Atlanta Film Series Film Festivals in Atlanta
Celebrating Independent Cinema in Atlanta, 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.
A Year-Round Celebration of Film
Atlanta Documentary Film Festival (ATL DOC) – Every March, ATL DOC (formerly Docufest) showcases powerful short and feature documentaries from around the world, featuring real stories and fresh perspectives.
Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival (ATL MicroShorts) – In May, filmmakers show how much can be said in under five minutes. It’s a one-day burst of creativity built for speed, impact, and surprise.
Atlanta Experimental Fest (ATL EXP) – Also in May, Atlanta Experimental explores the intersection of art and technology. The event features AI-generated films, digital art, panels, and live music, creating a space for innovation and conversation about the future of creativity.
Atlanta Shortsfest (ATL Shorts)– June brings two days of nonstop short films under 45 minutes. From comedy and drama to horror and experimental, it’s where indie filmmakers shine and audiences discover something new every few minutes.
Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF) – In August, AUFF takes center stage with bold, unconventional work from around the world. It’s Atlanta’s home for films that push boundaries and break rules.
Atlanta Horror Film Festival (HorrorFest or ATL Horror) – Every October, HorrorFest delivers a weekend of pure horror. From slashers to psychological chills, it’s a must for genre fans who love the darker side of indie film.
Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival (ATL Spotlight)– In December, the year’s best short films go head to head for top honors in a one-night showdown at Limelight Theater. It’s the grand finale of the Atlanta Film Series and a celebration of the best in independent filmmaking.
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 Georgia'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 Documentary Film Festival (ATL DOC - formerly Docufest) was launched to focus on documentaries, making it a cornerstone for documentary filmmakers in the region. The same year, Atlanta Horror Film Festival was established to celebrate the best in independent horror.
- 2010: Atlanta Shortsfest became Atlanta's first film 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.
- 2025: Things get weird as we introduce Atlanta Experimental Festival
A Thriving Atlanta Film Community
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 in Atlanta, Georgia.