Stories That Matter. Truth That Resonates.

Now in its 21st year, Atlanta Documentary Film Festival (Docufest) is one of the Southeast’s leading showcases for bold, original, and impactful documentary films. We honor real stories told with purpose, and we celebrate the filmmakers who bring them to life with vision, craft, and heart.

Whether your documentary uncovers injustice, sparks cultural dialogue, or offers a deeply personal perspective, Atlanta Docufest was built to recognize work that informs, inspires, and stays with audiences long after the credits roll.

Why Submit to Atlanta Docufest
Live screenings in a vibrant Atlanta venue with passionate, engaged audiences

Real recognition with awards in key categories including Best Feature, Best Short, Best Director, and Audience Choice

Industry-respected programming with a focus on powerful stories, unique access, and fresh perspectives

Filmmaker-first experience with promotional support, filmmaker Q&As, and opportunities to connect

21 years of trust as a documentary-specific event presented by the team behind the Atlanta Film Series

We welcome feature and short documentaries from around the world, across all topics and styles: investigative journalism, personal storytelling, cultural commentary, environmental, political, artistic, and experimental work.

Be part of the 21st Annual Atlanta Docufest, March 20–22, 2026.
Let your story be heard where stories matter most.

Awards & Prizes

Atlanta Docufest honors outstanding documentary films and filmmakers with our signature custom crystal trophies, awarded in the following core categories:

Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Best Local Documentary
Best Student Documentary
Best Director
Jury Award
Audience Choice Award

Selected winners will receive a one-of-a-kind crystal award and featured recognition across our platforms.

We’re proud to celebrate powerful stories and the filmmakers behind them. Winning an award at Atlanta Docufest is more than a trophy—it’s a platform.

This event is part of the Atlanta Film Series, a year-round showcase of independent film in Atlanta, Georgia. Our festivals highlight original voices and fresh perspectives across genres and formats.

Explore all upcoming festivals in the series:

Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival
Big Ideas. Small Packages.
May 10, 2025

Atlanta Shortsfest
Where Short Films Shine
June 21 to 22, 2025

Atlanta Underground Film Festival
Uncover the Unexpected
August 8 to 10, 2025

Atlanta Horror Film Festival
Unleash the Terror
October 17 to 19, 2025

Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival
The Best of the Best in Indie Film
December 6, 2025

Atlanta Docufest
Stories That Matter
March 20 to 22, 2026

For more information, visit AtlantaFilmSeries.com

Rules & Terms

All films are carefully reviewed by a panel of passionate documentary filmmakers, curators, and festival staff. We value every submission and treat your work with the same respect and attention we'd want for our own.

Atlanta Docufest welcomes compelling documentary films of all lengths and styles. Please review the following before submitting:

All submissions must be documentary films. We accept features, shorts, hybrid docs, experimental, and animated nonfiction films.

No premiere status is required. Films that have screened elsewhere or are available online are eligible.

We only accept online screeners via FilmFreeway for preview purposes.

All films must be in English or include English subtitles.

Works-in-progress are accepted, but please note what changes are expected before completion.

Multiple entries are allowed, but each must be submitted with a separate entry fee.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Selection & Notification
Programming decisions are made by the festival directors and our selection committee. Filmmakers will be notified of acceptance by email. We do not pay screening or rental fees for submitted work that is programmed. If selected, your final exhibition file must be delivered to us at least two weeks prior to the festival.

Confirmation of Entry
To confirm your submission, you may check your FilmFreeway account or email us directly.
42 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Henry Baker

    Amazing! The festival is super-organized. Plenty of advance notice to arrange attending and sending out my own social media, The festival is highly promoted, so filmmakers get great coverage and PR. Perfect communication and networking, A must for all LGBTQ+ filmmakers,

    March 2025
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  • J l

    Kelsey! You are wonderful! Thank you so much! Great festival!!

    March 2025
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  • Thomas Hoebbel

    Attending the Atlanta Docufest was an amazing experience. The quality of films was outstanding and the networking opportunities with other film makers was very enriching. The festival staff were very accommodating and made the experience a wonderful one.

    March 2025
    Helpful
  • Jordan Barclay

    I was thrilled to win Best Director - Documentary Short for our film “Sack Race With Knives”. The hospitality of the staff was great. The short films in our block were all really impressive and I enjoyed connecting with talented filmmakers.

    May 2024
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  • Anthony Werhun

    We had a wonderful experience and are honored that IT’S NOT UP TO US won the Short Documentary Jury Award — considering the high quality of films in this festival, that is a tremendous honor.
    Every film in our program was fantastic and I look forward to following the careers of the talented filmmakers I encountered at Docufest.
    Our team is grateful for the positive experience and we will be submitting future projects to Atlanta Docufest.

    April 2024
    Helpful