We’ve updated our page with highlights from the live event held on January 19.
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About Us:
Atlanta Indie Film Festival is a vibrant hub dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the film industry. Our mission is to bring together filmmakers, industry experts, and creative visionaries to explore the evolving future of cinema.
We offer both the traditional elements of a film festival and a more experimental, creative edge. As a filmmaker, you have the opportunity to submit your work and participate in our official competition program—showcasing your film to an engaged audience and industry professionals.

This event, which features both live and online components, showcases the influence of independent filmmakers producing short films and features across drama, documentary, animation, experimental, and other genres. Every season, we organize a competition for artists in multiple categories, celebrating the diversity and creativity of voices from around the world.

Beyond screenings and awards, we curate an extensive program of workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and promotional services designed to empower filmmakers at every stage of their careers. Our sessions cover a wide range of topics—from cutting-edge filmmaking techniques and emerging technologies to masterclasses in storytelling, distribution, and film marketing strategies.

We also provide customized promotional services, connecting filmmakers with influential film outlets for interviews, reviews, and feature stories—helping you gain valuable industry exposure and recognition.

Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker eager to learn from seasoned professionals, a veteran industry player aiming to stay ahead of the curve, or a cinema enthusiast passionate about the art form, Atlanta Indie Film Festival offers an inclusive and stimulating environment to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and elevate your creative journey.

Best U.S. Short
Best International Short
Best Director
Best Script
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best U.S Feature
Best International Feature
Best U.S. Film by Black Filmmakers
Best Film Exploring Women’s Stories
Best Film Using Artificial Intelligence

1. We accept short films (under 40 minutes) and feature films (over 40 minutes) from anywhere in the world.

All genres are welcome, including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental films.

Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2022.

2. Submission Process
All entries must be submitted via an online screener link (FilmFreeway or equivalent).

Films not in English must include English subtitles.
Multiple entries are allowed, but each must be submitted separately with its own entry fee (if applicable).

3. Premiere Status
We do not require premiere status

Films that have been publicly available online are still eligible but may receive lower priority in programming.

4. Selection Process
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, filmmakers, and Atlanta Indie Film Lab programmers.
Decisions are final and made solely at the discretion of the selection committee.
Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot provide individual feedback.

5. Screening Requirements
If selected, filmmakers must provide a high-quality digital file (MP4, MOV, or ProRes) for screening.

The festival does not screen from DCP unless pre-arranged.

Selected films may be screened in-person, online, or both, depending on event format.

6. Rights & Permissions
By submitting, the filmmaker affirms that they hold all rights to the film, including music, and that no third party’s rights are infringed.

The festival has the right to use excerpts, stills, and the film’s title for promotional purposes.

7. Travel & Attendance
Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.

The festival cannot cover travel or accommodation unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

8. Liability
The festival is not responsible for any damage or loss of submitted materials.

By entering, filmmakers release the festival from any claims regarding the use of their film in festival-related activities.

9. Interview Preparation: Once registered, we will provide you with a set of tailored interview questions within five business days. The result will be available at Universal Cinema Journal.

10. Review Timeline: The film review process will take approximately two weeks from the submission date. For the review, please ensure a digital link to your film is available and accessible. We will contact you if needed for this in 5 business days after the registration. The result will be available at Universal Cinema Journal.

11. Code of Conduct
We are committed to providing a respectful, inclusive environment for all participants. Any harassment or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • It was an honor to have my documentary Sleeper screen at the festival. The Tara Theater was an awesome place to screen a film. This was my first festival for 2026 and it was a great experience. Thank you Atlanta Indie Film Lab.

    January 2026
  • I had a wonderful experience with my psychological thriller "The Back Garden." I was thrilled to be screened, and I thought the review, conducted by Universal
    Cinema, was thoughtful and layered!

    August 2025
  • Great people and great services.

    July 2025