Atlanta Film Series

Atlanta Film Series History

Atlanta Film Series: Celebrating Independent Cinema in Atlanta

The Atlanta Film Series isn’t just a collection of festivals. It’s a movement. A year-round celebration of creative voices, unfiltered storytelling, and true indie spirit. Each event is built by filmmakers, for filmmakers. Whether you're creating or just watching, there’s nothing quite like it.

Atlanta Film Series festivals - Atlanta Underground Film Festival

A Year-Round Celebration of Film

Atlanta Documentary Film Festival (Docufest): Held in March, this festival showcases the finest short and feature-length documentaries from around the globe, spotlighting compelling stories and thought-provoking narratives.
Atlanta Shortsfest: Taking place in June, this festival celebrates the best short films of the year, highlighting innovative storytelling in works under 45 minutes.
Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF): Hosted in August, AUFF is a platform for cutting-edge short and feature-length films by some of the most talented independent filmmakers in the world.
Atlanta Horror Film Festival (HorrorFest): Every October, this festival delivers thrills and chills, presenting the top independent horror films to an audience of genre enthusiasts.
Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival (MicroShorts): The newest addition to the series, this May event is dedicated to films under five minutes, showcasing the artistry of concise storytelling from filmmakers worldwide.

A Legacy of Supporting Independent Film

The Atlanta Film Series traces its roots back to 2002, when a group of independent filmmakers, musicians, and artists launched WellFair, a monthly event at Atlanta’s iconic MJQ Concourse. WellFair combined independent film screenings, live music, and art to spotlight emerging talent in the city.

Building on the success of WellFair, the group introduced the Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF) in 2004, creating a large-scale annual event dedicated to providing independent filmmakers with a welcoming space to share their work.

Recognizing a growing demand for genre-specific festivals, the organization expanded its portfolio:

2006: Atlanta Docufest was launched to focus on documentaries, making it a cornerstone for documentary filmmakers in the region. The same year, Atlanta HorrorFest was established to celebrate the best in independent horror.
2010: Atlanta Shortsfest became the city’s first festival dedicated exclusively to short films, quickly becoming a favorite for filmmakers and audiences.
2023: Addressing the rise of ultra-short-form content, the Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival debuted, offering a dedicated platform for films under five minutes.

Atlanta Film Series film festivals in Atlanta, Georgia

A Thriving Film Community

Over the past two decades, the Atlanta Film Series has played a significant role in transforming Atlanta into a hub for independent cinema. Its festivals provide opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences, celebrate their craft, and gain recognition on a global stage.

With a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, the Atlanta Film Series continues to champion independent filmmakers and their stories. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a film enthusiast, we invite you to join us at these vibrant events. Here’s to another 20 years of inspiring and supporting independent film!

3 Festival Submission Bundle

Discount Submissions to film festivals in Atlanta, Georgia

Submission Bundles

Choose any three festivals from the Atlanta Film Series lineup and submit with one entry. Whether it’s horror, documentary, micro short, underground, or traditional short films — this bundle gives you flexibility and saves you money.

Pick 3 of These 6:

Atlanta Horror Film Festival
Atlanta Docufest
Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival
Atlanta Underground Film Festival
Atlanta Shortsfest
Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival

One entry, more exposure, bigger chances.
Click SUBMIT NOW to choose your festivals and get started.

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Atlanta Film Series

Film Festivals in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Film Series Events

Bringing together independent filmmakers and film lovers for a year-round celebration of diverse storytelling.

Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival

📅 Saturday, May 10, 2025
"Big Ideas, Small Packages"
This festival highlights the power of ultra-short films, proving that even the smallest films can have the biggest impact. Perfect for filmmakers who master storytelling in five minutes or less.

Atlanta Shortsfest

📅 Saturday & Sunday, June 21–22, 2025
"Where Short Films Shine"
Dedicated to celebrating the art of short filmmaking, Atlanta Shortsfest showcases exceptional storytelling from around the world, proving that great cinema comes in all lengths.

Atlanta Underground Film Festival

📅 Friday to Sunday, August 8–10, 2025
"Uncover the Unexpected"
A bold and boundary-pushing festival featuring unconventional and avant-garde films. AUFF is where filmmakers challenge norms and audiences discover truly unique cinema.

Atlanta Horror Film Festival

📅 Friday to Sunday, October 17–19, 2025
"Unleash the Terror"
A must-attend for horror fans! Featuring the best in indie horror, thriller, sci-fi, and suspense, this festival delivers spine-chilling stories from around the world.

Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival

📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025
"The Best of the Best Compete for the Spotlight"
A year-end showdown where top films compete for Best Drama, Comedy, Horror, Documentary, and more. Audience voting plays a key role in choosing the ultimate winners.

Atlanta Docufest

📅 Friday to Sunday, March 20–22, 2026
"Celebrating 20 Years of Stories That Matter"
A showcase of thought-provoking documentaries that inspire, educate, and entertain. This festival honors compelling storytelling across a range of subjects, from social issues to personal journeys.