Georgia indie filmmakers prevail at the Atlanta Film Festival

Despite a significant downturn in big-budget productions over the past few years, Georgia’s independent filmmakers showed up at this year’s Atlanta Film Festival. 

Published On: May 21, 2026·1 min read·

by Chase Corallo

Despite a significant downturn in big-budget productions over the past few years, Georgia’s independent filmmakers showed up at this year’s Atlanta Film Festival.

Jon Kieran, the programming director for the Atlanta Film Festival, described this year’s selections as a restaurant menu, emphasizing the variety of the films selected – there was a little something for everyone.

Kieran noted a sizable increase in the number of Georgia films submitted for the festival this year, specifically feature films. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the festival, and according to the Atlanta Film Society, it also featured the highest ever number of films made by Georgia creatives – approximately 30 percent.

“We’re showing more Georgia feature films than we have at any time during my time here,” Kieran said. “When you get into long-term status of people making films here – whether that’s large-scale commercial production or indie production – when you have that happen over years, you build up a sort of base of resources.”

Read in full at RoughDraft Atlanta

Used with permission. Follow RoughDraft Atlanta here.

Georgia Insider is NOW OPEN

Georgia Insider is a private community for the executives, founders, creators and leaders shaping Georgia’s creative and innovation economy. Subscribers receive Insiders PLUS, access to community conversations, event opportunities and original content, with deeper access available through Executive Membership.
Start your journey today.

Staying Connected with Georgia Entertainment

Follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Are you available to speak on panels, share at our events or contribute thought leadership via commentary or perspective? Contact us with your thoughts and ideas.

Indie Spotlight Signup

Sign up for our monthly newsletter highlighting independent creators based in Georgia.

Supporting Partner

About Georgia Entertainment

From the creative, cultural and entertainment capital of the world, Georgia Entertainment is a media and branding platform serving executives across the state’s innovation, technology, and creative economy – positioning Georgia as a global hub for content, ideas, and enterprise. Contact us.

The Georgia Entertainment Newsletter is the go-to source for breaking news and analysis about the entertainment industry in Georgia.

Direct Connect

Supporting Partner