Atlanta Shortsfest - Atlanta's short film festival

For 17 years, Atlanta Shortsfest has been the original Atlanta short film festival and the place where short films actually screen live in Atlanta, Georgia. It started in 2010 and has grown into one of the city’s most reliable spots to find new voices and real independent filmmaking. The festival has been the top Georgia short film festival for nearly 20 years.

This short film festival moves fast. Short films hit one after another, switching tones and ideas in a way you don’t get from longer festivals. You might laugh at one film, get pulled into something darker the next, and then land on a story that sticks with you. That mix is the reason people keep coming back. It feels like Atlanta - creative, unpredictable and full of energy.

Filmmakers stay after the screenings to talk about how they made their work. Some are local, some travel in, but everyone brings something different to the room. Conversations spill out into the lobby, then into the after-parties, and the whole weekend ends up feeling like a tight community built around short films, not hype.

Atlanta Shortsfest has kept the focus simple: show incredible short films on a big screen in front of a real audience and give real awards. Just a festival that takes short filmmaking seriously. And that’s why, after nearly two decades, Atlanta Shortsfest is recognized as Atlanta’s top short film festival and the one filmmakers trust. ATL Shorts is part of the Atlanta Film Series.

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All winners of Atlanta Shorts are announced live during the closing events. Winners will receive a custom crystal trophy to celebrate their achievement.

Best Short Film
Top honor of the festival, awarded to the standout short across all categories.

Best Director
Recognizes a filmmaker whose vision and craft elevated the entire film.

Best Local Film
Presented to a short made by a Georgia-based filmmaker or filmed in Georgia.

Best Concept
For a short that brought a strong and original idea to life.

Impact Award
Given to the film that made a strong impression through story, tone, or emotion.

Innovative Vision
Awarded to a film that took creative risks or used unique storytelling or visual techniques.

Emerging Filmmaker
Honors a new voice in short-form filmmaking with clear talent and potential.

Best Comedy Short
Celebrates the short film that delivers strong laughs, sharp writing, and great timing.

Best Horror Short
Recognizes the most effective and memorable horror short.

Audience Choice Award
Chosen by viewers during the festival. This award goes to the film that made the biggest impression on the crowd.