You are invited to the 18th Annual Atlanta Docufest held March 3 - 5, 2023. Join us for live screenings at RoleCall Theater with select films screening online until March 10.

2023 marks our 18th annual celebration of documentary films and filmmakers, and we will continue to bring you the best in independent documentary films from across the globe. Atlanta DocuFest showcases meaningful life stories which educate and entertain audiences of every demographic.

We encourage talented documentary filmmakers from every country to share your story with our audience. Join us for this very special event, and experience a collection of some of the best documentary films of the year!

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Atlanta Docufest is held during the annual Atlanta Film Series, an annual showcase of independent film packed with four unique film festivals designed to spotlight every genre of cinema imaginable.

Events include:

Atlanta Docufest - March 3 - 5, 2023
Atlanta Shortsfest - June 2 & 3, 2023
Atlanta Underground Film Festival - August 4 - 6, 2023
Atlanta Horror Film Festival - October 12 - 15, 2023

Join us for all of the events at the Atlanta Film Series.

Awards & Prizes

Atlanta Docufest presents awards in various categories. Past awards include:

Best Documentary Feature
Best Comedy Documentary Feature
Best Dramatic Documentary Feature
Best Social - Issue Documentary Feature
Best Art Documentary Feature
Best Foreign Documentary Feature
Best Political Documentary Feature
Best Environmental Documentary Feature
Best Local Documentary Feature
Audience Choice Documentary Feature
Judges Choice Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Featurette
Best Documentary Short
Best Experimental Documentary Short
Best Sports Documentary Short
Best Foreign Documentary Short
Best Dramatic Documentary Short
Best Art Documentary Short
Audience Choice Documentary Short
Best Director

Rules & Terms

FORMATS OF SUBMISSIONS COPIES
​We only accept online screeners.

SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION
Programming decisions are made by the festival directors and our selection committee. If accepted, we will notify filmmakers by email. After acceptance, the exhibition format will need to be in our office two weeks before the festival. We do not pay rental fees for submitted work that is programmed.

CONFIRMATION OF ENTRY
Feel free to email us if you would like confirmation of entry, or check your FilmFreeway account page.

28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Max Good

    Thanks for a great fest! The Atlanta Docufest staff were always super helpful and reliable with communication. My film, "The Assassination & Mrs. Paine" won Best Historical Feature Documentary. The festival was part virtual and part in-person this year. My film was only shown virtually and I didn't get to attend, but I still felt welcomed and supported.

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • AnaMichele Morejon

    Wonderful hosts, great venue/environment, but unfortunately the turnout was quite small which limited opportunities for networking.

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • FirstSight Agency

    Loved being a part of this fest, everyone involved makes you feel welcome.

    June 2022
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  • Nathaniel Hoff

    This was a real gem. We were able to attend the festival and we had such a fantastic time. We had wine, we watched great films, and we made so many new friends. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this film festival. And! Our film "State of the Unity" won "Best Directors" of a Feature Documentary. I would highly recommend! Ever Upwards, Nathaniel

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • Heather Kessinger

    Thank you Atlanta Docufest for your festival. In a moment (covid/in person/virtual) when festival experiences for filmmakers can be all over the place, it has been great to participate in your festival.

    June 2022
    Helpful