parties in Atlanta's Little 5 Points neighborhood.

From personal stories and investigative journalism to music, art, culture, history, and social issues, ATL DOC celebrates films that inform, entertain, challenge, and inspire conversation.

ATL DOC is about more than watching films. It's about meeting the people behind them and connecting with others who share an interest in documentary storytelling.

Many screenings include filmmaker Q&As, giving audiences the opportunity to hear about the stories, subjects, and creative process behind the films.

Between screenings, filmmaker mixers, after-parties, and informal gatherings bring filmmakers and audiences together to exchange ideas, make connections, and continue conversations beyond the theater.

ATL DOC presents a curated selection of independent documentary features and shorts covering a wide range of subjects, perspectives, and filmmaking styles.

Some films explore important social issues, while others introduce remarkable people, uncover overlooked stories, or find meaning in everyday experiences.

We welcome documentaries with original perspectives, compelling storytelling, and something worth sharing.

ATL DOC takes place at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points, one of Atlanta's most creative and eclectic neighborhoods.

Known for its independent businesses, restaurants, bars, music venues, and alternative culture, Little Five Points provides a natural gathering place for filmmakers and film lovers.

Between screenings, explore the neighborhood, grab food or drinks, and spend time with fellow filmmakers just steps from the theater.

Each year, ATL DOC recognizes outstanding documentary films and filmmakers through juried awards celebrating storytelling, creativity, and originality.

Our awards honor both emerging and established filmmakers whose work leaves a lasting impression.

ATL DOC welcomes documentary features and shorts from filmmakers at every stage of their careers.

Whether your film explores a personal journey, investigates an important issue, or experiments with nonfiction storytelling, we want to see it.

Selected filmmakers can screen their work for a live audience, participate in Q&As, attend festival gatherings, connect with other filmmakers, and compete for awards.