Atlanta Comedy Film Festival is a high-energy, filmmaker-first celebration of comedy in all its forms—where bold voices, big laughs and meaningful connections take center stage.

Hosted at 7 Stages Theatre in the heart of Atlanta, the festival delivers an immersive, can’t-miss experience featuring curated comedy film screenings, filmmaker Q&As, live screenplay table reads, panel discussions, educational workshops, and nonstop networking opportunities. From emerging creators to established industry professionals, this is a place where filmmakers don’t just screen their work—they build real relationships.

Our event experience is designed to feel celebratory, inclusive, and electric. Highlights include a red carpet opening ceremony, thoughtfully programmed panels with industry leaders, hands-on workshops that actually help you level up, and an awards ceremony that honors outstanding comedic storytelling across film and screenplay categories.

What truly sets us apart is the community. Filmmakers consistently tell us this is one of the most welcoming, fun, and connection-driven festivals they’ve ever attended. You’ll have endless opportunities to meet fellow filmmakers, collaborate with new creative partners, and connect with Atlanta’s thriving film industry elite—all in an environment that feels exciting rather than intimidating.

Proudly ranked as a Top 100 most-reviewed film festival in the world, Atlanta Comedy Film Festival is where comedy creators come to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.

If you’re looking for a festival that combines prestige with personality—and where you’ll leave with more than just laurels—this is the one you don’t want to miss.

**NEW** Now Accepting Vertical Comedy Films!

We are now accepting vertical comedy films (9:16) created specifically for mobile and digital platforms (8 minutes or less). This category welcomes sketch comedy, narrative comedy, satire, stand-up–inspired pieces, experimental comedy and more. If your comedy was designed for vertical viewing, we’d love to see how you’re pushing humor beyond traditional widescreen formats.

Our trained judges watch every film from beginning to end and read every screenplay from front to back. Creative works that are submitted to the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival are eligible for the following awards:

Best Comedy Film
Best Dark Comedy Film
Best Horror Comedy Film
Best Mockumentary Film
Best Animated Comedy Film
Best Series/ Episodic
Best Romantic Comedy Film
Best Comedy Music Video
Best LGBTQ+ Comedy Film
Best Proof of Concep
Best Sketch Comedy Film
Best Stand-up Comedy Film
Best Georgia Comedy Film
Best Cinematography
Best Editor
Best Director
Best Comedy Screenplay
Best Dark Comedy Screenplay
Best Horror Comedy Screenplay
Best Mockumentary Screenplay
Best Animated Comedy Screenplay
Best Series/ Episodic Screenplay
Best Romantic Comedy Screenplay
Best Comedy Music Video
Best LGBTQ+ Comedy Screenplay

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

*By submitting to this festival you consent to being added to our email contact and marketing list.

*Notification Dates and Event Dates are subject to change.

• Please fully fill out your submission profile to avoid hold-ups in the judging process.

**** Submission fees are non refundable.****

• If you submit a Film in process and it gets selected, please notice we expect it to be completed within two weeks after the Notification Date. Otherwise, it will be disqualified. No exceptions. It is every submitter's responsibility to read the Rules and Terms of each Festival before submitting.

• If your film is selected you are not to submit any other updated, altered version of your film. If you send a film that is different from or longer than what was initially selected by the festival judging team, your film may be disqualified to the discretion of the festival director.

• If your film is selected, you are expected to provide a link to download your film so that we can project it at the festival. Only Google Drive and Dropbox are accepted. You can also make your film downloadable on FilmFreeway or Vimeo.

• All films must be under 4GB and 1080HD Max in either MP4 or MOV format.

• We do not accept DCP files.

• We do not screen 720p or SD Files.

• We do not stream from YouTube or Vimeo at the event.

• The Atlanta Comedy Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival and for promotional purposes on our website, newsletter, and social media platforms. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless The Atlanta Comedy Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

• The Atlanta Comedy Film Festival DOES NOT offer refunds on submissions.

• Code of Conduct: Sexual assault, harassment and rudeness of any kind are strictly forbidden leading up to and at our events. If you are in breach of this toward the staff of Cinema Life, our venues or other filmmakers, we will disqualify your project and escort you off the premises. You will no longer be allowed to submit to our festivals or attend future events. Refunds will not be issued for anyone that is in violation of our code of conduct. We reserve the right to deny entry or disqualify any project, at the discretion of festival leadership, for any reason.

****The Atlanta Comedy Film Festival believes in open screening opportunities for all selected filmmakers. We will never disqualify a project for premiering at another film festival. We want filmmakers to succeed at as many events as they can. Not all festivals feel this way and they will disqualify films if they premiere somewhere else. Please make sure you read our event dates and selection dates carefully. We do not offer selection deferment and you will not be given a refund for withdrawing your submission. ***

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Todd Gordon

    Severe weather in the Southeast prevented me from attending the 2026 festival with my film "Herb's Pajamas," but the festival team was very kind and understanding, and the communication was terrific. I hope to attend in person with another film in the future.

    May 2026
  • Couldn't attend the festival due to a prior commitment, but the festival was very communicative and friendly. I am honored to be a winner of one of their awards!

    February 2026
  • I just attended my very first film festival ever (at age 60!), and the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival exceeded every expectation I had.
    The venue at 7 Stages Theatre was fantastic, intimate, well-organized, and perfect for the table reads. The reads themselves were incredibly well-acted (even with the occasional coffee grinder and espresso machine interruptions in the coffee shop space, added a little real-life comedy charm!).

    The staff was outstanding: professional, courteous, and genuinely welcoming from the moment I walked in. Coming from Orlando, the drive was easy, and Atlanta itself is an amazing city to explore. I met some wonderful screenwriters, fast friends were made over shared passion for the craft, and it felt like a true creative community.

    I was completely honored to receive a nomination for Best Dramedy Screenplay (my first award nod ever), and the whole weekend left me inspired and energized. Thank you to Caroline, Mara, and the entire team for creating such a supportive, fun, and high-quality event.

    Highly recommend to any screenwriter or filmmaker, whether you're a veteran or a first-timer like me.

    5 stars!

    February 2026

  • Grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival this season. It’s encouraging to see a festival committed to celebrating comedy and supporting diverse creative voices. Thank you to the ACFF team for including my work, and best wishes for the festival’s continued success.

    February 2026
  • Organizers were so friendly and communicative -- I'm very honored to have been included! Thanks so much to them for organizing a great festival!

    February 2026