We heard you were a movie lover. That’s good news. The 2025 Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) has begun throughout the city. The multi-weekend event is one of the best festivals in Atlanta.

2026 Atlanta Film Festival: Everything You Need To Know

Atlanta Film Festival Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Star-Studded Programming and Cultural Milestones

ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF), Georgia’s premier celebration of independent filmmaking, kicks off its landmark 50th anniversary edition today, running in-person from April 23 to May 3, 2026, at the historic Plaza Theatre and Tara Theatre. Virtual screenings of selected films continue through May 11.

This milestone event underscores ATLFF’s role as a cornerstone of independent cinema in the Southeast and an Oscar-qualifying festival that has launched and supported countless careers over five decades. Selected from more than 5,500 submissions, the 2026 lineup features approximately 154 films—including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and episodic content—representing diverse voices from around the world, with strong representation from Georgia filmmakers.

A Golden Anniversary of Legacy and Innovation

To mark 50 years, ATLFF presents special Legacy Screenings honoring films that shaped Atlanta’s film landscape and the careers of returning talent. Highlights include:

  • Daughters of the Dust (1991) with special guest Julie Dash
  • The Spectacular Now (2013) with James Ponsoldt
  • Great World of Sound (2007) with Craig Zobel

Additional special presentations feature classics like eXistenZ (with Violet Lucca) and Clint Eastwood’s Richard Jewell, alongside marquee titles such as Rose of Nevada, Power Ballad (Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas), I Want Your Sex, Late Fame (Willem Dafoe), and more.40

The festival also spotlights local ties with films shot in Atlanta or created by connected filmmakers, reinforcing ATLFF’s deep roots in the city’s booming creative community.

Creative Conference and Multidisciplinary Events

Now in its 16th year, the ATLFF Creative Conference (presented by CineFi) runs April 28–May 1 with 50 panels, workshops, and presentations. Themes include creative development tools, film finance, and micro-budget filmmaking—tailored to empower emerging and established creators.

A standout event is SOUND + VISION at The Goat Farm Arts Center, an immersive evening blending film, live music, visual arts, VR, and music videos—celebrating the intersection of sonic and visual storytelling.

Star Power and Honors

The festival features high-profile appearances and awards. Hip-hop legend RZA (Wu-Tang Clan founder, 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and director) attends a screening of his film One Spoon of Chocolate at the Tara Theatre on April 24. He walks the red carpet, participates in a Q&A, and receives the Originator Award for his groundbreaking contributions to music, film, and culture.

Other honorees include actress Mckenna Grace and additional talents recognized at events like the IMAGE Awards Gala.

Commitment to Diversity and Discovery

ATLFF continues its strong track record of inclusivity: nearly half the programmed films from submissions were directed by women or gender-nonconforming filmmakers, over half by BIPOC directors, and a significant portion by Georgia talent. The festival remains a vital platform for bold, underrepresented stories.37

Festival badges, individual tickets, and virtual passes are available now via the official ATLFF site and Eventive platform. Merchandise and membership options offer additional ways to support the Atlanta Film Society’s year-round work.

As Executive Director Christopher Escobar noted, the 50th anniversary honors the community that has grown alongside ATLFF while championing the next generation of storytellers. Whether you’re a cinephile, filmmaker, or culture enthusiast, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable blend of nostalgia, innovation, and cinematic excellence in the heart of Atlanta.

For the full schedule, film guide, and tickets, visit atlantafilmfestival.com or the ATLFF 2026 app.

  • Submission Process: Films are submitted via FilmFreeway, with deadlines ranging from early (June) to extended (November). Feature films must not be publicly released online or on VOD before the festival, while short films available online are considered case-by-case. Georgia premieres are preferred.
  • Ticketing and Membership: General tickets are available online via Eventive, and Atlanta Film Society memberships offer festival access, exclusive screenings, and discounts. For ticketing inquiries, contact boxoffice@atlantafilmfestival.com or call (470) 296-

How To Get A Badge To ATLFF

ATLFF passes & Individual Tickets to each event are available for purchase at atlantafilmfestival.com.

Explore Your Atlanta

There are some good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!

The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.    

  Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend!

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