Carpool's Drive-In Film Festival returns for year two. Buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey celebrating independent artists and their extraordinary creations. It will be a film festival experience unlike any other!

Picture this: being surrounded by fellow film enthusiasts, screening films from the comfort of your car, community events for both networking and pure enjoyment, and workshop and panels that can propel your career in film. Our festival isn't just about watching films; it's about immersing yourself in an experience that will inspire you.

From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the energy of a community passionate about storytelling and the art of filmmaking. Our carefully curated selection of independent films will showcase the diverse voices and perspectives of artists from around the globe. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narratives, each screening promises to entertain and ignite meaningful conversations.

During our inaugural year, we had so many inspiring panels, classes that gave creatives tools for acting and production, and gatherings that built genuine community amongst all in attendance. So rev up your engines and join us for an unforgettable weekend of film and fun. We need you along for the ride.

During year 2 we are excited to celebrate 10 years of Screening Room ATL! Screening Room ATL has been the go to event highlighting independent filmmakers, we are honored to have this collaboration and celebrate it's impact. Special challenges and events will be announced on our Instagram page leading up to this year's festival.

Follow us on Instagram for latest news and updates.

Awards & Prizes

We are proud to announce our collaboration with TheBlkScript! We will be bringing BLIND SIDES live for actors to have the opportunity to perform live in front of industry professionals. Finalist will also have the potential opportunity to have their performance showcased on TheBlkScript platform as well as a host of other casting and career advancement opportunities.

Awards for films are given during the award ceremony. Last years awards included…
Best Short, Best Score, Best Cinematography, Creative Concept, Social Justice: Artivism, Social Justice: American Issues, Original Documentary, Best Narrative, Cultural Impact, and Director’s Choice.

Winners of our Screening Room ATL challenge will be awarded and celebrated.

Rules & Terms

Rights:
By submitting, you grant the festival the right to screen the film during the event.
The festival may use excerpts or stills from the film for promotional purposes.

Ownership:
All submissions must be original work. Filmmakers must have attained proper permission for any work that has been included in their submissions such as music and or poetry.
The festival does not claim any ownership over the submitted films.

Carpool Productions is proud to provide a community for artist that allows us to network and fellowship safely. Anyone jeopardizing the safety of our attendees throughout the duration of festival will be escorted off of the premises.

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ricki Nelson

    While this may have been the festival's first year, I know it is the first of many. As a filmmaker the sessions and networking opportunities provided were so valuable!

    Many festivals create a degree of separation between the speakers and honorees with the attendees and filmmakers, Qiana and DeShon, the founders, did an AMAZING job at cultivating a welcoming environment.

    You could tell this was a festival made by filmmakers for filmmakers, the sessions held provided not just inspiration but practical steps on how to further ones craft, career, and creativity. From how to work with actors as a director to protecting yoursef from a legal standpoint as a creative I walked with gems of information.

    Lastly, it was so FUN! Games, food, and fellowship! Being able to watch our film on a drive-thru format was such a unique experience!

    Add Carpool Drive-In to your list of must-go festivals because while it may be small it was mighty, and it won't be an hidden secret for much longer!

    Thank you for screening "Thank You For Your Time," and creating a weekend we'll never forget!

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Terri Measel Adams

    Such a great festival run by some amazing women!!! I'm excited to see how this festival grows in future years. Everyone involved was warm and wonderful to spend time with!!

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Peighton Williamson

    Lovely group of people! It was a very fun and enjoyable festival to be a part of!

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Jason Henderson

    The Carpool Drive-In Film Festival was more than just a showcase of independent films—it was a celebration of vision, resilience, and creative community.

    Held in the heart of Atlanta, this year’s festival delivered a perfect blend of innovation and intimacy. Watching powerful stories unfold on the big screen from the comfort of your car created a nostalgic yet forward-thinking vibe. It was cinema reimagined—safe, stylish, and soulful.

    From gripping documentaries to inspiring shorts, the lineup reflected a diversity of voices and a passion for storytelling. The atmosphere was electric—windows down, popcorn in hand, headlights dimmed, and hearts wide open.

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Richard Adler

    The Carpool team puts so much heart into everything they do, and it shines through in both their community work and their young but mighty film festival. Carpool’s Drive-In Film Festival is a bold, creative twist on the traditional format. Yes, it’s actually a drive-in! The sense of community is immediate and real. We had the pleasure of attending this year, where we met some incredible people, saw inspiring films, and experienced true Southern hospitality. This intimate festival is only going to grow from here, and we hope to continue to be a part of it.

    July 2025
    Helpful