The 18th Annual Atlanta Shortsfest returns to 7 Stages Theatre in 2027.

For nearly two decades, Atlanta Shortsfest has brought filmmakers and audiences together to celebrate short films the way they're meant to be experienced: on the big screen, surrounded by people who genuinely love independent film.

As part of the Atlanta Film Series, which has championed independent film for 25 years, Atlanta Shortsfest has grown into Georgia's longest-running film festival dedicated exclusively to short films while staying true to the filmmaker-first spirit that started it all.

This is more than a screening. It's an invitation to a community.

Over the years, thousands of filmmakers have shared their work through the Atlanta Shortsfest. Collaborations have been formed, friendships have been built, and filmmakers from around the world have found a home in our audience and creative community.

Filmmakers come to Atlanta Shortsfest to experience their work with a live audience, connect with fellow artists, discover new voices, attend filmmaker Q&As, participate in networking events, and celebrate together at our after parties throughout the weekend.

Selected filmmakers receive two All-Access Festival Passes with access to screenings, networking events, after parties, and the Filmmaker Lounge. All selected films compete for juried and audience awards presented during our live Closing Night Awards Ceremony.

Enter Georgia's longest running short film festival and be a part of our 18th Annual Celebration of short films.

Awards & Prizes

All winners of Atlanta Shortsfest are announced live during the closing events.

Winners will receive a crystal trophy to celebrate their achievement.

Best Short Film
Top honor of the festival, awarded to the standout short across all categories.
Best Director
Recognizes a filmmaker whose vision and craft elevated the entire film.
Best Local Film
Presented to a short made by a Georgia-based filmmaker or filmed in Georgia.
Best Comedy Short
Celebrates the short film that delivers strong laughs, sharp writing, and great timing.
Best Drama Short
Recognizes the short film that delivers a strong, character-driven story with emotional depth and compelling performances.
Best Horror Short
Recognizes the most effective and memorable horror short.
Best Concept
For a short that brought a strong and original idea to life.
Impact Award
Given to the film that made a strong impression through story, tone, or emotion.
Innovative Vision
Awarded to a film that took creative risks or used unique storytelling or visual techniques.
Emerging Filmmaker
Honors a new voice in short-form filmmaking with clear talent and potential.
Jury Award
Selected by the festival jury, this award recognizes a film that stood out for its overall strength in storytelling, craft, and execution.
Audience Choice Award
Chosen by viewers during the festival. This award goes to the film that made the biggest impression on the crowd

Rules & Terms

Please note - Atlanta premiere status is expected but we can make certain exceptions if you notify us.

Submit all films through FilmFreeway with a secure online screener.

We accept short films of all genres and styles under 40 minutes.

All selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway. Please confirm your participation promptly.

Final files and promotional materials must be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

Entry fees are non-refundable.
124 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Double Delivery

    Truly an amazing festival. I've attended a lot of festivals, both as an audience member and a filmmaker. Atlanta Shortsfest is so special. I haven't seen one that curates to such a high degree while still feeling grounded and approachable, and also going out of the way to accommodate filmmakers and make them feel cared for—until I attended Atlanta Shortsfest. I am a fan for life. I will be back again and again.

    June 2026
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  • Samaria Falone

    This is one of the best film festivals I have attended! The entire team was incredibly welcoming, they did an amazing job truly celebrating every creator and ensuring that the program ran smoothly. The films that were selected were amazing and inspiring. Definitely a festival worth submitting to and attending!

    May 2026
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  • Kelsey Nerrie

    I was blown away by the quality of the films included in this festival, as well as by the passion and enthusiasm by not only the filmmakers and film lovers in attendance, but by the folks behind the scenes. This festival is clearly a labor of love; it was evident in the planning, the follow-through, and the interactions. I can confidently say this is one of the best festivals I've attended! I walked away with new contacts AND new friends.
    The fact that my short film "Repercussion(s)" took home the Best Drama award was truly the cherry on top of an already excellent experience.
    Thank you, especially, to Kelsey, Amy, and Hayden for being such GOOD humans.

    May 2026
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  • August Falcon

    Atlanta Shortest is a festival that truly champions the artists they hand select. Their communication is so warm and friendly and I can just tell how excited they were to have my music video be a part of their official selection. They put so much effort into their programming and it really shows. I feel like I'm a part of a community and I don't always feel that way about other festivals. Thank you Atlanta Shortest for all you do to lift up independent work and I look forward to submitting again and again.

    May 2026
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  • Melanie Jeffcoat

    We had a fabulous time at the Atlanta Shortsfest! The communication from acceptance onward was timely and informative. The staff, who all clearly LOVE movies, made us feel welcomed and the films all looked and sounded amazing in the theatre! I was blown away by the filmmaker attendance and made so many new friends with fellow filmmakers, actors, directors and film lovers. The films were all so GOOD! Great indie energy! We are honored to have our film LOCKDOWN win the Jury Award at the festival and look forward to bringing more films to the Shortsfest in the future. Great festival! Kelsey and Amy are solid gold!

    May 2026
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