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Featured Artist Conversation with Actress, Singer, and Songwriter, Amy Christine
Actress, Singer, and Songwriter, Amy Christine. Headshots by Tracy Page Disclosure: The subject of this interview is represented by Mandisa Johnson through Disa J Management. Mandisa Johnson is also the founder and executive director of Atlanta Film and TV. A few weeks ago, we sat down for a Featured Artist Conversation with Actress, Singer, and Songwriter, Amy Christine Ramsey. Growing up, Ramsey’s parents knew she was talented. They invested a lot into her and dedicated an

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Oct 265 min read


Conversations with Atlanta's Movers and Shakers, Casting Director Brandon McCray
Birmingham-based Casting Director, Producer and Writer, Brandon McCray A few weeks ago, Atlanta Film and TV’s Mandisa Johnson, sat down with Birmingham-based Casting Director, Producer, and Writer, Brandon McCray. McCray has been involved in the entertainment industry since 1999 and says his biggest joys is helping people live out their dreams. “When I get a breakdown sent to me, I’ll look at it and study it then start thinking in my mind, ‘who fits this?’ If I can’t think o

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Oct 145 min read


Beyond the Camp: Conversations with Darryl Christmas Jr, and Nina Villani
A few weeks ago, we sat down with Emmy and Telly Award-Winning Producer, Director and Executive Director of Signify TV, Alahna Lark. Lark spoke about the Film In Action Camp:America Through the Lens. As a follow-up, we were fortunate to connect with Director of Photography, Darryl Christmas Jr, and Writer and Producer Nina Villani. Both Christmas and Villani were featured experts at The Film in Action Camp: America Through the Lens. Director of Photography, Darryl Christma

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Oct 124 min read


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATLANTA FILMMAKERS CELEBRATE FINAL FESTIVAL SCREENING OF AWARD-WINNING LOVE AND TAXES AND WORLD DETOUR ATLANTA, GA — September 29, 2026 — Atlanta filmmakers Ken Feinberg and four-time regional Emmy Award winner Craig Tollis mark two major milestones this October: the final festival screening of their award-winning romantic comedy Love and Taxes in Atlanta and the world premiere of their new short film, The 60 Year Detour, at the Tryon International Film Festival. Love and Tax

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Oct 32 min read


Film In Action Camp: America Through the Lens
Emmy and Telly Award-Winning Producer, Director, and Executive Director of Signify TV, Alahna Lark Atlanta Film and TV’s Mandisa Johnson had a chance to sit down with Emmy and Telly Award-Winning Producer, Director, and Executive Director of Signify TV, Alahana Lark to talk about her passion for filmmaking, and why creating opportunities for students to explore the entertainment industry is important. We also talked about the Film in Action Camp:America Through the Lens, and

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Sep 224 min read


Five Points Media CEO Aaron Faulkner on Building Atlanta's Film Industry and Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Aaron Faulkner, CEO of Five Points Media and founder of Five Points Film Institute, about his journey in Atlanta's film and television industry, his commitment to creating opportunities for filmmakers, and how he's helping shape the next generation of storytellers through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Atlanta Film and TV: Can you talk to us about who you are and what you do in the Atlanta Film and TV community? A

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Jul 246 min read


Conversations with Atlanta's Movers and Shakers with Documentarian Filmmaker, Adelin Gasana
Documentary Filmaker, Adeliin Gasana A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to connect with Rwandan-American independent documentary filmmaker Adelin Gasana. Born in Rwanda, Gasana has built a career spanning broadcast television and independent film, working as a producer, editor, archival researcher, and director. His credits include work with The Weather Channel and Court TV while his independent projects have explored subjects ranging from Miami's Cuban diaspora to Atlan

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Jun 175 min read


Sports, Music and High Energy for Decatur WatchFest 2026 Opening Night
Walking around the new and improved Decatur Square was nothing short of amazing. With over 5,000 people in attendance, you were bound to bump into someone. Well, not just someone, somebody you knew. Throughout the evening, plenty of reunions filled with lots of laughs, hugs, and love as everyone enjoyed food, beverages, and fun. Oh! And, let's not forget the opening night concert featuring Atlanta royalty and one half of Outcast’s Big Boi! In an interview, Big Boi shares: "As

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Jun 121 min read


This Week at Decatur WatchFest ‘26: June 12 - 21, 2026
DECATUR, June 12, 2026 -- From June 12 - 21, 2026 of FIFA World Cup ‘26, Decatur WatchFest ‘26 will show 18 World Cup matches and host nine free concerts on the Decatur Square. Full details at www.Decaturwatchfest26.com. Watchfest booths and sponsor activations are open one hour before the first event of the day. Details regarding items allowed on the Square are noted on the DWF site. Matches - All matches will be shown live on three large screens on the Decatur Square. Vie

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Jun 122 min read


O’Shea Jackson Jr. Talks Representation, Role Choices, and Letting Black Characters Win at the 50th Annual Atlanta Film Festival
Atlanta Film and TV's Eddie Johnson interviewing Actor, Rapper and Songwriter, O'Shea Jackson, Jr. during the Atlanta Film Festival's opening night red carpet At the 50th Annual Atlanta Film Festival, the energy outside the Plaza Theatre carried the familiar rhythm of a red carpet press junket: cameras moving, publicists guiding talent from outlet to outlet, and filmmakers and actors taking a few moments to speak about the work behind the spotlight. For Atlanta Film and TV, E

Eddie Johnson III
May 283 min read


Danielle Brooks Shines in If I Go Will They Miss Me at the 50th Annual Atlanta Film Festival
Actress Danielle Brooks During the 50th annual Atlanta Film Festival, I had the opportunity to screen the film If I Go Will They Miss Me. Written by Walter Thompson-Hernandez, and starring Academy Award nominated actress Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple, Peacemaker) and J. Alphonse Nicholson, (P-Valley, Just Mercy) If I Go Will They Miss Me, is currently making its way through the film festival circuit, continuing to connect with audiences through its emotional and socially

Madison Johnson
May 182 min read


50TH ANNUAL ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2026 JURY AND SCREENPLAY WINNERS
Atlanta, GA (May 18, 2026) — The 50th annual Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) announced the winners of its 2026 Jury and Screenplay Awards during the festival’s awards brunch at the historic Plaza Theatre. Hosted by ATLFF Executive Director Chris Escobar, alongside programmers Jennica Carmona, Astin Rocks, Jon Kieran, and screenplay competition director Melissa Simpson, this year’s ceremony recognized outstanding achievements across documentary, narrative, animation, screenwriti

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
May 1810 min read


Celebrating Storytelling and Cinema at the Atlanta Film Festival Image Awards Gala
Last Friday evening was full of powerful storytelling and well-deserved recognition at the Image Awards Film Gala as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Atlanta Film Festival. Among those honored were film producer Will Packer; Chairman of the Board and CEO of Gray Television and Atlantic American Corporation, Hilton Howell; actress Carrie Preston; Academy Award-nominated actor Josh Brolin; writer and producer Alex Orr; as well as acclaimed comedian, actor, and writer David C

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
May 71 min read


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIE NIGHT RETURNS TO ATLANTA HOSTED BY FOUNDER DAVE BROWN & ACTOR MORRIS CHESNUT Indie Night Film Festival Goes on the Road to Spotlight Atlanta Talent, Independent Filmmakers, and Meaningful Content Atlanta, GA — [May 2026] — Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of Indie Night Film Festival, is excited to announce that celebrated actor and producer Morris Chestnut will join him in Atlanta, Georgia, to co-host Indie Night Film Festival – Atlanta on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Tara

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
May 64 min read


Media Advisory for May 5 at 12:30 - 1:15 pm Middle School Students Experience Atlanta Olympic History at Field Trip Screening of Feature Doc “The Games in Black & Whit
WHAT: Media are invited as two local filmmakers and the historic Plaza Theatre are partnering to present a free student field trip screening of the Atlanta Olympic feature doc “The Games in Black & White” sharing the untold stories of Andrew Young and Billy Payne’s unlikely partnership to bid for, win and organize the 1996 Olympics. Approximately 200 eighth grade social studies students from Summerour Middle School in Gwinnett County Public Schools—who have been learning

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
May 52 min read


Rediscovering Wonder: Inside Costa Karalis' Frogtown
Atlanta FIlm and TV caught up with Costa Karalis at the 50th annual Atlanta FIlm Festival. Karalis Is the writer/director of FROGTOWN, a feature which premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival. "Frogtown is an oddity of a film that blends fiction and reality to show a side of the southeast not often seen, one that is as strange as it is wonderful. " -Costa Karalis Atlanta Film and TV: What drew you to telling this story through that “what’s real vs. what’s not” lens? Costa Kara

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
May 43 min read


Baristas vs. Billionaires: A New Documentary About The Rise of Starbucks Workers Premiering at the 50th Annual Atlanta Film Festival
Barista's vs. Billionaires, a new documentary about the rise of Starbucks Workers United and a new generation of working-class activists—a new documentary about the rise of Starbucks Workers United and a new generation of working-class activists. Narrated by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mark Mori, the film captures young baristas organizing against one of the world’s most powerful corporations, fueling a nationwide movement tha

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Apr 274 min read


Bridging the Chasm: Phil Stevens on Grief, Healing, and The Chasm
Atlanta Film and TV caught up with Filmmaker and Director Phil Stevens on his latest project, The Chasm. The Chasm is a faith-based film where a heartbroken father convinces his detached daughter to join him on a hike to reconnect. (IMDb) Atlanta Film and TV: You have daughters of your own. Can you share some of the experiences you pulled on when writing The Chasm? Phil Stevens: I have two daughters, 31 and 16. I’m very close with my older daughter, and I have a strong relat

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Apr 274 min read


Post Event Alert!
PAUL WALTER HAUSER ATTENDS SPECIAL SCREENING OF RICHARD JEWELL AT 2026 ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL MCKENNA GRACE ACCEPTS PHOENIX AWARD AT A SPECIAL SCREENING OF GIFTED (L-R) McKenna Grace and Christopher Escobar ATLANTA – The 50th annual Atlanta Film Festival continued its milestone celebration on Saturday, April 25, with an appearance by Paul Walter Hauser for a special screening of Richard Jewell, followed by a conversation honoring his acclaimed performance in the Atlanta-set d

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Apr 262 min read


2026 ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CREATIVE CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING PRESENTED BY CINEFI FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
38 in-person panels spotlight content and script development, with a focus on microbudget filmmaking FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: ATLFF@ssmandl.com Atlanta, GA (April 21, 2026) — The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) today announced the full lineup for its 2026 Creative Conference, a cornerstone of the festival’s 50th anniversary celebration. Presented by CineFi, the Creative Conference runs Tuesday, April 28, through Friday, May 1, with new sessions available virt

Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA
Apr 2120 min read
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