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.
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.
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!
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