Atlanta Film Series - Film Festivals in Georgia

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.

Why Filmmakers Submit:

Recognition: Screen at live events judged by industry professionals
Momentum: Winners compete at the Atlanta Spotlight Film Awards
Community: Join a real indie film scene, not a red carpet popularity contest
Exclusivity: Only the best are selected. If you screen here, it means something

Ready to break through the noise?
Join one of the most dynamic indie film communities in the country.

• 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.
• The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival: a live platform for the best short films of the year to compete for top honors.
   

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.
• 2015:  The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival is launched, creating a live platform for the best short films of the year to compete for top honors.
• 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.

Over the past 20 years, 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.

Looking for something different?

Our festivals deliver must-see cinema: underground gems, daring shorts, powerful documentaries, and genre-defying horror—curated for the big screen and brought to life in front of a live audience.

Can’t make it in person? Many of our top selections are available to stream on FestFlix.tv—home of bold indie storytelling year-round.