Georgia Film Festivals

ATL DOC is a nonfiction-focused festival screening short and feature documentaries from Georgia and around the world. It is the first and only documentary film festival in Georgia and gives filmmakers a platform to share stories that inform and inspire.
Dates: March 20–22, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: ATL DOC on FilmFreeway

ATL EXP presents experimental, hybrid and AI-driven films from creators exploring new forms of storytelling. It is one of the few experimental film festivals in Georgia and highlights innovative short films, video art and work that pushes the boundaries of cinema.
Dates: May 17, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: ATL EXP on FIlmFreeway

The Atlanta Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the Southeast and receives between six thousand and ten thousand submissions each year. Only a small percentage are selected for the final program, which includes a limited slate of features, shorts and documentaries.
Typical Dates: April
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

ATL HORROR features horror, thriller, sci-fi and dark-themed short films. As one of the most recognized horror film festivals in Georgia, it offers a strong platform for genre filmmakers and audiences who enjoy independent horror films.
Dates: October 2–4, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: Atlanta Horror Film Fest on FilmFreeway

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival presents Jewish-themed films from around the world, including features, documentaries and shorts. It is one of the largest Jewish film festivals in the United States and is a major cultural event in the Atlanta film community.
Typical Dates: February
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

 ATL MICRO showcases short films under six minutes and focuses on concise, high-impact storytelling. It is a key micro-short event in Georgia and attracts filmmakers looking to submit short films in Georgia with very short run times.
Dates: May 16, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions : Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival on FilmFreeway

ATL SPOTLIGHT is a year-end showcase presenting the top short films of the season in a single-night competition. It is one of the key Georgia short film competitions, featuring standout indie work across multiple categories.
Dates: December 6, 2025
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: Atlanta Spotlight on FilmFreeway

ATL UNDERGROUND screens independent shorts and features with a focus on alternative voices. As one of the oldest underground film festivals in the United States, it highlights bold work from Georgia filmmakers and global creators.
Dates: August 7–9, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: Atlanta Underground Film Fest on FilmFreeway

The Georgia Film Festival is held in the University of North Georgia- Gainesville Campus and showcases work from regional and independent filmmakers. It focuses on community storytelling, student films, and projects created throughout the state, making it a key film festival in Georgia’s creative scene.
Typical Dates: Spring to early summer
Location:  Oakwood, Georgia

The Georgia Latino Film Festival showcases films created by Latino filmmakers and stories centered on Latino communities. The festival features short films, features, documentaries and panels that highlight Latino voices in Georgia and across the country.
Typical Dates: September
Location: Atlanta and Gwinnett County, Georgia

An independent film festival held in Milledgeville with an emphasis on student work, regional filmmaking, and community storytelling.
Typical Dates: Spring
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia