Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival

Join us at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points as we celebrate the outstanding short films and filmmakers of 2026.

An full day of independent cinema, filmmaker connections, and awards recognizing the year's standout work.

The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival brings together outstanding independent short films for a celebration of the year's most memorable filmmaking.

Each January, Spotlight recognizes exceptional films and filmmakers from the previous festival season, giving audiences another opportunity to experience standout short films on the big screen.

From compelling dramas and documentaries to comedy, horror, animation, experimental films, and music videos, Spotlight celebrates diverse genres, creative voices, and original storytelling.

It's a chance to revisit remarkable films, discover new favorites, and recognize the filmmakers who made them.

Spotlight is more than an awards ceremony. It's a gathering of filmmakers, artists, and film lovers celebrating the creative achievements of the past year.

The event features curated short film screenings, filmmaker conversations, awards, and opportunities to connect with fellow filmmakers and audiences.

Whether your film has screened at festivals throughout the year or you're attending to discover something new, Spotlight brings everyone together for a shared celebration of independent cinema.

Spotlight showcases a carefully selected lineup of short films representing different genres, backgrounds, and approaches to storytelling.

We welcome narrative shorts, documentaries, comedies, dramas, horror, animation, experimental films, student projects, and music videos.

Our focus is on films that stand out through their storytelling, performances, creativity, and originality.

Films that have already screened at other festivals are encouraged to participate. Spotlight offers another opportunity for exceptional work to be seen and celebrated.

At the heart of the festival is the Spotlight Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in independent short filmmaking.

Awards celebrate excellence across multiple genres and creative disciplines, including Film of the Year, Best Director, Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Comedy, Best Horror, Best Local Film, Audience Choice, and Jury honors.

Selected films compete for festival recognition, with winners receiving custom Spotlight trophies.

The awards presentation brings filmmakers and audiences together to celebrate the work that made an impression throughout the year.

Spotlight welcomes independent short films across all genres, styles, and budgets.

We're looking for films that demonstrate originality, strong storytelling, and creative achievement. Films that have screened at other festivals or received previous awards are welcome.

Selected filmmakers have the opportunity to screen their work for a live audience, connect with fellow filmmakers, and compete for Spotlight honors.