The 15th Annual Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival (Atlanta Docufest) is held November 5 - 7, 2020 at the Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.

2020 marks our 15th 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, where life-changing documentary films and their creators are celebrated.

Join us and experience a collection of some of the best documentary films of the year!

ATLANTA FILM SERIES:

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

Events include:

Atlanta Underground Film Festival
August 13 - 15, 2020

Atlanta Shortsfest
JAugust 27 - 29, 2020

Atlanta Horror Film Festival
September 10 - 12, 2020

Atlanta Docufest
November 5 - 7, 2020

All events are held at The Synchronicity Theatre, a 140-seat theater right in the heart of the Midtown/Uptown neighborhood, on Peachtree St. in the Peachtree Pointe building.

With a great restaurant and bar next door to the theatre, filmmakers and fans can gather after their screenings to connect and collaborate.

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.

17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aaron Hosé

    I'm happy to have screened twice at Atlanta Docufest. Too bad I wasn't able to attend either year, but I look forward to submitting again for my next project. It's worth the entry fee. Communication from festival staff was friendly and on point.

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • torben schou

    This is a great festival. Intimate. Relevant. Friendly. Go there if You want to have a good time with lots of memorable visual moments.

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • Ariana Feiner

    Atlanta Docufest was an amazing film festival! Cameron and Lauren were so kind, helpful, and accommodating. I am thrilled to receive the award for Best Young Director for my documentary short film, A Story of Courage! Thank you so much not only for recognizing my journey, but also for honoring the strength of all people fighting visible and invisible disabilities!

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • JODI GOMES

    Great festival and I’m honored my film One Child Left Behind won Best Director. The event planners and festival have great communication and top notch accommodation for the Producers. Great festival & audience.

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • Taylor Stanton

    Was thrilled to have my short play here. I was unable to attend, but hope to next year. From all of their communication, our cast/crew felt extremely supported and appreciated!

    October 2018
    Helpful