Georgia Film Festivals
Georgia Film Festivals
Georgia has one of the strongest indie film communities in the country. The Atlanta Film Series runs a group of festivals that highlight documentaries, short films, underground cinema, experimental work and the top short films of the year. Each event brings filmmakers and audiences together for real independent storytelling in Atlanta, Georgia.
Below is a guide to the festivals held each year:
Atlanta Documentary Film Festival (ATL DOC)
March
As Georgia's first and only film festival focusing on the art of the documentary, ATL DOC festival highlights stories from around the world and showcases work from local Georgia filmmakers. Screenings take place in Atlanta Georgia and includes three days of docs, filmmaker networking and special events.
Visit: https://atldoc.com
Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival (ATL MicroShorts)
May
ATL MicroShorts is Georgia's only film festival created exclusively for films under six minutes. The festival has a fast, creative energy and gives filmmakers a chance to experiment with short form storytelling.
Visit: https://atlmicro.com
Atlanta Experimental Fest (ATL EXP)
May
ATL EXP is Georgia's premier experimental film festival dedicated to experimental film, AI filmmaking, digital art and new media. It includes film blocks, panels and an exhibit focused on emerging creative work in Atlanta.
Visit: https://experimentalfest.com
Atlanta Shortsfest (ATL Shorts)
June
Atlanta Shortsfest is Georgia’s longest running short film festival, founded in 2010. ATL Shorts screens comedy, drama, horror, documentary, animation and more. It delivers two full days of short films and events for audiences who want a wide range of stories.
Visit: https://atlantashortsfest.com
Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF)
August
AUFF is one of the oldest underground film festivals in the United States. AUFF is devoted to underground, independent and experimental film. It highlights work that lives outside the mainstream and gives filmmakers a place to show fresh ideas.
Visit: https://auff.org
Atlanta Horror Film Festival (ATL Horror, HorrorFest)
October
ATL Horror is Georgia’s first horror festival, celebrating 20 years of fear. It features horror shorts, features, thrillers, sci fi and dark genre films from around the world. Horror filmmakers and fans join us every October for three days of non-stop genre films from across the world.
Visit: https://atlantahorrorfilmfest.com
Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival (ATL Spotlight)
December
ATL Spotlight is the end of the year showdown that highlights the top short films of the year. Filmmakers compete for awards across fifteen categories.
Visit: https://spotlightfilmfestival.com
Why These Festivals Matter
These events support indie filmmakers, local artists and underground voices in Georgia. Each festival offers screenings, filmmaker networking and a chance to connect with the Atlanta film community. If you are looking for Georgia film festivals focused on independent work, this is where to start.
