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Atlanta Film Series
25 Years of Independent Film
It Started With WellFair
The Atlanta Film Series began in 2001 when a group of Atlanta filmmakers, artists, and musicians came together with a simple idea: create free events where independent artists could share their work and connect with the community.
In 2002, the group launched WellFair at MJQ Concourse in Atlanta. Held on the last Tuesday of every month, these gatherings combined independent film screenings, visual art exhibitions, and live music, bringing different creative communities together under one roof.
WellFair quickly became a gathering place for filmmakers, musicians, artists, and audiences who shared an interest in independent art and culture.
In July 2003, the group also organized Independent's Day at MJQ, expanding on the collaborative spirit that had brought everyone together.
After two years of monthly events, WellFair held its final gathering in 2004, just before the launch of something new.
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The Atlanta Underground Film Festival Begins
In August 2004, the first Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF) took place at Eyedrum, an independent arts venue in Atlanta.
Building on the community established through WellFair, AUFF created a dedicated platform for independent filmmakers to share their work with audiences.The festival embraced unconventional storytelling, creative experimentation, and films that didn't always fit traditional expectations.
What began as monthly gatherings of artists and musicians had evolved into an annual film festival, while keeping the same grassroots spirit and commitment to independent creativity.
The Atlanta Film Series Grows
As AUFF developed, additional festivals were created to celebrate different forms of independent filmmaking.In 2006, the Atlanta Documentary Film Festival and Atlanta Horror Film Festival joined the lineup, giving documentary and horror filmmakers dedicated opportunities to showcase their work.Atlanta Shortsfest followed in 2010, creating a festival focused entirely on short films.
Over the years, the series continued expanding with festivals celebrating experimental cinema, micro shorts, and outstanding independent filmmaking through the Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival.Each festival developed its own identity, programming, and audience, but all shared a commitment to supporting independent filmmakers and bringing people together through film.
More Than Films. A Community.
From the beginning, the Atlanta Film Series has been about more than watching movies.
Filmmaker Q&As, panels, mixers, after-parties, and informal gatherings have created opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to meet, exchange ideas, form friendships, and collaborate on new projects.
Even during the COVID pandemic, the series continued holding live events, moving screenings outdoors to give audiences plenty of space while keeping the community connected.
Over the years, venues and festivals have changed, but the original purpose has remained the same: provide a welcoming place for independent artists to share their work and connect with others.
A New Chapter in Little 5 Points
In 2027, the Atlanta Film Series continues at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points, a neighborhood known for its independent businesses, music, art, and alternative culture.
The year's lineup includes six festivals:
- Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival | January 9
- Atlanta Documentary Film Festival | March 18-21
- Atlanta Shortsfest | May 14-16
- Little 5 Points Film Festival | June 17-20
- Atlanta Underground Film Festival | August 12-15
- Atlanta Horror Film Festival | October 7-10
The addition of the Little 5 Points Film Festival brings the series even closer to the neighborhood and its creative community, celebrating diverse voices, independent storytelling, and the people who make Little Five Points unique.
25 Years and Counting
What started in 2001 with a small group of filmmakers, artists, and musicians has grown into a year-round series of film festivals.
Thousands of independent films have been screened, filmmakers have found audiences for their work, and friendships and creative connections have developed along the way.
Twenty-five years later, the idea that brought everyone together is still at the heart of everything we do.
Come for the films. Stay for the community.
JOIN THE GEORGIA FILM CLUB - IT'S FREE!
Georgia Film club
Georgia Film Club is a free community for filmmakers, actors, crew, and film lovers across Georgia where you can share your work, discover new films, and stay connected to what’s happening locally, with access to Atlanta Film Series discounts, early screening updates, and opportunities to connect and collaborate with other creators.
