Spotlight Film Awards
Stream on FestFlix.tv. Get Nominated. Win Real Awards.

Spotlight Film Awards is an international online film festival powered by FestFlix.tv and produced by the Atlanta Film Series, which has been championing independent film for 25 years.

Every Official Selection receives a two week streaming run on FestFlix.tv, where audiences can watch, rate, and discover independent films from around the world. Selected films compete for jury awards, audience awards, and nomination to the annual Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival.

The highest-rated and most celebrated films advance as Official Nominees and receive invitations to our live year-end awards ceremony. Category winners receive custom crystal trophies and recognition alongside fellow independent filmmakers.

Unlike many online competitions that simply hand out laurels, Spotlight gives filmmakers the opportunity to have their work seen by a real audience while competing for recognition both online and on stage.

We welcome narrative, documentary, horror, animation, experimental, music videos, web series, micro shorts, vertical films, AI projects, and emerging forms of storytelling from around the world.

There are no premiere requirements.

Submit your film. Stream on FestFlix. Get Nominated. Win Real Awards.

Awards & Prizes

Spotlight Grand Jury Award
Audience Choice Award
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Horror Film
Best Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Director
Emerging Filmmaker Award
Innovative Storytelling Award
More TBA

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms

Your Film. Your Rights.
Filmmakers retain all ownership and rights to their work. FestFlix screenings are non-exclusive, presented behind a secure paywall, and may be geo-blocked when needed. Participation does not affect ownership of your film or future distribution opportunities.

• Films from all countries are welcome.
• All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway.
• Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
• Multiple entries are allowed. Each entry requires a separate submission fee.
• There are no premiere requirements.
• Entrants must own or have permission to use all copyrighted material included in their film.
• Select films will be showcased on FestFlix.tv as part of the Spotlight Film Awards program. Participation is optional.
• Filmmakers grant Spotlight Film Awards permission to use trailers, stills, posters, and excerpts for promotional purposes.
• Jury and programming decisions are final.
• Top rated films will be considered for nomination and invitation to the annual Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival awards ceremony.

Thank you for submitting your work. We look forward to watching your film.

142 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Petro Aleksowski

    I recommend submitting films to this festival to every filmmaker and producer. The contact with the organizers is excellent and it's a wonderful experience when a film qualifies.

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • David Weiss

    This was truly one of the best festivals we’ve attended. The team went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and valued. Kelsey, Amy, and Eric run an incredibly well-organized event, creating a smooth experience with plenty of opportunities to connect and network. We had an amazing time!

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • irving perdomo

    I appreciate you guys so much!!🙏🏽

    June 2025
    Helpful
  • JM Balbuena

    Thank you for the selection! I highly recommend this festival.

    March 2025
    Helpful
  • Elite Talent Sports Management

    Spotlight Documentary Film Awards, thank you for such an beautiful experience, and the opportunity to be featured as a winning participant.

    February 2025
    Helpful