Atlanta Film Festival Announces Opening Night, Closing Night, Special Presentations & Creative Conference

ATLANTA, GA (March 3, 2017)  — The 2017 Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is pleased to unveil key programming highlights that will take place during the 41st annual event from Friday, March 24, 2017 – Sunday, April 2, 2017. The featured screenings and events, announced first by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, include Opening and Closing Night Presentations, 18 Marquee and World Premiere screenings, 40 Creative Conference events and 12 unique Special Presentations. The programming revealed today will join a spectacular lineup of 163 previously announced feature length and short films, selected from a record 6,000+ submissions.

To kick-off the fest, ATLFF is pleased to welcome the feature film DAVE MADE A MAZE, as the Opening Night Presentation on Friday, March 24, 2017. Lauded “a cult classic in the making,” the narrative feature-length film combines elements of live action, puppetry and stop-motion video. The film stars comedian Nick Thune and is the directorial debut of writer-director Bill Watterson. Watterson and select cast and crewmembers will attend the Opening Night red carpet screening and celebration.

The festival’s Marquee screenings will take place throughout the ten-day event, giving attendees the opportunity to see a diverse lineup of upcoming releases from major film studios, including: Focus Features, 20th Century Fox, CBS Films and Sony Pictures Classics. Marquee screenings will include: THE LOST CITY OF Z (starring Charlie Hunnam, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson), THE BOSS BABY (starring Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Lisa Kudrow, Jimmy Kimmel, Toby Maguire), and DEAN (starring Demetri Martin and Kevin Kline). 

Among the Marquee screenings is a trio of films presented in partnership with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF). ATLFF is proud to partner with AJFF to co-present three films with strong ties to Judaism that both celebrate and honor the Jewish faith and heritage. Based on the best-selling novel by Diane Ackerman, THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE (starring Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh, Daniel Brühl) recounts the true story of the Polish couple, who fought to save humans and animals in the Warsaw Zoo during World War II. NORMAN: THE MODERATE RISE AND TRAGIC FALL OF A NEW YORK FIXER – partially shot in Israel – tells the story of Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere), an opportunist who finds himself in the center of a geopolitical drama beyond anything he could have imagined.

To conclude Atlanta’s 2017 celebration of culture and cinema, ATLFF will close with MENASHE from A24 Films, the studio behind the ‘Best Picture’ winner at the 2017 Academy Awards®.  A Yiddish comedic drama that explores New York’s ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jewish community, MENASHE is the third film presented in partnership with the AJFF. Executive Producer Danelle Eliav is scheduled to appear at the Closing Night celebration.

ATLFF is proud to host the World Premiere of seven feature-length narrative or documentary films and two episodic pilots during the 2017 festival. World Premiere presentations will feature films from ATLFF specialty tracks (New Mavericks, Pink Peach, Georgia-Made) and with casts that include notable actors such as Maggie Grace, Justin Chatwin, Maika Monroe and Will Patton.

In addition to film screenings, ATLFF hosts a series of Special Presentations annually, including fest-favorites Food on Film and SOUND + VISION. This is the fifth year that ATLFF has hosted the Food on Film event, which pairs a food-themed movie with a delicious after party. This year, foodies and film lovers can expect a 25th Anniversary Presentation of Georgia-made classic MY COUSIN VINNY, followed by a southern celebration to honor grits. SOUND + VISION will also return to the 2017 festival with details to be announced. Also joining the Special Presentations lineup this year is a block of emerging creative media including music videos, episodic television pilots and virtual reality screenings. 

Rounding out the announcement of key programming is the 2017 ATLFF Creative Conference schedule. As the festival’s educational programming track, the five-day Creative Conference program consists of nearly 40 panels, talks and demos that delve deeper into the captivating world of cinema, focusing on topics such as screenwriting, acting, producing, casting, funding and distribution. This year ATLFF is delighted to offer conferences on production location, IMDB, costume design, script writing and more. 

For a full lineup of films, or to purchase passes, please visit www.AtlantaFilmFestival.com. Select individual screening tickets are on sale now and will be updated as additional events are announced. 

The Atlanta Film Festival is the annual centerpiece of educational and enriching film programing that is provided year-round by parent organization, the Atlanta Film Society.

Additional announcements will be made as programming is added to the 2017 ATLFF lineup.

OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION

Dave Made A Maze

Directed by Bill Watterson
USA, 2017, English, 81 minutes
Friday, March 24, 2017, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

In a struggling attempt to create something of significance, Dave builds a fort in his living room where he falls victim to his own creation. Now trapped in a world filled with booby traps and fantastical pitfalls, Dave advises his girlfriend against entering the ever-changing mythical world to save him.
#Puppetry, #Marquee

Director Bill Watterson and select cast and crew members scheduled to attend.
Sponsored by Moonshine Post-Production.

CLOSING NIGHT PRESENTATION

Menashe

directed by Joshua Z. Weinstein
USA/Israel, 2017, Yiddish, 91 minutes
Saturday, April 1, 2017, 7:30 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main
Presented in partnership with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Deep in the heart of New York’s ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jewish community, Menashe, a kind, hapless grocery store clerk, struggles to make ends meet and responsibly parent his young son, Rieven, following his wife Leah’s death. Tradition prohibits Menashe from raising his son alone, so Rieven’s strict uncle adopts him, leaving Menashe heartbroken. Meanwhile, though Menashe seems to bungle every challenge in his path, his rabbi grants him one special week with Rieven before Leah’s memorial. It’s his chance to prove himself a suitable man of faith and fatherhood, and restore respect among his doubters.
#Marquee

Executive Producer & Unit Production Manager Danelle Eliav scheduled to attend.
Sponsored by Music Matters.

MARQUEE FILMS

The Boss Baby

Directed by Tom McGrath
USA, 2017, English
Saturday, March 25, 2017, 2:15 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Meet a most unusual baby. He wears a suit, speaks with the voice and wit of Alec Baldwin, and stars in the animated comedy, DreamWorks’ “The Boss Baby.” “The Boss Baby” is a hilariously universal story about how a new baby's arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative 7-year-old named Tim.
#Animation #FamilyFriendly

Dean

Directed by Demetri Martin
USA, 2016, English, 87 minutes
Saturday, March 25, 2017, 9:45 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Dean (Demetri Martin) is an illustrator whose unwillingness to deal with the recent death of his mother means escaping his hometown of New York for an interview with an ad agency in Los Angeles. His retired engineer dad Robert (Kevin Kline) takes a more regimented approach to grief, including putting the family home up for sale. Both father and son set out on their own paths to find a new normal as unexpected circumstances and potential new love interests threaten to thwart all plans.
#Marquee

The Hero

Directed by Brett Haley
USA, 2017, English 96 minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2017, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Lee Hayden (Sam Elliott) is an aging Western icon with a golden voice, but his best performances are decades behind him. He spends his days reliving old glories and smoking too much weed with his former-co-star-turned-dealer, Jeremy (Nick Offerman), until a surprise cancer diagnosis brings his priorities into sharp focus. He soon strikes up an exciting, contentious relationship with stand-up comic Charlotte (Laura Prepon), and he attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Lucy (Krysten Ritter), all while searching for one final role to cement his legacy.
#Marquee

The Lost City of Z

Directed by James Gray
USA, 2016, English, 140 minutes
Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Based on author David Grann’s nonfiction bestseller, “The Lost City of Z” tells the incredible true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), who journeys into the Amazon at the dawn of the 20th century and discovers evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization that may have once inhabited the region. Despite being ridiculed by the scientific establishment who regard indigenous populations as ‘savages,’ the determined Fawcett — supported by his devoted wife (Sienna Miller), son (Tom Holland) and aide-de-camp (Robert Pattinson) — returns time and again to his beloved jungle in an attempt to prove his case, culminating in his mysterious disappearance in 1925.
#Marquee

Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer

Directed by Joseph Cedar
USA/Israel, 2016, English, 117 minutes
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 2:45 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs
Presented in partnership with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) only wants to matter. Living a lonely life in the shadow of power and money, he uses any angle or connection to put himself in a position of significance. He is an opportunist, just not a very good one. Until he finally bets on the right horse by buying a pair of expensive shoes for Micha Eshel (Lior Ashkenazi), a lowly Israeli politician. When Micha becomes Prime Minister, Norman finds himself in the center of a geopolitical drama beyond anything he could have imagined. 
#Marquee

The Promise

Directed by Terry George
Spain/Portugal/Malta/USA, 2016, English/German/French, 134 minutes
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Michael Boghosian (Oscar Isaac) arrives in 1914 Constantinople as a medical student determined to bring modern medicine back to Siroun, his ancestral village in Southern Turkey. Photo-journalist Chris Myers (Christian Bale), has come here only partly to cover geo-politics. He is mesmerized by his love for Ana (Charlotte le Bon), an Armenian artist he has accompanied from Paris after the sudden death of her father. When Michael meets Ana, their shared Armenian heritage sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between the two men even as Michael hangs on to a promise from his past. After the Turks join the war on the German side, the Empire turns violently against its own ethnic minorities. Despite their conflicts, everyone must find a way to survive—even as monumental events envelope their lives.
#Marquee

Sylvio

Directed by Albert Birney & Kentucker Audley
USA, 2017, English, 80 minutes
Monday, March 27, 2017, 8:00 PM — Dad's Garage

It's the story of a small town gorilla, Sylvio, who is stuck in his job at a debt collection agency. Deep down he just wants to express himself with his hand puppet, Herbert Herpels, and his experimental puppet show that highlights the quiet moments of life.
#Marquee

Whose Streets?

Directed by Sabaah Folayan & Damon Davis
USA, 2017, English, 103 minutes
Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 9:30 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Told by the activists and leaders who live and breathe this movement for justice, “Whose Streets?” is an unflinching look at the Ferguson uprising. When unarmed teenager Michael Brown is killed by police and left lying in the street for hours, it marks a breaking point for the residents of St. Louis, Missouri. Grief, long-standing racial tensions and renewed anger bring residents together to hold vigil and protest this latest tragedy. Empowered parents, artists, and teachers from around the country come together as freedom fighters. As the national guard descends on Ferguson with military grade weaponry, these young community members become the torchbearers of a new resistance.
#Marquee

The Zookeeper’s Wife

Directed by Niki Caro
UK/USA/Czech Republic/New Zealand, 2017, English, 126 minutes
Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main
Presented in partnership with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

In 1939 Poland, Antonina Żabińska (Jessica Chastain) and her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh), have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under his stewardship and her care. When their country is invaded by the Germans, Jan and Antonina are stunned and forced to report to the Reich's newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the Żabińskis covertly begin working with the Resistance and put into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and even her children at great risk.
#NewMavericks, #Marquee

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

WonderRoot’s Local Film Series
Thursday, March 23, 2017, 7:30 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main — $12 at door/$10 in advance

Once again, we kick-off the festival with WonderRoot’s generally local, mostly independent film series. Join us for a night of awe-inspiring short films from our own backyard.
#Georgia

ATLFF Screenplay Competition: Table Read
Friday, March 24, 2017, 4:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs — FREE with RSVP

Join us for a script read of selections from each of the three 2017 Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition winners, featuring local SAG-AFTRA actors.

AIGA Poster Show: Art Director’s Cut
Friday, March 24, 2017, 7:00 PM — Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge — FREE with RSVP

It’s the sequel to last year’s smash hit Poster Show + Mixtape Collaboration fundraiser with a new twist: MOVIES! Our carefully selected critics have curated a poster exhibition that will be on display during the festival to pay homage to our favorite movies. All attendees will take home an event poster for free.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Friday, March 24 & 31, 2017, 12:00 AM — Plaza Theatre, Main — $12

It's a Plaza Theatre institution! Lips Down On Dixie performs the interactive version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Midnight each Friday.

Fear Haus
Saturday, March 25, 2017, 10:15 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main — $12 at door/$10 in advance

Join the FEAR HAUS team during their hand-picked, 1-hour horror genre block, presented by Blair Bathory and Drew Sawyer, with guests of honor Luchagore! FEAR HAUS is an Atlanta-based international brand that curates episodic and feature content with directors and filmmaking teams from around the world. We are proud to have Luchagore with us at the festival, kicking off our newest season. Additionally, Luchagore is collaborating with FEAR HAUS on original content in Atlanta as part of our brand new FEARMAKER program. FEARMAKER provides sustainable production opportunities for talented genre filmmakers, helping showcase them and other’s work around the world. Prepare to make horror your new home.
#Georgia

Food on Film - 25th Anniversary presentation: My Cousin Vinny
directed by Jonathan Lynn
USA, 1992, English, 120 minutes
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 12:00 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main — $12 at door/$10 in advance

Bill Gambini and Stan Rothenstein are a couple of 21-year-old college guys taking a cross-country road trek to UCLA via the back roads of the deep South. They should be having the time of their lives, except for one small mishap: They are wrongfully arrested in Wahzoo City, Alabama, for murdering a convenience store clerk. At best, they face long-term jail sentences; at worst...the electric chair. Their only hope is legal representation from Bill's cousin Vinny, a Brooklyn lawyer who took six years to pass the bar and only made it six weeks ago. This is not only his first murder trial it's his first case. Refusing help from his fiery Brooklyn girlfriend, Lisa, the novice lawyer must wrestle with legal procedures in an alien environment under the intimidating eye of Chamberlain Haller, a tough country judge with an obsession for the letter of the law and a powerful dislike for Vinny. This year, we are having an after-party to celebrate GRITS, in all the glorious, Southern dishes we can get our hands on. (After-party FREE with “My Cousin Vinny” ticket or festival badge.)
#Georgia

Puppet Slam
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 9:30 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main — $12 at door/$10 in advance

Hosted by Beau Brown, the Puppet Slam (formerly known as Touch the Puppet Head) is a combination of live puppetry performances and curated short puppet films. Featuring “New Roommate” directed by Victor Yerrid, “Pets” directed by Raymond Carr & Molly Coffee, “Fade to Grey” directed by Rowan Patel and “Fruit Flies” directed by Benjamin Wilson.
#Georgia

The Florida State University College Of Motion Picture Arts Presents: Selected Keylight Films
Tuesday, March 28, 2017, 6:45 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs — FREE with RSVP

The FSU College of Motion Pictures Arts presents a showcase of eight short student films followed by a panel discussion with representatives from the College. Ranked by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 25 film schools in the country, FSU College of Motion Picture Arts produces student films that regularly win prestigious awards like the Student Emmys and Oscars. Join us for an evening of cinematic entertainment as we showcase this year's selected Keylight Films.

The Art Institute of Atlanta Presents: Senior Film Screening
Thursday, March 30, 2017, 5:00 PM — 7 Stages Theatre, Main — FREE with RSVP

A showcase of short films created by senior level students from The Art Institute of Atlanta.
#Georgia

EPISODIC PILOTS

FAMILY PILOTS
Enjoy family pilots before the shorts block Planet of the Children!    
Saturday, March 25, 2017, 12:15 PM — Towne Cinema
FREE with RSVP                                    

The Discovery of Dit Dodson
Directed by Kelley Kali | USA, 2016, English, 10:35
In the Bayous of Louisiana, 14-year-old Dit discovers that she inherited magical healing powers, but they get her into a world of trouble.
#FamilyFriendly, #WorldPremiere

Little Mouse
Directed by Ervin B. Nagy | Hungary, 2016, Hungarian, 7:12
1986. Budapest. The later olympic champion swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi is only 12. Her opponents are stronger and bigger.
#FamilyFriendly

COMEDY PILOTS
Binge through three full season comedies at Dad's Garage!
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 3 PM, 5PM & 7:30 PM — Dad's Garage Theatre
$12 at door/$10 in advance

The Benefits of Gusbandry
Directed by Alicia J. Rose | USA, 2016, English, 1:17:00
One woman, one man, a lot of weed, a little crying and NO sexual attraction whatsoever.  Love is so gay.
#NewMavericks, #PinkPeach

The Minutes Collection
Directed by Jim Cummings & Dustin Hahn | USA, 2015, English, 1:27:10
Dona Nobis Pacem: grant us peace.

Hart of America
Directed by Arlen Konopaki | USA, 2016, English, 55:00
Alcoholic bigfoot, sex-crazed teens, and a hard-nosed detective cross paths in the Georgia woods searching for fulfillment.
#Georgia

UNSCRIPTED PILOTS
Tune into vignettes of local and domestic artists in our documentary block.
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 4:30 PM — 7 Stages Theatre, Main
$12 at door/$10 in advance

UNCODE
Directed by Myisa Plancq-Graham | USA, 2017, English, 25:00
An original series documenting the presence, global influence, and varied interests of the African diaspora.
#NewMavericks, #PinkPeach

We The Creators
Directed by Babacar Ndiaye | USA, 2016, English, 12:00
“We the Creators” takes a closer look at a diverse group of artists specializing in multiple art forms.
#Georgia

SCRIPTED PILOTS
Head to Poncey-Highland for some late night drama.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 7:20 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs
$12 at door/$10 in advance

Reset
Directed by Christelle Gras | France, 2016, French, 33:57
The end of the world, the beginning of theirs

Steps
Directed by Fernando Sanchez & Pascual Sisto | USA, 2016, English, 59:00
A series that rearranges itself to form unique episodes for each viewer as it weaves the deviant drives of several unconnected people.
#WorldPremiere

VIRTUAL REALITY

Monday, March 27 & Tuesday, March 28, 2017, 6PM to 10PM — 7 Stages Theatre, Black Box

Ch'aak' S'aagi (Eagle Bone)
Directed by Tracy Rector
USA, 2016, Lushootseed/English/Tlingit, 5:00
Nature reminds us that we are all connected and to reflect on the teachings of the old ones.

Fossil Hunters of the Gobi
Directed by Jason Drakeford
USA, 2016, English, 3:44
We immerse the viewer in the journey of 1920s explorer and fossil hunter Roy Chapman Andrews, leading up to current day research.
#Georgia

haunt
Directed by Lilian Mehrel
USA, 2016, English, 7:39
"haunt" is a short virtual reality film about presence, experienced through the eyes of a ghost.
#NewMavericks

I Philip
Directed by Pierre Zandrowicz
France, 2016, English, 13:00
“I Philip” is an immersive short fiction that takes the viewer inside the mind of one of the greatest writers of science-fiction of our time.

Please State Your Name
Directed by Jak Wilmot
USA, 2016, English, 9:00
Stuck with a broken voice box, a decapitated robot head desperately tries to escape a giant garbage facility.
#Georgia

Traces
Directed by Gabriela Arp
USA, 2016, English, 8:00
Traces is a cinematic virtual reality film exploring the meaning of memory for one woman living with Alzheimer's disease.
#Georgia, #NewMavericks

Women on the Move
Directed by Shannon Carroll
Niger, 2016, English, 6:24
A woman's life in rural Niger changes when she enters into a savings group. Will her granddaughter take the next step out of poverty?
#Georgia

MUSIC VIDEOS

Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 9:45 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

“Oh Elise” - VIECH
Directed by Arne v. Nostitz-Rieneck | Austria, 2016, German, 6:19

“It Keeps You Running (To The Hills)” - Metal McDonald
Directed by Video Rahim | USA, 2016, English, 6:37
#Georgia

“Dangerous” - Big Freedia
Directed by Wilberto Lucci | USA, 2015, English, 4:30
#PinkPeach

“The Rush” - Langtunes
Directed by Sahar Tarzi | Iran, 2015, English, 3:37

“Young Rebels” - TW Walsh
Directed by Brit Wigintton | USA, 2016, English, 3:03
#Georgia

“Soy Yo” - Bomba Estéreo
Directed by Torben Kjelstrup | Denmark, 2016, Spanish, 2:55

“Left & Right” - Pazes
Directed by Camila Lima | Brazil, 2016, 3:29

“Ponura Tresura” - Makabreski
Directed by Ala nunu Leszynska | Poland, 2016, Polish, 5:09

“Time Stops” - StarBenders
Directed by Benjamin Roberds | USA, 2016, English, 3:49
#Georgia

“Fighter” - Supa Good D Smoke feat. Jackie Gouché + Davion Farris
Directed by Erica Eng | USA, 2016, English, 6:00

“Redefine” - TRENTEMØLLER
Directed by Åsa Ritton & Andreas Emenius | Denmark/Sweden, 2016, English, 5:08

“Move” - Austin Royale
Directed by Josh Yates | USA, 2016, English, 2:30

“Funeral Regrets” - Closet Witch
Directed by Autojektor | UK/USA, 2016, English, 2:55

“Flight Attendant” - XXX
Directed by Mattis Dovier | South Korea/France, 2016, Korean, 3:52

“Beasts in the Garden” - Spires That In The Sunset Rise
Directed by Lori Felker | USA, 2015, English, 6:29

“The Was” - The Avalanches
Directed by Soda_Jerk | Australia, 2016, English, 13:40

CREATIVE CONFERENCE

MONDAY, MARCH 27th

Location, Location, Location — 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

A director, production designer, and location managers discuss finding the right location and how collaboration can produce the perfect look.

Reputation is Everything — 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 7 Stages Theatre, Black Box

From your resume to the basics of IMDb, learn to accurately and properly list your credits whether you're an actor or crew.

Create Me — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

A writer, director, actor, propmaster, and costume designer work together to construct different characters from the page to the stage.

Trust Me — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Documentary filmmakers explore when and how to build trust with their subject(s), the difficulty of staying neutral, and the lines to avoid crossing.

Make It Work — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Development is crucial to success—what's involved, why it's about more than just script rewrites, and how the right team can help bring your ideas into focus.

Breaking In — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Production Assistants discuss how they got started, what they wish they'd known, tips for success, and networking best practices to keep getting gigs.

I'll be in my Trailer — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Actors working on network television shows and studio features share what it took to get there, and how indie film started their careers.

SAGIndie: Get Great Talent — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Producers and production staff: SAGIndie offers an indepth look at the various low budget contracts that the Screen Actors Guild has to offer.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28th

Fincannon & Associates: Casting Master Class — 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Plaza Theatre, Main

Mark Fincannon explains the art of casting, self-taping, auditions, discovering new talent, and more.

Based on a True Story — 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Narrative, reality TV, and documentary filmmakers discuss the pros and cons of crafting stories based in real life.

The Pinewood Panel: Candy Jar - An Indie Case Study — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Main

Please join Producing team Judy Cairo and Michael A Simpson, Line Producer Carole Peterman, and Director Ben Shelton as they discuss their new film shooting at Pinewood, Candy Jar.

Back to One — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Actors and directors explore how to find a common language to best communicate intention, and what makes a good working relationship.

A Fist Full Of Dollars — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Black Box

Art department members share tips and tricks to save money, like recycling big budget sets to keep them out of landfills.

Note to Self — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

A writer, director, producer, and editor talk about the art of giving and receiving notes, whether from each other or a studio.

Working in a Virtual World — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Directors and DPs examine the differences and challenges of VR storytelling vs typical narrative work.

Block, Light, Rehearse, Shoot — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

From shot lists to scheduling, how the DP, Director, and 1st AD collaborate to ensure a production runs smoothly.

The Business of The Biz — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Former film crew members explain how their insider knowledge allowed them to start an ancillary business that serves the film industry and their previous craft.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29th

Grip Truck Show and Tell — 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 7 Stages Theatre, Back Parking Lot

Day 1 Production Services showcases the typical 3-ton non-CDL grip truck used by indie features and smaller productions.

The Fine Print — 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Entertainment attorneys discuss the contracts necessary to protect everyone involved on your next production.

Light and Shoot Your Indie — 11:15 AM - 12:45 AM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

PC&E demos cameras, lighting, and grip equipment to help you choose the right gear for your next production.

Stop and Care: Set Safety  — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

From insurance and safety meetings to stunts and guns, how to get the shots you need, encourage your crew to speak up, and keep your set safe.

Animate It — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, The Workshop

Hands-on workshop provides the tools, equipment, and know how to create an animated project in under an hour.

Sound is Half the Picture — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

From on-location sound recording and basic equipment to post audio and foley, the dos and don'ts of sound recording.

Show Me The Money — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Film investment, tax credits, sales reps, and self distribution; panelists share how their process works and best practices.

ShareGrid: Cinematography — 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Directors of Photography discuss cameras, lenses, and the best approach for investing in gear. Get tips on branding yourself as an owner/operator and how to fully monetize your time and gear. Join us for a ShareGrid sponsored Happy Hour at Highland Ballroom following panel discussion! 

Media Services: Payroll-101 — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Everything you need to know about payroll: union issues, workers’ comp, incentives, budgeting and the latest digital tools from Media Services Payroll.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30th

Disrupting Hollywood — 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

The Hollywood system has made movies the same way for over 100 years. Is Atlanta poised to disrupt the status quo using data and new technologies?

I Recognize That Voice — 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

From animation to VO and narration, Atlanta's voice talent community examines what it takes to succeed.

Good, Fast, Cheap: Pick Two — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Filmmakers share the challenges and freedom of low budget filmmaking, plus tips and tricks to help you succeed.

Unions & Guilds — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Reps discuss who their unions/guilds represent, how to join, how they work with indie productions, and what to expect when under a union contract.

It's a Small World Afterall — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

How diversity behind and in front of the camera increases marketability and sales; delivering your message to an ever-growing diverse, worldwide audience.

Truth or Consequences — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Documentary filmmakers examine ‘truth’ in today's climate, its affect on their power to persuade, and whether agenda based or neutral approaches may work best.

Not Your Parents' Cartoons — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Network animated series creators share how new digital platforms expand distribution possibilities for their shows as well as animators in general.

#ShePersisted — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Film Fatales, PGA WIN committee, BWFN, WIFTA, New Mavericks, and more discuss opportunities for females in education, mentorship, and support.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31st

Managing Media — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Post-production companies handling studio features, network TV shows, and indie features explain best practices for organizational workflow.

Playing Games — 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

With over 100 video game studios, Georgia is a hotbed of talent, creating opportunities for gamemakers and interesting alliances with filmmakers.

Georgia On My Mind — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Georgia has a deep and diverse music scene—how to license songs, get an original score, and use music to complement rather than overwhelm the moment.

Airport Shorts: Puppetry and Stop Motion Animation — 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Molly Coffee and friends discuss the making of “Passing 66,” her felt puppet stop motion animation airport short.

Case Study: A Scene for Sound Design — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, 7 Stages Theatre, Main

John Kassab, sound designer and producer of last year's ATLFF feature “Like Lambs,” dissects scenes from the movie to illustrate the art of sound design.

Case Study: VFX in GIFs — 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

Self-taught viral video GIF maker Chris Nik demystifies the process, explains improv comedy's influence, and how to VFX problem solve on a DIY budget.

A24's MENASHE is the Closing Night Film of the 41st Atlanta Film Festival!

directed by Joshua Z. Weinstein
USA/Israel, 2017, Yiddish, 91 minutes

Saturday, April 1, 2017, 7:30 PM — Plaza Theatre, Downstairs

Deep in the heart of New York’s ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jewish community, Menashe, a kind, hapless grocery store clerk, struggles to make ends meet and responsibly parent his young son, Rieven, following his wife Leah’s death. Tradition prohibits Menashe from raising his son alone, so Rieven’s strict uncle adopts him, leaving Menashe heartbroken. Meanwhile, though Menashe seems to bungle every challenge in his path, his rabbi grants him one special week with Rieven before Leah’s memorial. It’s his chance to prove himself a suitable man of faith and fatherhood, and restore respect among his doubters.

Executive Producer & Unit Production Manager Danelle Eliav scheduled to attend.

The Closing Night Party (sponsored by Music Matters Productions) will be held from 9 PM -12 AM at Old 4th & Swift—open to all Closing Night ticket-holders, as well as FILMMAKER, PRODUCER and ALL-ACCESS badge-holders (includes INDUSTRY, PRESS and WEEKEND 2). Wristbands for the afterparty will be distributed at the screening.

MENASHE and the Closing Night Party sponsored by:

MENASHE is presented in partnership with:

Powered by Eventbrite

Stay Close To The Festival!

Where do you put 27,000 Film Festival Attendees?

Our newest sponsors, Affinity Travel Benefits, (see press release here) offer great rates and terms to film festival attendees. Book a hotel with guaranteed lodging, while rooms last, so you can stay close to the action and immerse yourself in the cinema culture.

Did you know the average person visits more than 5 travel websites to research their hotel, and up to 6 hours sifting through information! You could have watched, and discussed, 3 films from our lineup with that time instead!

BOOK YOUR HOTEL NOW

Now you can go back to your hotel and do a quick change before all of the after parties - worry free.  After all, the Atlanta Film Festival was called ‘Top 25 coolest festivals in the world’ by Moviemaker Magazine, so you’re not going to want to miss a thing!

A few extra notes:

• Hotel room blocks are guaranteed until a couple of weeks before the event, so be sure to reserve your accommodations soon
• There are Trip Advisor reviews are right on the site to help you decide where to stay 

BADGE HOLDER ONLY PRICING

Let's all get a great nights sleep, at a great price, so we can have the energy to keep going all 10 days of the festival. 

Happy Booking! 

Atlanta Film Festival Announces First Wave of Films from 2017 Lineup

ATLANTA, GA — After the 40th annual Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) in April of 2016 saw record-breaking numbers of works submitted, festival attendees and media impressions, the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) immediately put plans in place to maintain the momentum. In preparation for the 41st ATLFF next spring, the organization is pleased to announce a first slate of programming comprising feature length and short films, narratives, documentaries, pilot episodes, music videos, animation, puppetry, experimental and virtual reality.

“We are really excited to release a first wave of films that represents every category of our festival programming,” said ATLFS Executive Director Christopher Escobar. “ATLFF isn’t just one thing, and by including short films, pilots and virtual reality alongside features, we are presenting a greater picture of what to expect this year.”

This group of fourteen films represents the first selections out of a new ATLFF record of 6,085 submissions. Hailing from Austria, Brazil, China, France, Iran, Japan, Lebanon, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia and USA, these films showcase a tremendously diverse swath of work, both artistically and geographically.

Among the feature films represented, themes range from Iranian transgender rights in “Cold Breath” to poverty-stricken Beyoncé super-fans from Brazil in “Waiting for B.” The Tunisian documentary short “El Hara” was co-directed by ATLFF ‘15 alum Mo Scarpelli, who saw great success with her debut film “Frame by Frame.” Famed Japanese animator Keiichi Tanaami created “The Laughing Spider” using inspiration from his childhood memories of air-raids. Virtual reality short film “Traces” explores memory loss and reconstruction by placing the viewer inside the mind of a woman with Alzheimer's.

These films will be joined by over 150 others for the 2017 Atlanta Film Festival, taking place March 24 through April 2, 2017.

---

Narrative Feature

Cold Breath (دم سرد)

directed by Abbas Raziji
Iran, 2016, Persian, 83 minutes
Maryam has just turned 30-years-old. She was born as a girl but she passed through puberty like a boy. In the way of love and subsistence, she has tried hard everyday to live just like a normal man.

No Light and No Land Anywhere

directed by Amber Sealey
USA, 2016, English, 75 minutes
Grieving her mother’s death and her own failing marriage, Lexi boards a plane from London to Los Angeles in search of the estranged father who abandoned her when she was three-years-old. Based out of a seedy Hollywood motel, she follows a tenuous trail of breadcrumbs, beginning with his aging former in-laws, collecting numbers and addresses in the hopes that one will lead to her father. Along the way, she establishes other unexpected connections: her father's ailing former second wife, her bitter half-sister Tanya and her caregiver girlfriend, and two local barflies.

---

Documentary Feature

Waiting for B.

directed by Paulo Cesar Toledo, Abigail Spindel
Brazil, 2016, Portuguese, 72 minutes
WAITING FOR B. takes the viewer on a journey with young Beyoncé super-fans who, lacking the money to buy their way to the front, camped out for two months in order to be closer to the front of the stage. A story about victims of hype, a community of hope, and the contradictions of humility and vanity at the heart of diva worship.

---

Narrative Short

Submarine

directed by Mounia Akl
Lebanon, 2016, Arabic, 21 minutes
Under the imminent threat of Lebanon’s garbage crisis, Hala—a wild child inside of a woman—is the only one to refuse evacuation, clinging to whatever remains of home.

They Charge For the Sun

directed by Terence Nance
USA, 2016, English, 17 minutes
In a dystopian future where people live nocturnally to avoid the harmful rays of the sun, a young black girl unravels the lie that has kept her and her sister in the dark.

---

Documentary Short

El Hara

directed by Margaux Fitoussi, Mo Scarpelli
Tunisia/France, 2016, French, 16 minutes
EL HARA poetically explores how the places we grow up in haunt who we become, forever.

Se Shin Sa

directed by Eunhye Hong Kim
USA, 2016, Korean, 11 minutes
A hybrid of fiction and documentary, SE SHIN SA follows an undocumented woman living and working as a masseuse in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

---

Animated Short

The Laughing Spider

directed by Keiichi Tanaami
Japan, 2016, Japanese, 7 minutes
A psychedelic phantasmagoria from Japan’s greatest veteran animator, based on childhood memories of air-raids.

---

Virtual Reality Short

Traces

directed by Gabriela Arp
USA, 2016, English, 8 minutes
TRACES is a cinematic virtual reality film exploring the meaning of memory for one woman living with Alzheimer's disease.

---

Puppetry Short

Good Night (Gute Nacht)

directed by Henning Backhaus
Austria, 2016, German, 7 minutes
A sock puppet strolls through niveous winter worlds; the dark, expressionist black-and-white imagery oscillating between comedy and tragedy. Soon the protagonist will choose to end his life, while the lonesome journey by Schubert has only just begun.

---

Experimental Short

Forged From the Love of Liberty

directed by Vashti Harrison
Trinidad and Tobago/USA, 2016, English, 5 minutes
A visual poem about a family's curse, and two superstitions surround it.

---

Pilot Episode

The Benefits of Gusbandry

directed by Alicia J. Rose
USA, 2016, English, 9 minutes
One woman, one man, a lot of weed, a little crying and NO sexual attraction whatsoever. Love is so gay.

---

Music Video

“Left & Right” by Pazes

directed by Camila Lima
Brazil, 2016, 3 minutes
Left and right. Fire and water. Night and day. Heavy and light. Masculine and feminine. From a divided individual in search of its whole.

Cinema Greens Grounds Host Southern Thriller

At the 40th ATLFF in April of this year, Cinema Greens—a film and television source for plant and location rentals and 2016 ATLFF sponsor—awarded a locations package to one lucky filmmaker. Tristan Kharvari won three shooting days on the extensive acreage and versatile Cinema Greens setting. 

"The Cinema Greens Prize propelled a novel project," says Tristan Kharvari, writer and director of THREE THINGS BEFORE I LEAVE. "Initially, I sought to alter a current script that would fit the Cinema Greens ranch. But after seeing it in person, I decided it would be fun to create a new story based on the location. The house has paranormal history associated with it, prompting me to write "Three Things Before I Leave." The isolated location, rustic vibe, and historic graveyard are perfect elements for a southern thriller. Not often does a crew of minority filmmakers get free range to create on grounds such as these."

The cast and crew begins filming on the Ranch October 7th. To find out more information about the project or how you can support Tristan and his vision, visit igg.me/at/threethingsfilm. 

The Call for Entries for the 2017 Atlanta Film Festival is now open!

From March 24 to April 2, 2017, we will be celebrating our 41th anniversary and we are looking to you to help us make it our best yet.

Last year, we received over 4,700 film submissions from more than 120 countries across all 6 populated continents (sorry, Antarctica). Out of nearly 200 films that play the Atlanta Film Festival each year, roughly 80% of those come from submissions! In programming next year's festival, we are looking for groundbreaking works in narrative and documentary features and short films, animations, experimental films, puppetry films, music videos, virtual reality films and episodic pilots. We are pleased to have Pivot as our documentary film sponsor for 2017.

We received nearly 600 screenplay submissions last year, making for our most competitive Screenplay Competition since its inception in 2008. We are looking for innovative and compelling storytelling, for characters that surprise and challenge you, for words that pop off the page, and for narratives that twist and turn like a country back road. This year we’re accepting both feature scripts and pilot scripts; you’re more than welcome to submit in both categories. 

Films and screenplays must comply with category requirements and filmmakers must complete the process and payment to be considered for ATLFF '17. Have questions? Check out our Film Submissions FAQ and our Screenplay Submissions FAQ.

ATLFF '16 Jury & Audience Award Winners Announced!

Photo: Border Union Photography

2016 Jury Award Winners

• Narrative Feature Jury Award - HUNKY DORY (directed by Michael Curtis Johnson)
• Documentary Feature Jury Award - DRIVING WITH SELVI (directed by Elisa Paloschi)
• Documentary Feature Special Jury Award - JUANICAS (directed by Karina Garcia Casanova)
• Narrative Short Jury Award - THUNDER ROAD (directed by Jim Cummings)
• Documentary Short Jury Award - KRAINA (directed by Christina Tynkevych)
• Animated Short Jury Award - SHELL ALL (directed by Zaven Najjar)
• Music Video Jury Award - "Dove" performed by Pillar Point (directed by Jacob Krupnick)
   
• Filmmaker-to-Watch Award - ZELOS (directed by Thoranna Sigurdardottir)
• New Mavericks Award (presented by SPANX & The Sara Blakely Foundation) - DRIVING WITH SELVI (directed by Elisa Paloschi)
• Southern Spotlight Award (presented by Cineverse) - QUE SERA (directed by Robyn Hicks)
• Seed&Spark Award (for Crowdfunded Films) - EAT WHITE DIRT (directed by Adam Forrester) and THE NEW ORLEANS SAZERAC (directed by James Martin)

2016 Audience Award Winners

• Audience Award Feature - THE FOUNDERS (directed by Charlene Fisk & Carrie Schrader)
• Audience Award Short - HOTEL CLERMONT (directed by Heather L. Hutson)

HBO and the Atlanta Film Society invite you to the Ultimate "Game of Thrones" Experience, Sunday, April 24th

Chad Hartigan, Sherri Shepherd, Erica Ash, Taylour Paige and Stella Meghie to Walk the ATLFF '16 Red Carpet for Closing Night!

We have a star-studded red carpet planned for Saturday night, April 9th. Don't forget to get your tickets for JEAN OF THE JONESES and Closing Night Presentation, MORRIS FROM AMERICA now!

Writer/director Stella Meghie (winner of the 2011 ATLFF Screenplay Competition) and stars Sherri Shepherd, Erica Ash and Taylour Paige will walk the red carpet after the 5:15 PM screening of JEAN OF THE JONESES. Writer/director Chad Hartigan will walk the red carpet prior to Closing Night presentation MORRIS FROM AMERICA at 7:30 PM. Hartigan also stars in HUNKY DORY, which screens on Sunday, April 10th. Get your tickets to see these stars now!

JEAN OF THE JONESES

directed by Stella Meghie
Canada/USA, 2016, English, 82 minutes

Saturday, April 9, 2016, 5:15 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

Writer-director Stella Meghie's feature revolves around the troubled Jones family, one of whom dies at the start of the movie. When the paramedic who answers their 911 call falls for rambunctious Jean, the courtship goes south during a calamitous Jones funeral. This screenplay won the 2011 ATLFF Screenplay Competition.

---

MORRIS FROM AMERICA

directed by Chad Hartigan
USA/Germany, 2016, English/German, 91 minutes

Saturday, April 9, 2016, 7:30 PM — Plaza Theatre, Main

A heartwarming and crowd-pleasing coming-of-age comedy with a unique spin, “Morris from America” centers on Morris Gentry (Markees Christmas, in an incredible breakout performance), a 13-year-old who has just relocated with his single father, Curtis (Craig Robinson), to Heidelberg, Germany. Morris, who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G., is a complete fish-out-of-water—a budding hip-hop star in an EDM world. To complicate matters further, Morris quickly falls hard for his cool, rebellious, 15-year-old classmate Katrin. Morris sets out against all odds to take the hip-hop world by storm and win the girl of his dreams.

After Party: Every ticket purchased comes with admission to our opening night party, located at Music Room. Live entertainment, superb libations, and catering will be provided.

ATLFF '16 Encores announced! Here's what gets a second screening on Sunday, April 10th...

Don't miss second screenings of these ATLFF '16 sold-out hits! "The Arbalest," "Frankenstein Created Bikers," "In Pursuit of Silence" and the COTTON shorts block join our Award-winning Short Films for Encore Sunday, made possible by Film Festival Collective presented by XFINITY.

These screenings already sold out once, so don't hesitate to get your tickets in advance!

AWARD-WINNING SHORTS

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 12:30 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

Catch the Oscar-qualifying winners of the Narrative Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short Jury Prizes, plus the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award Winner and other winning short films.

---

IN PURSUIT OF SILENCE - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 2:45 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

As much a work of devotion as it is a documentary, “In Pursuit of Silence” is a meditative exploration of our relationship with silence and the impact of noise on our lives. In our race towards modernity, amidst all the technological innovation and the rapid growth of our cities, silence is now quickly passing into legend. From causing aggressive behavior to hundreds of thousands of heart attacks around the world, there is no aspect of human life that noise does not infringe upon. Silence as a resource for respite and renewal from the sensory onslaught of our modern lives is now more important than ever before.

---

COTTON Shorts Block - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 5:00 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

Hardy and tight-knit. Presented in partnership with Homespun, a series crafted by Atlanta Film Society Filmmakers-in-Residence Jon Watts & Brantly Watts. Featuring "Hotel Clermont," "The New Orleans Sazerac" and "Eat White Dirt."

---

FRANKENSTEIN CREATED BIKERS - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 7:30 PM — 7 Stages Theatre

An outlaw biker finds himself addicted to a diabolical substance and hunted by a grenade-tossing femme fatale, bounty hunters, law enforcement, a rival motorcycle gang, mutations and a topless stripper hit squad.

---

THE ARBALEST - Encore

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 7:45 PM — Plaza Theatre, Upstairs

"The Arbalest" is a confessional recount of the reclusive private life of Foster Kalt, the world-renowned inventor of the Kalt Cube. The strange reflection pieces together strange events and romantic obsessions that compound in a disturbing invention despite his ten-year vow of silence. —My Nguyen

---