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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will Packer, Josh Brolin, Carrie Preston, Danielle Brooks, David Cross, Mckenna Grace, Hilton Howell, Alex Orr, RZA and Georgia Entertainment to Be Honored at Festival Events Including the Annual IMAGE Awards Gala ATLANTA, GA (April 14, 2026) — Today, the 2026 Atlanta Film Festival announced the special award recipients at the milestone 50th anniversary event, which will take place from Thursday, April 23 -Sunday, May 3, 2026. The awards will be presented at the festival’s IM

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tagline: An engaging panel and filmmaker mixer centering filmmaking & community, when they’re needed most. Atlanta, GA — April 13, 2026 — Latinas in Media Atlanta (LIMA) proudly presents The Production Process: Paso a Paso (Step by Step), an engaging panel taking place at the Atlanta Film Festival Creative Conference on April 30th at 11:30 AM at Tara Atlanta (Jack Auditorium). The event will be followed by the LIMA Filmmaker Mixer at El Pon

From an Atlanta Film and TV networking mixer in 2024 Yesterday, I attended a meeting where there was a panel of journalists, who spoke on the importance of building relationships. This is something I have spoke on for YEARS about the importance of networking and building relationships. Not just as a journalist, but in any industry. Networking is about connection. It’s about mutual respect. It’s about taking the time to get to know people, support what they’re doing, and bu

(TOP) IDIOTS (Credit: Independent Film Company) (BOTTOM) I LOVE BOOSTERS (Credit: Neon) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: ATLFF@ssmandl.com Atlanta, GA (April 9, 2026) — The 50th Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) today unveiled its highly anticipated Opening and Closing Night selections, along with a slate of legacy screenings and special presentations for its landmark anniversary edition. The 2026 festival will take place in person from April 23 through May 3 at the

Director and Producer, Zack Burkett with Puppets Gunch & Ruben Recently, Director and Producer Zack Burkett, shared with us about his latest project Gunch & Ruben's Galactic Reunion. During our conversation, Zack shares his thoughts on puppetry making a comeback, how he plans to portray authenticity in the relationship between Gary and Chuck Benowitz, and what he hopes audiences take away from the film. Atlanta Film and TV: Do you foresee puppetry making a comeback into the