Independent movies are becoming more and more popular, and Georgia is top of the list for video production, filming, and film festivals. From Senoia to Covington to Atlanta, movies are big business and Georgia is the choice for large production companies and the “sweet spot” for independent filmmakers from around the world.

Unarguably, Georgia has become an entertainment powerhouse!
And, if you enjoy learning about people, places, and cultures – all while being entertained, Independent Films provide a large selection of topics.

Coming up soon several festivals will be in the Georgia area.

BronzeLens Film Festival – I just attended their media event and festival preview.  They have an exciting list of films. Additionally, they will also have workshops for aspiring filmmakers and vendors interested in working with the movie industry. The film festival will start on Aug. 25 and go through the 28th at the Marriott Marquis.

There is a filmmaker’s lounge where you can network and meet fellow film enthusiast.
I am very impressed with the list of workshops.  For anyone wanting to become a vendor, their “Becoming a Camera Ready Vendor:  How to do Business for film and TV will have an expressive panel of experts ready to help businesses get the limelight they have wanted.

The workshop “Legal Mashup:  Covers a list of the things we can’t skip over.  There are many legal concerns, and it’s imperative for filmmakers to know all the legal expectations and requirements.

For a list of all the films both free and those with a minimal cost, check out their website:  www.bronzelens.com

No need to wait – you can start your film watching this weekend!

The Peachtree Village International Film Festival – started yesterday (on Aug. 11th) and goes through Sunday. The festival attracts over 3,000 people each year from around the world.  Created in 2006 as the Sweet Auburn International Film Festival it has been the launching spot for many independent artists and filmmakers.

The panels and workshops offer opportunities to learn from those who have been in the business, putting in the work.  Check out their website at www.PVIFFatl.com for a list of films, workshops, panels and locations.

Atlanta Underground Film Festival – Aug. 19 & 20th creative artists will present their film and video in a market which is typically available mostly to commercial entertainment and difficult to break into. Since 2004 the AUFF has been the source for not only filmmakers but film enthusiast too.  With a very relaxed atmosphere filmmakers and fans connect and share their thoughts, feeling, and ideas.

For more details visit their website:  www.auff.org

Dragon Con Independent Film Festival – Sept. 2 – 4 – provides a great combination of short and feature independent film, screenings, panels, discussions, contests, seminars and of course celebrity sightings!
One of this most well-known film festivals and it’s very, very popular. Do you love movies and films? Yes – make it to Dragon Con – you’ll be among the 65,000+ attending!  I especially love the fans.  They dress up and represent their favorite characters and come together to make this extraordinary event the most fascinating of the year.  Check out their website for times, locations, panels, events, and films.  You will be amazed by the directors/producers and actors who come together to share their expertise.  www.dragoncon.org

Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival – also known as the DocuFest take place Sept. 15 – 17. It’s the 11th Annual Festival with documentary films and videos from around the world  The festival brings interesting and meaningful stories to help us understand and learn about others and also be entertained.

Visit their website for www.docufest.com

Kingdom wood Christian Film Festival – Put it on your calendar for October 7-9. The festival provides ar forum for independent filmmakers to produce and direct work to inspire Christian teachings and values. Shorts, documentaries, and workshops.

Check out these other festivals too:

Rome International Film Festival (September 15 – 18, 2016) –  Two full days of screenings, professional networking and development opportunities.RIFF was selected as one of “20 film festivals worth the entry fee” by MovieMaker Magazine.
www.romeinternationalfilmfestival.com

Georgia Latino Film Festival – (September 22 – 25, 2016) – Started in 2012 this festival provides the best opportunity to view films, stories and experience of Latino filmmakers and artists.
www.georgialatinofilmfestival.org

Out On Film –  (September 29 – October 6, 2016) – One of the oldest LGBT film festivals in the country, Atlanta’s Out on Film is dedicated to supporting the exhibition of LGBT film and video art forms.
www.outonfilm.org

Atlanta Asian Film Festival- (October 7 – 22, 2016) – The Film Festival is dedicated to educating the Atlanta community about the rich diversity of Asian Pacific culture through films and movies.
www.atlaff.org

Atlanta Horror Film Festival – (October 13 – 15, 2016) – Just in time to get your ready for Halloween, the Annual Atlanta Horror Film Festival celebrates the art of horror by presenting the best independent films in horror/scary films from across the world.
www.atlantahorrorfilmfest.com

Urban Mediamakers Film Festival- (October 13 – 16, 2016) – Founded in November 2001, the UMFF is a consortium of young talent and professionals in animation, film, gaming, music, new media, print and, television. And, they’re making movies you’ll enjoy.
www.umff.com

Savannah Film Festival (October 22 – 29, 2016) – The Savannah College of Art and Design presents the annual festival each year.  Students and award winning professionals present their independent films for competition and enjoyment.  More than 40,000 people attend the eight-day event.
www.filmfest.scad.edu

Get out and enjoy the festivals.  And, remember your support helps young and aspiring artist reach their goals and realize their dreams.

Coming up later this year and in 2017

Fayette Youth Film Festival, Fayetteville (2016 dates TBA) – This will be the first-ever of its kind competition to highlight youth who are amateur filmmakers.  Awards will be given for short films in comedy, drama and a spotlight on a segment called “I Am.”  The event will be held at Starr’s Mill High School, 193 Panther Path, Fayetteville, GA 30215.

Covey Film Festival, Thomasville (2016 dates TBA) – This Festival honors Children and Families and benefits the Thomasville Community Resource Center.

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Atlanta (2017 dates TBA ) – The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is a 22-day cinematic exploration of Jewish life, culture and history. Last year there was a record-breaking 38,600+ attendees attending the AJFF, making it the highest attended Jewish film fest on the planet.

SCAD aTVfest, Atlanta (2017 dates TBA) – This international festival brings together professionals from all spheres of TV and other media.  The festival highlights industry trends, and attendees can participate in master classes.

Pan African Film Festival Atlanta, Atlanta (2017 dates TBA) – Initially part of the National Black Arts Festival, now an independent summer festival, a sister to PAFF – Los Angeles. Screenings of films from across the world. Established in 1992 by Danny Glover, Ja’net DuBois (Good Times) and Ayuko Babu.

EcoFocus Film Festival, Athens (2017 dates TBA) -A celebration of environmental films in Athens, Georgia.

Atlanta Film Festival (2017 dates TBA) – One of only two dozen Academy Award® qualifying festivals in the United States.  It is one of the largest and longest-running festivals in the country.

The Milledgeville Film Festival (2017 dates TBA) -Three days of movie fun in the heart of Downtown Milledgeville.

Atlanta Italian Film Festival (2017 dates TBA) –

Gwinnett Center International (GCI) Film Festival – Duluth (2017 dates TBA) –The festival includes local, national and international shorts and feature films of all genres and styles.

Check back and let us know what you saw and what you think.

 

For more details:  www.tourgeorgiafilm.com

Photo credit: Philip image