Atlanta, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Georgia’s film industry is vibrant as several festivals, including Out on Film and the Georgia Latino International Film Festival, prepare to showcase unique storytelling voices. Despite a 50% decrease in local productions, events like free screenings and community engagement initiatives highlight a commitment to cultural offerings. Furthermore, a new Shakespeare series set to debut and a study indicating that younger audiences prefer theater experiences suggest a promising future for the film community.
Atlanta – The celebration of cinematic diversity is gaining momentum as several film festivals prepare to showcase unique voices in storytelling. Following the recent kick-off of the Telluride and Venice Film Festivals, numerous films are generating significant buzz as they enter the awards season.
Among the highlighted films are “Hamnet,” directed by Chloé Zhao, which draws inspiration from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, and “No Other Choice” by Park Chan-wook, a dramatic narrative about cutthroat competition for a job, possibly vying for The Golden Lion. Kathryn Bigelow’s newest political thriller, “A House of Dynamite,” delves into a mysterious missile launched at the U.S., while “The Testament of Ann Lee,” directed by Mona Fastvold, portrays the life of the founder of the Shaker religion through musical storytelling.
Film enthusiasts in Georgia will have the opportunity to experience a range of festivals, including Out on Film from September 25 to October 10, and the Georgia Latino International Film Festival, set to run from October 2 to 5. Additional events include the Rome International Film Festival scheduled for November 6 to 9, and the Atlanta Women’s Film Festival from September 24 to 28. The SCAD Savannah Film Festival will take place from October 25 to November 1, offering a wide array of film screenings and events.
Despite a vibrant festival landscape, the Georgia Film Office has reported a serious downturn in local film and television productions, showing a nearly 50% decrease from the previous year. The total earnings from industry productions were reported at $2.3 billion in the last fiscal year—evidence of the challenges faced in this sector.
For community engagement, the documentary “Acts of Reparation” will be screened for free at Ebenezer Baptist Church on September 26, followed by an insightful Q&A with the film’s directors, Selina Lewis Davidson and Macky Alston. Furthermore, ATLfilmparty is closing its submissions for a short film showcase on the night of September 5, welcoming aspiring filmmakers to participate.
In a bid to enrich cultural offerings, a new Shakespeare series titled “A Shakespeare Happening” will debut in Avondale Estates on September 13. Meanwhile, a recent study from NRG indicates a trend among Generation Alpha, revealing that children aged 12 and under prefer the experience of watching movies in theaters over streaming services.
In other news, acclaimed actor Graham Greene, known for performances in notable films such as Dances With Wolves and The Last of Us, has passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances.
The 14th Annual Georgia Latino International Film Festival is set to unfold at the Fox Theatre from October 2 to 5, featuring approximately 40 films selected from over 300 submissions. Renowned Puerto Rican actors Ramón Rodríguez and Carlos Ponce will be among the distinguished guests honored during this celebration of Latinx cinema. Additionally, the festival will introduce the Film Lab Georgia initiative, a program focused on training and education in filmmaking.
As part of its 16th anniversary celebrations, the BronzeLens Film Festival will screen social justice-themed films for free at the Tara Theatre, with optional donation opportunities. Future plans are also underway for the Atlanta Film Festival, scheduled for April 24 to May 4, 2025, promising to feature 132 films and conclude with A24’s comedy Friendship, starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson. This event will include both in-person and virtual screenings, with tickets currently available for purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major upcoming film festivals in Georgia?
Key upcoming festivals include Out on Film (Sept. 25 – Oct. 10), Georgia Latino International Film Festival (Oct. 2 – 5), Rome International Film Festival (Nov. 6 – 9), Atlanta Women’s Film Festival (Sept. 24 – 28), and SCAD Savannah Film Festival (Oct. 25 – Nov. 1).
How has the film industry’s performance changed in Georgia?
The Georgia Film Office reported a decline in productions, generating $2.3 billion in the last fiscal year, which is a nearly 50% drop from the previous year.
What film is screening for free at Ebenezer Baptist Church?
The documentary “Acts of Reparation” will screen for free on September 26, followed by a Q&A with the directors.
Key Features of Upcoming Film Festivals
| Festival Name | Date | Location | Special Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out on Film | Sept. 25 – Oct. 10 | Atlanta | Diverse independent films |
| Georgia Latino International Film Festival | Oct. 2 – 5 | Fox Theatre, Atlanta | Approx. 40 films, special guests |
| Rome International Film Festival | Nov. 6 – 9 | Rome, GA | Variety of genres |
| Atlanta Women’s Film Festival | Sept. 24 – 28 | Atlanta | Focus on women filmmakers |
| SCAD Savannah Film Festival | Oct. 25 – Nov. 1 | Savannah | Student and professional films |
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Additional Resources
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Georgia Latino International Film Festival to Return Oct 2-5
- Atlanta Magazine: The 2025 Atlanta Film Festival Spotlights Local Directors
- Peach Tree TV: Atlanta Film Festival to Screen Social Justice-Themed Movies Free
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Film Festival Announces New Guests & Screenings
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
