Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival
This is where the year's best short films gather for the final showdown.

Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival brings together standout short films from the festival circuit for one final big-screen showcase and live awards ceremony.

Held at the end of the year in Atlanta, Spotlight celebrates the films, filmmakers, and stories that made an impact throughout the festival season. Every selected film screens before a live audience and is automatically nominated for awards presented during the festival.

Unlike traditional festivals focused on premieres, Spotlight is designed for films that have already begun their festival journey. If your short film screened, received an official selection, or earned recognition at another festival during the year, we want to see it!

Winners are announced during our live awards ceremony and receive the Spotlight crystal trophy. Filmmakers have the opportunity to reconnect with audiences, celebrate the year's achievements, and network with fellow filmmakers as the festival season comes to a close.

Eligible Films

Short films under 30 minutes in any genre, including narrative, documentary, horror, comedy, animation, experimental, student, and music video.

Why Submit?
• Live screening in Atlanta to celebrate the best of the year
• Every selected film is automatically nominated for awards
• Audience and jury awards
• Custom Spotlight crystal trophies for winners
• Network with attending filmmakers
• Part of the Atlanta Film Series, celebrating 25 years of independent film

One Last Screening. One Final Chance to Win.

Awards & Prizes

Every film selected for the Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival is automatically nominated for an award in its category. Nominees are recognized on our website and across our platforms, and all winners receive our custom Spotlight crystal trophy.

Award Categories:

Film of the Year
Best Narrative Short
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Horror Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Local Short
Best Local Director
Best Student Short
Best Animated Short
Best Music Video
Best Micro Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Director
Best Performance
Best Ensemble
Best Cinematography
Jury Award
Audience Choice
Spotlight Icon Award

Winners Receive
A Spotlight crystal trophy
Live screenings and awards on stage at the year-end showcase
Featured promotion across our websites, press releases, and social media

Our mission is to celebrate the strongest short films of the year and give every nominated filmmaker the recognition they deserve.

Rules & Terms

Running Time and Categories
Short films must have a runtime of 30 minutes or less.

Live Event
The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Limelight Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. All selected films will be screened as part of the live event.

Premiere Status
There are no premiere requirements.

Language Requirements
Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Submission Format
All submissions must be made exclusively through FilmFreeway.

Awards Presentation
Attendance at the live awards ceremony is not required to receive full recognition. Award winners will receive a custom crystal trophy, with the option to have the award shipped if unable to attend.

116 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • ShawnKole K

    You can tell everyone working is passionate about what they do. There were amazing local filmmakers we were able to network and the films shown were great. Looking forward to supporting this festival in the future.

    December 2025
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  • MK McGehee

    Absolutely outstanding in every way. Eric, Kelsey, Amy and the entire team care deeply about the indie film community and it shows with every single Atlanta Film Series festival, including the Spotlight Film Festival. Love you guys so much! Xx

    December 2025
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  • Ashley Crane

    These folks are top tier! From start to finish, they were extremely kind and welcoming, and they have a genuine appreciation for filmmakers. This qas a wonderful experience, and I can't recommend them highly enough!

    December 2025
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  • Tyler Hagen

    Incredible festival! Wasn't able to attend but everything about it was wonderful.

    December 2025
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  • Aaron Garcia

    The Atlanta Film Series has been a class act in the festival circuit. Very honored my short film, "My Wife" was nominated for best experimental. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go to the festival, I was always kept up to date with them and their social media. They picked great films for their programs. It was such an honor to be one of the top films they screened all year. I'll continue to submit films to their festivals vowing one day I'll be able to make it there. You guys do amazing work.

    December 2025
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