Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) is a niche market film festival held annually during the final week of Summer (3rd week in September) in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 2018 by Ray Culpepper, an award-winning independent Atlanta-based filmmaker, this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serves as a conduit for feature films of multicultural diaspora and provides a creative environment where minority filmmakers can showcase their latest creations to diverse audiences in hopes of attracting reputable producers, sales agents, aggregators, and acquisition executives of movie studios, cable / tv networks, production companies, and streaming service platforms.
Aside from exhibiting non-studio produced films, the primary goal of Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) is to assist in the growth and the development of independent filmmakers seeking to further satisfy their creative prowess, thus earning the moniker “A Filmmaker’s Festival”. As such, the annual Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) hopes to attract talented new and experienced indie filmmakers along with an impressive network of film industry movers and shakers.
This year’s Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) takes place over 3 days in September during the final weekend of Summer (Friday, Sept. 22 - Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023).
50 - Short Films
4 - Feature Films
2 – Networking Mixers
2 - Indie Workshops
1 – Pitch Competition
1 - Awards Ceremony
FESTIVAL EVENTS
This official “End of Summer” film festival features a host of fan favorite signature events as well as a few new activities premiering on Opening and Closing days.
(a) Moviemakers Mixer
(b) Movie Marathon
(c) Pitch Black
(d) Indie Film Workshop
(e) Actor's Spotlight
(f) BFF-ATL Awards aka "The Indies"
"The Indies" is an informal Awards Gala honoring the best talent (Lead and Supporting actor and actress) along with the best film (Feature and Short) screened in the Movie Marathon competition series of all indie films (Features and Shorts) showcasing in the festival. Each film, along with its leading and supporting cast, will be
considered for a “Best Award” during "The Indies" on Closing Day.
The following coveted awards will be presented to the winners:
BEST FEATURE FILM
BEST SHORT FILM
BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM
BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM
BEST ACTOR IN A SHORT FILM
BEST ACTRESS IN A SHORT FILM
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
BEST ANIMATION / SCI-FI / FANTASY FILM
BEST COMEDY FILM
BEST HORROR FILM
BEST MENTAL HEALTH FILM
BEST RELATIONSHIP FILM
BEST STUDENT FILM
In addition to these awards, all films selected into the festival will have the opportunity to be considered for distribution via our Streaming Service partners.
For SHORTS, we have a designated channel labeled as "BFF-ATL Movies" on a national streaming service platform that allows your short film exposure across the globe and not just in festivals.
For FEATURES, our Producer's Rep (via www.InnovativeContent.net) will submit your feature and negotiate the best deal for your film on a particular reputable Streaming Service platform via our newly formed partnership.