Georgia film festivals are in full swing in the Peach state. Here are the 22 major film festivals you should know about in Georgia.
Typically a film festival is an organized presentation of films at either a major city such as Los Angeles or Atlanta. Films typically a released based upon the festival’s focus, or specific genre.
Some of the best known film festivals are the Venice Film Festival, the Cannes Film Festival, the Toronto Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, and the Berlin International Film Festival. In fact, the Berlin International Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals in the world, based on attendance.
There are so many film festivals that in a 2013 study, researchers found 3,000 active film festivals worldwide.
Film festivals are a great way for filmmakers, actors, or crew members to showcase their talents to the world. Many world famous movies started off as independent productions and then turn into Academy Award winning movies.
With Georgia’s growing film industry, here are a list of the major film festivals coming soon.
Georgia Film Festivals
Backlight Student Film Festival
The Backlight Student Film Festival strives to provide Georgia students with the opportunity to participate in a competitive festival environment that will help illuminate their passion and help them to stand out amongst other filmmakers.
Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival (Atlanta, September 4 – 7th)
Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival is a combination of short and feature independent film screenings, panels, celebrity guests, and contest with over 35,000 attendees attending the film festival.
Rome International Film Festival (September 10 – 13th)
Since the Rome International Film Festival started it has helped aspiring filmmakers showcase their skills and experience. The film festivals offers two full days of screenings, networking parties, and development opportunities.
Peachtree Village International Film Festival (September 14 – 20th)
The Peachtree Village International Film Festival is hosted by the African American Cinema Gallery and attracts well over 5,000 people each year from around the world. Creatd in 2006 as the Sweet Auburn International Film Festival it has become a major launchpad for aspiring filmmakers, actors, and talents.
Out on Film Festival (October 1 – 8, 2015)
Out on Film is one of the oldest LGBT film festivals in the United States. The film festival is dedicated to exhibiting LGBT film and video productions.
Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival (October 2 – 4th)
Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival is a film festival dedicated to indie filmmakers interested in screening films that promote Christian values. The film festival showcases short films, documentaries, and full length feature films. The 2015 event will be held in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Buckhead, Atlanta.
Atlanta Asian Film Festival (October 2 – 10th)
The Asian Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing Asian Pacific culture through films and movies. Films are shown at venues throughout Metro Atlanta with a gala premiere at the Plaza Theater.
Covey Film Festival (October 2 – 16)
The Covey Film Festival showcases children and families through films and movies. The festival includes films, workshops, and an opening night gala.
Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (October 8 – 11th)
Founded in 2001, the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival is dedicated to promoting and supporting a diverse indie filmmaking and media community in the Southeast.
Atlanta Underground Film Festival (October 9 – 10)
Since 2004, the Atlanta Underground Film Festival has become a major film festival for people interested in connecting, collaborating, and meeting the latest filmmakers in the Atlanta area.
Atlanta Shortsfest (October 22 – 23)
The 6th annual Atlanta Shortsfest is a film festival showcasing short films that are 45 minutes or less. The mission of the Atlanta Shortsfest is to showcase filmmakers from across the globe in a wide range of genres.
Georgia Latino Film Festival (October 23 – 25)
Launched in 2012 the Georgia Latino Film Festival is dedicated to showcase, educate, network Hispanic filmmakers in the Georgia area. Each year, the film festival brings together classes, panels, exclusive parties and awards.
Savannah Film Festival (October 24 – 31st)
SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design presents the annual festival showcasing emerging student filmmakers. Each year more than 40,000 people attend the eight-day Savannah Film Festival.
Atlanta Horror Film Festival (October 29 – 30)
The annual Atlanta Horror Film Festival features horror movies by showcasing the best indie films from across the world. Starting in 2006, the festival features a wide array of horror movies.
BronzeLens Film Festival Atlanta (November 5 – 8)
BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing attention to Atlanta’s growing film industry. The mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival is to promote Atlanta as the home for diversity and provide networking opportunities.
Buried Alive Film Festival (November 14 – 15th)
The Buried Alive Film Festival comes from the same people that created the Atlanta Horror Film Festival. The festival promotes underground filmmaking in the Southeast.
Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival (Atlanta DocuFest) (November 19 -21st)
The 10th annual Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival showcases the best documentaries from around the world. The purpose of the film festival is to educate, entertain, and promote filmmakers through films. The event will be held at the doogallery in the historic Reynoldstown neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (January 26 – February 17)
In one of the longest film festivals in Georgia, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is a 22-day exploration of Jewish life, culture and history. Over 38,000 moviegoers attend the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, making it one of the highest attended Jewish film festivals in the world.
Pan African Film Festival Atlanta (February 4 – 15th)
Formerly known as the National Black Arts Festival, the Pan African Film Festival is known an indie summer film festival. Screenings of films are held at the Plaza Theater in Midtown. Established in 1992 by Danny Glover, Ja’net DuBois (Good Times) and Ayuko Babu, The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is a non-profit 501(c)(b) corporation dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding among peoples of African descent. PAFF is dedicated to racial tolerance through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression.
Atlanta Film Festival (April 1 – 10)
After 50 years, the Atlanta Film Festival is one of only two dozen Academy Award qualifying festivals in the U.S. The Atlanta Film Festival is one of the largest and longest-running festivals in the country, welcoming an audience of more than 25,000 featuring over 150 short films, documentaries and full length features.
The Southeastern Film Festival (SEFF)
The Southeastern Film Festival features Documentaries, animation, music videos, short films, and screenwriting. The festival features storytellers, artists, and allows for attendees to collaborate and network.
The Skyline Film Festival
The Skyline International Film Festival (SIFF) was founded by film educators from across the United States to enhance independent filmmaking & education.
Macon Film Festival
Macon has a rich history of music and southern culture. The Macon Film Festival showcases independent films while promoting filmmaking for educational and economic development. The 4-day festival features workshops, film screenings, and guest appearances.
