2026 ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 50TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMMING CELEBRATING FIVE DECADES OF FILM, CULTURE, AND CREATIVE EXCELLENCE

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact: ATLFF@ssmandl.com 

The Film Festival and Creative Conference will return in-person from Thursday, April 23 - Sunday, May 3, 2026 and virtually from Monday, May 4 - Monday, May 11

ATLANTA, GA (March 23, 2026) — The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) today unveiled programming for its landmark 50th anniversary event, marking five decades as one of the nation’s longest running and premier celebrations of independent film and storytelling. This year’s festival promises an extensive slate of marquee films, notable talent, and special presentations, further solidifying ATLFF’s legacy as a cultural cornerstone in the Southeast and beyond. The film festival and 16th annual Creative Conference, which is the festival’s educational programming, will take place Thursday, April 23 - Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Plaza Theatre and Tara Theatre in Atlanta. Virtual screenings of selected films will be available from Monday, May 4 - Monday, May 11. 

The 2026 lineup features a dynamic mix of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and episodic content from both emerging voices and acclaimed filmmakers. Today’s announcement represents the Festival’s full slate of official selections with 154 films chosen from more than 5,500 submissions, alongside a robust offering of marquee screenings and special presentations. Festivalgoers can expect a compelling selection of marquee screenings and special presentations, both spotlighting bold storytelling and diverse perspectives that reflect the evolving landscape of global cinema. 

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Atlanta Film Festival will also present a special selection of Legacy Screenings, honoring films that have helped shape Atlanta’s dynamic film landscape. This curated program will spotlight films from the festival’s history made by talent whose careers have flourished since their days in the ATLFF. Special Presentations this year will also include films that were either shot in Atlanta or created by filmmakers with strong ties to the city, underscoring ATLFF’s deep roots in the local creative community. Many of the Legacy Screenings will be complemented by special appearances from notable talent, including Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, and filmmaker Carrie Preston(Elsbeth, The Good Wife, The Good Fight and ATLFF ‘09 winner That Evening Sun), acclaimed filmmaker James Ponsoldt(Shrinking, Daisy Jones, Marvel’s Wonder Man and ATLFF ‘13 Opening Night The Spectacular Now), and Emmy-nominated director Craig Zobel (ATLFF ‘07 Winner Great World of Sound, HBO’s The Penguin, Mare of Easttown), among others.

“Reaching our 50th anniversary is both a celebration and a reflection of the creative community that has blossomed alongside the Atlanta Film Festival,” said Christopher Escobar, Executive Director of ATLFF. “This year’s programming honors that legacy while also looking ahead–spotlighting bold new choices, groundbreaking stories, and the next generation of storytellers and filmmakers shaping the future of the industry.”

With the 50th milestone, the Festival is celebrating the filmmakers who have grown alongside it. Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Mark Mori, whose filmmaking career began with the premiere of Building Bombs at the 1989 Atlanta Film and Video Festival (now ATLFF), returns this year with a special presentation of Baristas Vs. Billionaires. Narrated by Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon, the documentary chronicles the early days of the nationwide Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) movement. 

“Bringing the story of this generational uprising of young workers to the 50th Annual Atlanta Film Festival is a true homecoming,” said Mori. “Years ago, I was a union steelworker in Atlanta before opening the '89 festival with 'Building Bombs. I credit Atlanta’s film community and that festival experience with helping launch my career—including our Academy Award nomination—and it’s incredibly meaningful to return, see how much both the city and festival have grown, and share the baristas’ fight with new audiences.”

Marquee programming announced today includes a selection of high-profile titles from leading distributors such as Lionsgate, Magnolia Pictures, Focus Features, Janus Films, and 1-2 Special. Highlights include Rose of Nevada, Power Ballad, Obsession, I Want Your Sex, Caroline, Late Fame, Silent Friend, and Romería, representing a diverse and highly anticipated cross-selection of new releases and acclaimed festival titles from around the world.

Complementing the film programming, the ATLFF Creative Conference, presented by CineFi, returns in 2026 with a dynamic lineup designed to empower filmmakers at every stage of their careers. Anchored by three core themes—outside-the-box tools for creative development, evolving approaches to film finance, and Atlanta’s signature micro-budget filmmaking mindset—the conference challenges creators to rethink traditional pathways and embrace innovative storytelling. Celebrating the South’s rich creative community, this year’s program features 36 in-person and 14 virtual events, totaling 50 panels, workshops, and presentations in honor of ATLFF’s 50th anniversary. 

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, ATLFF will also spotlight SOUND+VISION at The Goat Farm Arts Center, an immersive, multidisciplinary experience blending film, music, and art. Positioned as an immersive evening of live music, boundary-pushing virtual reality films, art installations, and standout music videos, the program highlights innovative storytelling at the intersection of mediums. Set against the backdrop of one of Atlanta’s most iconic creative spaces, SOUND+VISION will feature a curated lineup of artists and creators pushing the boundaries of visual and sonic expression. Additional details, including participating talent and schedule information will be announced soon. 

“Reaching 50 years gave us a unique opportunity to look back at the stories that have defined us while embracing the ones that will shape the future,” said Jonathan Kieran, Programming Director of ATLFF. “This lineup is about discovery–bringing audiences powerful, unexpected films and creating space for new voices to break through in meaningful ways.”

Additional Marquee programming, including Opening and Closing Night red carpet presentations, will be announced in the coming weeks, along with the full Creative Conference lineup, additional talent, attendees, and more. 

The full schedule of films and events is available at www.AtlantaFilmFestival.com and through the ATLFF 2026 app. Festival badges and individual tickets are now available for purchase here (badges) and here (individual event tickets).

Applications for press credentials for ATLFF 2026 are now open and can be submitted here. 

Press materials and assets, including past press releases, logos, and film stills can be found here.