Atlanta Shorts Film Festival
Atlanta Shortsfest
ATL Shorts is the original Atlanta short film festival and the longest running short film festival in Georgia. Each June, the festival screens comedy, drama, horror, documentary, animation, and experimental shorts from local and international filmmakers.
About Atlanta Shorts Film Festival
ATL Shorts
ATL Shorts is the original Atlanta short film festival and the longest running short film festival in Georgia. For nearly twenty years, the festival has screened comedy, drama, horror, documentary, animation, and experimental short films from Georgia filmmakers and from the wider indie film community.
Each June, ATL Shorts brings two full days of short films to Atlanta. The lineup highlights new work from local directors, national artists, and international filmmakers looking to screen in Georgia’s film scene.
The event includes filmmaker meetups, Q&A sessions, and a strong audience that shows up for short form storytelling.
If you’re searching for Atlanta short film festivals or planning to submit your short film in Georgia, ATL Shorts is where filmmakers and audiences meet each year.
Join us June 27 & 28 for the next Atlanta Shorts Film Festival
Award Categories:
All winners of Atlanta Shorts 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 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.
Best Comedy Short
Celebrates the short film that delivers strong laughs, sharp writing, and great timing.
Best Horror Short
Recognizes the most effective and memorable horror short.
Audience Choice Award
Chosen by viewers during the festival. This award goes to the film that made the biggest impression on the crowd.
Why filmmakers submit to Atlanta Shorts
• It’s the original Atlanta short film festival with nearly twenty years of history.
• It’s the longest running short film festival in Georgia, so filmmakers know the event is established and consistent.
• The audience turnout is strong, and the rooms stay full across all blocks.
• The festival programs comedy, drama, horror, documentary, animation, and experimental work, so many types of shorts fit here.
• Georgia filmmakers get a reliable local platform, and out of state filmmakers get access to an active Atlanta film community.
• The weekend includes Q and A sessions, filmmaker meetups, and chances to connect with other creators.
• Filmmakers want their work seen in Atlanta, a major production hub with strong industry interest in short films.