Where the Year’s Best Short Films Shine Brightest
Live in Atlanta - Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Limelight Theater

The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival is a prestigious year-end celebration of the most exceptional short films from around the world. This is not just another festival, it’s a curated event honoring the best in independent short-form storytelling.

Finalists screen live on stage in Atlanta, where their films are judged by both a respected panel of industry professionals and a live audience. This dynamic format creates a one-of-a-kind awards experience that’s competitive, energizing, and filmmaker-focused.

Why Submit Your Film
Be recognized as one of the top short filmmakers of the year
Compete for major awards including Best Narrative, Best Director, and Spotlight Achievement
Screen your work in a prestigious live event with jury and audience voting
Walk the red carpet, connect with peers, and take the stage in front of an engaged, supportive audience
Gain exposure, credibility, and momentum for your film and career

Built for Independent Filmmakers
With more than 35,000 short films evaluated to date, our team of filmmakers, programmers, and consultants brings deep respect for your craft and your vision. We don’t just select films - we champion them.

From Awards Showcase to Festival
After 11 years as an awards program, the Spotlight Film Awards has evolved into a live screening event. Welcome to the Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival - where the best shorts of the year get their moment on screen.

Submit Today
Let your film stand out.
Submit now for a chance to compete live in Atlanta’s Spotlight!

Awards & Prizes

Award Categories:
Best Narrative – Recognizing excellence in storytelling and direction.
Best Documentary – Honoring powerful non-fiction storytelling.
Best Horror – Highlighting the most thrilling and chilling films.
Best Comedy – Celebrating humor and comedic brilliance.
Best Drama – Awarding compelling and emotionally driven narratives.
Best Animated – Showcasing outstanding animation and artistry.
Best Music Video – Honoring creative and visually stunning music videos.
Best Experimental – Recognizing innovative and boundary-pushing films.
Best Micro Short – Awarding excellence in films under five minutes.
Best Made in Georgia – Honoring the best locally produced films.

What Winners Receive
A custom crystal trophy presented live on stage in Atlanta
An official award certificate and professional laurels to showcase your win
A featured filmmaker profile on our website to spotlight your work
Promotion across our social platforms to help expand your audience
Prestige and recognition that strengthens your press kit, funding proposals, and future festival submissions

Rules & Terms

Running Time and Categories
All submitted films must have a runtime of 46 minutes or less to be considered.

Live Event
The 2025 Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Limelight Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.

Premiere Status
There are no premiere requirements. Films may have screened at other festivals or been released prior to submission.

Language Requirements
Films in languages other than English or Spanish must include English subtitles for consideration.

Submission Format
All submissions must be made exclusively through FilmFreeway.

Awards Presentation:
If you can't attend the live awards show, don’t worry, you’ll still receive full recognition for your achievement.

Winners and nominees who are unable to attend will:
Be announced online and included in our official winner’s list
Receive digital award certificates and laurels
Have their filmmaker bios featured on our website
Be promoted across our social media and email platforms
Trophy winners will have the option to receive their custom crystal award by mail (shipping rates apply for international shipping)
We proudly celebrate all of our award recipients, whether they join us in person or from around the world. Your work deserves the spotlight—and we make sure it gets it.
103 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Christopher Owens

    On behalf of CESO ENTERPRISES, INC., Alyssa Dann, and Chris Oledude, I would like to compliment the organizers and operators of Spotlight Short Film Awards. We are proud to have had the opportunity to showcase our work, “Orange Blues 24” in your festival, as well as share the spotlight with so many talented film makers. Submitting our film was a simple process, and everyone who contacted us on behalf of this festival was helpful, and easy to communicate with. Although we were not able to attend in person, this will remain a highlight of our year, and we recommend submitting your work to this wonderful festival! We certainly intend to participate again in the future.

    Thank you Spotlight!
    -Alyssa and Chris

    February 2025
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  • Liz Lea

    We are thrilled to have been given an award and grateful to the smooth running of the organisers

    February 2025
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  • Scavengers The Film

    Thank you for this award win! We are truly grateful and hope the festival continues to be a smashing success.

    February 2025
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  • Malcolm Solomon

    This was a fantastic and enjoyable experience.

    February 2025
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  • Tamara Setton

    I'm delighted to have been selected and awarded a prize at this very open festival, which is keen to thank a wide range of categories. Thank you to all my team for your recognition.
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    Très heureux d'avoir été sélectionné et primé dans ce festival très ouvert et qui a la volonté de remercier des catégories très différentes. Merci à viotre reconaissance pour toute mon équipe.

    February 2025
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