Reel Friends, an Atlanta-based production company dedicated to crafting dynamic projects with diverse artists, is keeping the city’s creative pulse alive with its acclaimed monthly screening series, Reel Talk — a one-of-a-kind experience that brings local filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers together under one roof.
Founded by producer and director Rocco Shapiro, Reel Talk transforms the historic Tara Theatre, located at 2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, into a hub of cinematic exchange each month. The next event takes place Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 8:30 p.m., and will feature a curated lineup of Atlanta-made short films followed by an interactive live director commentary. Guests can also enjoy a post-screening happy hour mixer in the lobby from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., providing an opportunity to connect directly with filmmakers, crew members and fellow creatives.
“Reel Talk is all about breaking down the wall between filmmaker and audience,” said Shapiro. “It’s not just about showing a film — it’s about hearing the story behind the story. Atlanta’s film community is incredibly talented, and this series gives them the platform and conversation they deserve.”
Each month, Reel Talk features five short-form projects spanning narrative, documentary, music video, and experimental genres — all created by Atlanta-based storytellers. After the screening, filmmakers return to the stage to play their projects back on mute, offering a behind-the-scenes commentary that reveals the choices, challenges, and creative spark behind their work.
Unlike traditional film festivals that happen once a year, Reel Talk provides an ongoing, community-driven platform designed to foster collaboration and mentorship. The series has hosted “takeover” nights curated by local production companies and film collectives. In September, Reel Talk partnered with Oye Fest for a Latin-centric edition celebrating multicultural voices and representation in Georgia’s film scene.
Since its launch, Reel Talk has become a cornerstone for Atlanta’s independent creators — a place where industry veterans, new voices, and film enthusiasts can meet, exchange ideas, and build the next wave of Southern cinema.
“With every screening, we see new partnerships forming,” added Akshay Bhatia, filmmaker and Reel Talk Programming Director. “Someone meets their next cinematographer, producer, or co-writer right there in the lobby. That’s the magic of what we’re building — it’s more than a screening; it’s community.”
As the series grows, submissions are now open for 2026 via FilmFreeway, inviting filmmakers across the greater Atlanta area to submit shorts, documentaries, or experimental work for future events.
To attend the Nov. 11 screening, visit taraatlanta.com/movie/reel-friends-reel-talk-november.
Submit to Reel Talk for 2026 on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/reelfriendsreeltalk
For ongoing updates and information, visit https://www.reelfriendsfilms.com/ and follow @ReelFriendsMovies on Instagram.
