Atlanta Film Festivals

ATL DOC is a documentary film festival in Atlanta screening short and feature documentaries from Georgia and around the world. It is the first and only documentary film festival in Georgia and gives filmmakers a platform to share stories that inform and inspire.
Dates: March 20–22, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: ATL DOC on FilmFreeway 

ATL HORROR features horror, thriller, sci-fi and dark-themed short films. As one of the most recognized horror film festivals in Georgia, it offers a strong platform for genre filmmakers and audiences who enjoy independent horror films.
Dates: October 2–4, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: Atlanta Horror Film Fest on FilmFreeway 

ATL UNDERGROUND screens independent shorts and features with a focus on alternative voices. As one of the oldest underground film festivals in the United States, it highlights bold work from Georgia filmmakers and global creators.
Dates: August 7–9, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: Atlanta Underground Film Fest on FilmFreeway 

ATL SHORTS is the long-running Atlanta short film festival, and the top Georgia short festival. The festival screens comedy, drama, horror, documentary, animation and more. It is the major short film festivals in Georgia and a popular event for filmmakers who want their short films seen by an engaged audience.
Dates: June 27–28, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions:  Atlanta Shortsfest on FilmFreeway 

ATL EXP presents experimental, hybrid and AI-driven films from creators exploring new forms of storytelling. It is one of the few experimental film festivals in Georgia and highlights innovative short films, video art and work that pushes the boundaries of cinema.
Dates: May 17, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: ATL EXP on FIlmFreeway 

ATL MICRO showcases short films under six minutes and focuses on concise, high-impact storytelling. It is a key micro-short event in Georgia and attracts filmmakers looking to submit short films in Georgia with very short run times.
Dates: May 16, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions : Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival on FilmFreeway 

ATL SPOTLIGHT is a year-end showcase presenting the top short films of the season in a single-night competition. It is one of the key Georgia short film competitions, featuring standout indie work across multiple categories.
Dates: December 6, 2025
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Submissions: Atlanta Spotlight on FilmFreeway