Georgia Film Festivals

Cobb International Film Fest, Marietta 

August 6 - 9, 2026

Held annually at Marietta's Strand Theatre, the Cobb International Film Fest "is a meeting place for filmmakers and people who are interested in the world in all its variety and  different approaches to life. The festival offers filmmakers a platform to introduce their work and discuss topics shown in the film as well as the filmmaking process to encourage and create dialogue between people." The four-day festival includes features, shorts, and documentaries from all over the world, culminating in a closing awards program.

Atlanta Underground Film Festival

August 7 - 9, 2026

Since 2004, the Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF) has served as a forum where filmmakers thrive outside the mainstream arena. Creative artists who continuously break the boundaries of film and video are exposed and promoted through the festival, so they too have a voice in a market typically saturated with commercial entertainment designed to satisfy the audience's expectations. The 2026 festival will be held at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points.

Macon Film Festival

August 20 - 23, 2026

Presented by Mercer University, the Macon Film Festival celebrates independent films while promoting filmmaking for entertainment, inspiration, education, and economic development. The Macon Film Festival screens independent films from around the world in multiple historic theaters in the city's downtown district. The festival features film screenings, celebrity guests, special screenings, and workshops throughout the four-day festival.

ASIFA 2026 Animation Festival & Conference

August 21 - 22, 2026

Presented every two years, the ASIFA Animation Festival & Conference features screenings, workshops, roundtables, lectures and more. The event is free and open to the public, hosted on the Georgia State University campus/CMII (Creative Media Industries Institute) spaces. The 2026 Festival theme is Pixel in Play, exploring the connections between animation, games and immersive media. Activities include sound/ voiceover workshop, game jam competition, artistic development pitch and portfolio review, CMII Volumetric Studio tour and MOCAP demo, plus an Expo Hall. 

ASIFA was formed in France in 1960 as Association Internationale du Film d'Animation. ASIFA-South is the Southeastern US Chapter of the international organization, working to forster and unite the animation community locally and globally. 

BronzeLens Film Festival Atlanta

August 21 - 23 / 27 - 30, 2026

The BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. In fact, the mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta is twofold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers. 

Athens Film Festival

August 27 - 30, 2026

Occurring over four days in the heart of downtown Athens, the Athens Film Festival highlights authentic storytelling while fostering connections between filmmakers and a film-loving community. Attendees experience thoughtfully curated screenings from local and international filmmakers, workshops led by industry professionals, and an unmatched Athens vibe. ATHFF provides an inspiring backdrop for filmmakers to share their work where it belongs: in a theater with a dynamic audience.

Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival, Atlanta

September 22 - 26, 2026

Morehouse College's Human Rights Film Festival features screenings of feature films, documentaries and short films in competition. The goal of the festival is threefold: to educate and expand awareness of social justice issues, both nationally and worldwide; to generate conversation and dialogue around civil and human rights, justice and injustice, as well as to inspire innovative and creative new approaches to social change. For the 2026 Festival, in-person events take place Sept. 20 -24, while virtual events will be held through Sept. 30.

Atlanta Women’s Film Festival 

September 23 - 27, 2026

Now in its sixth year, the AWFF features table reads, short and feature film screenings, panels and workshops, and much more, designed to “celebrate women in film with stories about women by women.” Events are held at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points, culminating in an awards ceremony at the end of the festival. 

Out On Film, Atlanta

September 24 - October 4, 2026

One of the oldest LGBTQ film festivals in the country, Atlanta's Out on Film is dedicated to supporting the exhibition of LGBTQ film and video art forms. A nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, Out on Film was created in 1987 to inform, entertain, educate and enrich the regional LGBTQ community by recognizing the creative work of these artists and professionals, many with local connections. Out on Film's popularity is accomplished in part by offering multiracial and multicultural films, and over the years it has been recognized locally, nationally and globally for showcasing films by, for and about the LGBTQ community.

Georgia Latino International Film Festival, Norcross

September 30 - October 4, 2026

Each year during Hispanic Heritage Month the Georgia Latino Film Festival brings together 4 inspiring days filled with premieres, classes, panels, exclusive parties, and awards showcasing the top storytellers and filmmakers in the Latino Film Industry and Georgia.

Atlanta Horror Film Festival

October 1 - 4, 2026

The annual Atlanta Horror Film Festival celebrates the art of horror by presenting the best independent films in the genre from across the world. Since 2006, the festival has been a favorite of filmmakers and fans from Atlanta and beyond. AHFF showcases horror, sci-fi, gore, thrillers, mysteries, dark comedies, expERIEmentals, drama, animations, cult — and more. The 2026 festival will be held at 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points.

Atlanta Indian Film Festival

October 2 - 4, 2026

The Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) is proud to present its one-of-a-kind Atlanta Indian Film Festival at Atlanta's Tara Theater. The event will include movie screenings, post-screening discussions with the movie’s artists and local film experts, as well as opportunities for in-person dialogue with filmmakers. 

Atlanta Children's Film Festival

October 9 - 18, 2026

The Atlanta Children’s Film Festival promotes positive, educational, and entertaining children’s and family-oriented films. This educational and fun festival is two weeks of eye-opening and exciting activities which include film screenings, media literacy and film workshops for children, families and industry professionals. One of the goals of this festival is to introduce youth to careers in film and television. 

Urban Mediamakers Film Festival, Atlanta

October 15 - 25, 2026

Founded in November 2001, Urban Mediamakers' mission is to promote and support a diverse independent media arts community in the Southeast and worldwide. The group's annual signature event is the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (UMFF), showcasing international independent films. The Urban Mediamakers Association is a not-for-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) consortium of young talent and professionals in animation, film, gaming, music, new media, print and television.

SCAD Savannah Film Festival

October 24 - 31, 2026

The Savannah College of Art and Design presents the annual festival, filled with cinematic creativity from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. Each year, more than 40,000 people attend the eight-day Savannah Film Festival. The festival is host to a wide variety of competition film screenings, special screenings, workshops, panels and lectures.

Buried Alive Film Festival, Atlanta

November 5 - 8, 2026

The Buried Alive Film Fest comes from the same group of twisted minds and horror film buffs that produce the Atlanta Horror Fest. The festival strives to promote true underground filmmaking in the Southeast and beyond, while providing the Atlanta area with the best independent horror it can offer. Events are held at Atlanta's Plaza Theatre. 

East Point Peachtree International Film Festival (EPIFF), East Point

November 5 - 8, 2026

The Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF), a beloved cultural institution for 19 years, is embarking on an exhilarating new journey as it partners with the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau (EPCVB) to unveil the East Point Peachtree International Film Festival (EPIFF). The festival includes "The Pitch Tent," screenings, premiers, panels, networking events, awards, and a grand finale.

Rome International Film Festival

November 5 - 8, 2026

Since its inception, Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) has prided itself on providing filmmakers with a truly unique, sophisticated, and welcoming experience, featuring three days of screenings, parties, and professional networking and development opportunities. Emerging as a favorite among regional audiences, the festival has garnered strong support from local businesses and eager film lovers from the surrounding community. It was selected as one of “20 film festivals worth the entry fee” by MovieMaker Magazine.

Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival

December 5, 2026 

Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival highlights the best short films of the year and celebrates the filmmakers who made them. All films selected for screening will have an automatic nomination for an award in an appropriate category including those for best drama short, best horror short, best documentary short, and many others. 

SCAD TVfest, Atlanta

February 3 - 5, 2027

SCAD's TVfest is an international festival that brings together professionals from all spheres of TV and media content production to discuss industry trends, showcase the best work in the field, and participate in master classes with students.

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

February 17 - March 14, 2027

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is a multi-week cinematic exploration of Jewish life, culture, and history. Seeking to use the power of film to both entertain and educate, AJFF challenges conventional perspectives on complex and challenging issues facing both the Jewish and global communities. 

Atlanta Film Festival

April 22 - May 2, 2027

The Atlanta Film Festival + Creative Conference (ATLFF) traditionally takes place each spring with in-person events and screenings. One of the largest and longest-running festivals in the country, ATLFF showcases the work of both emerging and established artists. In addition, the Atlanta Film Festival is one of less than 20 U.S. film festivals that is Academy Award®-qualifying in all three categories: Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short. Recent festivals have seen audiences of over 28,000 film lovers joining over 300 attending filmmakers in support of works that push the boundaries of independent cinema.

Atlanta Shortsfest

May 14 - 16, 2027

Atlanta Shortsfest showcases a diverse mix of short films (under 45 minutes) by filmmakers from across the globe in a wide range of genres. The festival was established to spotlight and promote excellent short films, and provide an important platform to share work with appreciative audiences and fellow filmmakers. The festival is held at 7 Stages Theatre. 

Georgia Film Festival, Gainesville

2026 dates TBA

Hosted by the University of North Georgia (UNG) School of Communication, Film & Theatre (CFT), the festival takes place on its Gainesville campus in the new cinema in the Gainesville Campus Performing Arts building. GFF celebrates filmmakers & films based in the state of Georgia and in the southeast. The festival features great indie films and workshops led by industry experts.

Atlanta Sci-fi Film Festival, Peachtree Corners

2026 dates TBA

The mission of the annual Atlanta Sci-fi Film Festival is to provide screens for the finest independent sci-fi films locally and internationally, to increase cultural diversity and interest in the genre, and to inspire the local sci-fi community by cultivating engaging art. The Festival is free with registration and is held in Peachtree Corners at NCG Cinemas.

Atlanta Comedy Film Festival

2027 dates TBA

The Atlanta Comedy Film Festival is a unique forum for comedy filmmakers and television producers from all over the world to showcase their creative works in Atlanta, Georgia. The Festival, held at 7 Stages Theatre, showcases short comedy films, web series, funny music videos, commercials (Under 30 minutes) from all over the world. Accepted films will be screened in a back-to-back, fast-paced format for a comedy film-loving audience. The awards ceremony will take place at the end of the program that will recognize filmmakers for their creative work.

Georgia Comedy Film Festival, Atlanta

2027 dates TBA

The Georgia Comedy Film Festival is where filmmakers, television producers and screenwriters can showcase their creative work in Atlanta, Georgia. All types of comedy content is featured including Romantic Comedy, Dark Comedy, Sketch Comedy, Mockumentary, Funny Music Videos, Series Episodes, TV Pilots, Screenplays, Teleplays and more. Screenings will be held at the historic Plaza Theatre.

Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival (Atlanta DocuFest)

2027 Dates TBA

The annual Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival (Atlanta DocuFest) brings you the best in independent documentary film and video from across the globe, and showcases meaningful life stories which educate and entertain audiences of every demographic.

Atlanta Short Film Festival

2027 Dates TBA

The Atlanta Short Film Festival is an event that screens all genres of short films under 30 minutes. Screenplays and teleplays of all genres that are 60 pages or less are also eligible for awards. The event also features an awards program for films, series episodes and screenplays. The festival's Georgia Film Industry Networking Event is free and open to the public.

African Film Festival Atlanta

2027 Dates TBA

AFFATL is a signature event of the African Film & Arts Foundation; an annual fete, celebrating films by and/or about Africans and people of African descent. Events will be held at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture & History and Cinefest Film Theatre at Georgia State University.

Women’s Comedy Film Festival Atlanta 

2027 Dates TBA

The Women's Comedy Film Festival in Atlanta is a theatrical screening event and screenplay competition in Atlanta featuring female filmmakers, actors, directors, writers and producers from all over the world. The annual one-day festival is held at Limelight Theater and produced by Cinema Life Film Festival Collective.

Backlight Student Film Festival, Athens

2027 Dates TBA

This two-day festival hosted at the University of Georgia offers opportunities for students across the state to develop their talent in the media entertainment industry through a networking mixer, red carpet, film screenings, industry panels, and an awards ceremony featuring industry professionals, film academics, and notable alumni of Georgia colleges and universities. All films in the festival are made by undergraduate and graduate students or college-aged filmmakers in Georgia, and are in two categories: short-form (1-10 minutes) and mid-length (11-30 minutes).

European Film Festival of Atlanta

2027 Dates TBA

Alliance Française and Goethe-Zentrum as Kultur Ensemble, and the Consulates of 12 European countries - Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Ukraine - present the European Film Festival of Atlanta. Events are held at the Plaza & Tara theatres, showcasing the colorful variety of European on-screen storytelling while exploring the many expressions of European Identity. All films are screened in their native language(s) with English subtitles.

Georgia Shorts Film Festival, Atlanta

2027 Dates TBA

The Georgia Shorts Film Festival is a theatrical screening event in Atlanta for independent  short films of all genres. The Georgia Shorts Film Festival also recognizes exceptional filmmaking and screenwriting with awards and nominations by a judging panel. The annual festival is held at 7 Stages Theatre and produced by Cinema Life Film Festival Collective.

Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival

2027 Dates TBA

The Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival is held at 7 Stages Theatre, screening more than 200 films under six minutes. It’s one wild day of stories that get straight to the point. Microshorts move fast with no filler and no wasted time. Dark comedies, horror, animation, drama, and everything in between. Each film hits quick, gets its message across, and makes room for the next.