The film Industry is growing in Athens–but not without the Film Community! The 2nd Annual Athens Film Festival will celebrate the art of cinema and showcase a diverse range of films from talented filmmakers around the world. Taking place in the thriving city of Athens, Georgia, our festival is a testament to the growing film industry in the region.

Georgia has become a hub for film production in recent years, with major studios and productions flocking to the state for its production opportunities and skilled workforce. Athens, in particular, has seen a surge in film-related activity, with a growing number of filmmakers and production companies calling this city home. The Athens Film Festival aims to showcase this dynamic and exciting industry, and provide a platform for local and international filmmakers to share their work with the world.

Our program features films from various genres, including drama, comedy, documentary, and animation, all curated to provide a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. We believe that films have the power to connect, inspire, and educate people, and our festival aims to create a space where people can come together to explore diverse perspectives and experiences through the art of cinema.

Whether you're a film enthusiast, a casual moviegoer, or simply looking for a fun and engaging experience, the Athens Film Festival has something for everyone. Join us for a weekend of film screenings, discussions, and special events that will inspire, challenge, and entertain you. We can't wait to see you there!

Awards & Prizes

Awards* categories (guaranteed but not limited to):
- Best Narrative Feature
- Best Narrative Short
- Best Documentary Film
- Best International Film
- Best Animation/Experimental Film
- Best Student Film
- Best Music Video
- Best Georgia Film
*Each award includes a physical trophy made by a local artist!

Rules & Terms

1) REQUIREMENTS

• Films completed within the past 3 years will be considered.
• 'Works in progress' will also be considered.
• If selected, all submissions must grant permission for the following:
- At least one in person screening between the dates of August 15th-17th.
- Permission to mention and promote your film through any and all marketing efforts for the Athens Film Festival.
- Athens Film Festival has the right to use a trailer, stills, pics and posters for promotional purposes in various platforms, including social media, websites, etc.
• We consider films regardless of their premiere status. If your film has appeared or been selected at another festival, it is still eligible for consideration.
• All submissions must be received by the final deadline - July 1st 2025.
• Non-English films must be subtitled.
• Closed Captioning is encouraged!
• Selected films MUST provide a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) or video file (.mov or .mp4) in order to be screened. Film title MUST be clearly labelled on the hard drive.

2) DATES

• The 2nd annual Athens Film Festival will take place from August 14th-17th.

3) AWARDS AND PRIZES

Jury Prizes:
- Best Narrative Feature
- Best Narrative Short
- Best Documentary Film
- Best International Film
- Best Animation/Experimental Film
- Best Student Film
- Best Music Video
- Best Georgia Film

4) CONTENT DISCLAIMER
• The First Annual Athens Film Festival will accept and consider any and all films submissions regardless of content or subject matter, with the exception of egregious violence or illegal content.

5) AGREEMENT
By submitting to the Athens Film Festival, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights for the submission of this film/video to Athens Film Festival and that all rights and clearances have been made. This film is neither subject to nor is threatened by any litigation. You hold Athens Film Festival harmless from damage to, or loss of any or all materials en route to, from or otherwise at the festival. You assume all legal responsibilities therein.

15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Daisy Pareja

    Oh, what a ride! This one is for the books.

    My group Actors Army and I had the honor to premiere our film, Guest With Benefits at the Athens Film Festival and it was everything we expected and MORE. It was very well organized, communication was impeccable and the festival itself was beautifully curated with thoughtful and diverse film genres.

    They gave us the star treatment and even went the extra extra mile to accommodate our needs. Lora, Anthony, Allison and Chuck are true class acts.

    We highly recommend attending this festival!
    Thank you Athens Film Festival!

    September 2024
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  • Jayson Warner Smith

    Highly HIGHLY recommend!!!

    After 30+ festivals over a year and a half run, the Athens Film Festival was one of the best experiences of the journey. In full transparency, it is also my home-town festival so I am a bit biased. Not only was my film screened in competition, I was asked to help out by moderating a few Q&A's.

    I will say this, for a first year festival, Chuck and company knocked it out of the park. Yes, they learned a lot and there were a few hitches but, not enough to remark on.

    Also, for anyone considering this festival for 2025, Athens, GA loves a festival!! I was completely and happily shocked at the attendance. All the venues are within walking distance of each other and there are tons of restaurants and bars all around the area. Athens is a small town but due to the presence of UGA (go Dawgs!) there is more than enough places to sate your appetites for food and beverage. Plenty of lodging right there as well.

    Don't let the 2nd year festival listing scare you off. If you have a great film, you will want to submit to Athens Film Festival. in 2024 they received 5000+ submissions and screened about 80. Six features and the rest shorts.

    Well worth the price (if any) of submitting.

    -Jayson Warner Smith

    August 2024
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  • João Victor Montuori

    an spectacular festival fulfilled with kindness and really great films!

    August 2024
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  • NewBorn Short Film Agency

    It is our honour to have our film selected in Athens Film Festival.
    The communication with the festival director, Chuck Griffin, was simply great and on the spot. We are looking forward for the next edition of the festival!

    August 2024
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  • Alex Thomas

    **Athens Film Festival: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Georgia**

    We had the honor of premiering our short film, *The School Mistress*, at the inaugural Athens Film Festival, and it was an experience beyond our expectations. Even in its first year, the festival was impressively well-organized, offering a great blend of local and international films. The festival’s thoughtful curation highlighted both the cultural richness of Athens and the creative spirit that thrives in this vibrant town. Our screening took place in the historic Morton Theatre, right in the heart of Downtown Athens. The classic charm of the building resonated beautifully with the historical setting of our film.

    Beyond the screenings, the festival featured networking events that were both insightful and engaging. A standout was the panel on crowdfunding led by UGA Film MFA Director, Marty Lang, which featured one of the filmmakers. Athens itself is the perfect host city, with great downtown nightlife, wonderful theaters, enthusiastic audiences, and a vibrant arts scene that was highlighted throughout the festival experience. The Athens Film Festival is a real hidden gem and a must for filmmakers. It’s a festival that’s bound to grow in the film festival circuit—and one we’ll be eager to return to next year. If you’re a filmmaker, submit your work; this is an event not to be missed!

    August 2024
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