Atlanta Documentary Film Festival

Celebrating 20 Years of Stories That Matter

Join us  March 22 - 23, 2025 at Limelight Theater for the 20th Annual Atlanta Documentary Film Festival (Docufest),  where powerful stories come to life on the big screen. This year, we’re proud to celebrate two decades of remarkable storytelling, showcasing compelling films that capture the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of humanity.

For 20 years, Docufest has been the heart of Atlanta’s documentary film scene, championing the work of visionary filmmakers from around the world. This year’s lineup features groundbreaking documentaries, covering topics from environmental justice to social change, personal journeys, and beyond.

Why Attend?

  •   Discover the year’s most thought-provoking documentaries.

  •   Engage with filmmakers and industry insiders in live Q&As.

  •   Connect with a community that believes in the power of documentary to inspire and transform.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of documentary film or just beginning your journey, the 20th Annual Atlanta Docufest offers something for everyone. Join us as we honor two decades of incredible stories and look forward to the next generation of filmmakers and changemakers.

With an Atlanta Film Series 2025 Pass, you’re not just attending one event—you’re joining  us for an entire season of cinematic exploration! 

Dive into exclusive screenings, enjoy late night after parties, attend Q&As with directors and cast members and discover fresh indie films that you won’t experience anywhere else. 

Every film in this series is carefully curated, so you’ll have access to a diverse lineup that covers every genre, from thought-provoking documentaries to indie comedy hits, and everything in between.

By securing a 2025 pass, you’ll not only save money but also gain VIP access to exclusive screenings, special events, and opportunities to meet filmmakers, actors, and fellow film enthusiasts. Plus, enjoy reserved seating and early access to tickets to make sure you never miss a moment.

The Atlanta Film Series is your all-access ticket to some of the city’s most exciting and diverse film festivals. 

With a 2025 pass, you’ll experience:

  •   Atlanta Docufest: March 22 & 23, 2025, dive into powerful documentaries that explore real-world stories, social issues, and cultural shifts. Perfect for those who love a film that makes you think and feel.

•   Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival: May 31, 2025, experience creativity in its purest form with this unique festival celebrating micro-short films, where every second counts.

•   Atlanta Shortsfest: June 21 & 22, 2025, enjoy a curated selection of the best short films from around the world—an unmissable opportunity to discover emerging filmmakers and cutting-edge cinema.

•   Atlanta Underground Film Festival: August 8 - 10, 2025, explore experimental, independent, and avant-garde films that push the boundaries of storytelling and art. A perfect destination for the boldest of film lovers.

•   Atlanta Horrorfest: October 17 - 19, 2025, get your adrenaline pumping with spine-tingling, terrifying films from the horror genre. From psychological thrillers to supernatural scares, this festival is a fright-filled ride.

Why settle for just one film night when you can experience them all? A season pass gives you unbeatable value, saving you money while offering unforgettable evenings with the Atlanta film community.

Don’t just watch films—be part of Atlanta’s vibrant film community and enjoy the best in documentary, shorts, underground cinema, and horror!

On sale now for $99 

Are you ready to push your creativity and storytelling to the limit? Introducing the 14-day Film Challenge, a high-stakes competition for the boldest filmmakers, hosted by the Atlanta Film Series! 

In this unique series of competitions, filmmakers will have just fourteen days to conceptualize, shoot, and edit original short films for one of our renowned events—Atlanta Docufest, Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival, Atlanta Shortsfest, Atlanta Underground Film Festival, and Atlanta Horror Film Festival.

Each competition offers a platform for different genres and styles, challenging participants to bring fresh perspectives, raw talent, and boundary-pushing storytelling to the screen:

  • Atlanta Docufest 14-day Film Challenge: Craft a compelling documentary that sheds light on real people, places, or events, bringing stories of human experience to life with depth and authenticity.

  • Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival 14-day Film Challenge: Deliver a complete narrative in under five minutes, showing off precision, creativity, and impact in an ultra-condensed form.

  • Atlanta Shortsfest 14-day Film Challenge: Unleash your storytelling skills in short-form cinema, crafting a narrative that captivates audiences and reveals your unique voice in under 20 minutes.

  • Atlanta Underground Film Festival 14-day Film Challenge: Dive into the unconventional and explore underground, experimental, or subversive themes that disrupt norms and push artistic boundaries.

  • Atlanta HorrorFest 14-day Film Challenge: Evoke spine-chilling suspense and terror with a horror short that leaves a lasting mark and thrills the audience.

At each competition, entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts and film lovers, with top films receiving awards, screenings at Atlanta Film Series festivals, and industry exposure through the Atlanta Film Series. 

For filmmakers ready to test their limits, the 14-day Filmmaker Challenge offers an intense yet rewarding journey—show us your vision and bring your best story to the screen!