Just Announced: ATLFF '15 Opening & Closing Night Films!
"I Am Michael" will serve as the 2015 Opening Night Film, with James Franco scheduled to attend. Marah Strauch will bring her directorial debut, "Sunshine Superman," to Atlanta for our Closing Night Presentation.
The 2015 Atlanta Film Festival is proud to divulge the details of our Opening and Closing Night selections! We're kicking off our 39th annual lineup with narrative feature "I Am Michael," starring James Franco, Zachary Quinto, and Emma Roberts. "I Am Michael" is based on the true story of Michael Glatze (Franco), a former gay rights activist and co-founder of Young Gay America, as detailed in the New York Times Magazine story "My Ex-Gay Friend." After turning to the Christian church in response to fear of the same heart condition that claimed his father, Glatze renounced his homosexuality, left his partner Bennett (Quinto), and married Rebekah Fuller (Roberts).
Lead actor James Franco is scheduled to attend this screening. An Academy Award nominated actor ("127 Hours"), Franco is well known for his roles in "Milk," the "Spider-Man" franchise, "Oz the Great and Powerful," "This Is the End," and "The Interview."
Closing Night will feature "Sunshine Superman," a heart-stopping documentary about Carl Boenish, the "Father of BASE Jumping." Using exclusive, exhilarating footage of foot-launched human flight and interviews with Boenish's family and friends, "Sunshine Superman" chronicles a life on the edge. Marah Strauch is scheduled to attend her directorial debut.
Said Executive Director Christopher Escobar, "We are thrilled to welcome James Franco, a veteran in the entertainment industry and Marah Strauch, an emerging filmmaker to this year’s festival. This mix of seasoned talent and new, cutting edge filmmakers cultivates a variety of films, and we are proud of this year’s robust lineup.”
You can purchase tickets to these screenings below, or you can purchase a pass to the festival and attend both screenings as a perk of your pass and year-round membership.
I AM MICHAEL - OPENING NIGHT FILM TICKETS
(includes screening and after party)
SUNSHINE SUPERMAN - CLOSING NIGHT FILM TICKETS
(includes screening and after party)
All-Access, Film & Conference, Film, & Weekend passes have priority seating; MovieHopper Cards are subject to availability for Opening & Closing night. Companion tickets are not applicable for these films.
Discover further information about our passes and membership program here.
With less than three weeks left until Opening Night, be sure to stay connected with @AtlantaFilmFest on Twitter, Facebook, and here at atlantafilmfestival.com for continued information about your 2015 film schedule!
This Wednesday: You'll Kick! You'll Scream!
You'll grow up with Baumbach!
...You'll graduate from college all over again. Join us as we launch Growing Up Baumbach—a tribute to writer and director Noah Baumbach's twenty years in film—with "Kicking and Screaming," the feature film that launched his career. This four-week retrospective will showcase three of his best films and present his latest release, official ATLFF selection "While We're Young." But first, we take you back to 1995.
Follow along every Wednesday in March! See one for $7, the first three for $15, or all four for FREE when you become a member! Buy tickets here:
Also see:
ATLFF to Host Southeast Premiere of Noah Baumbach's WHILE WE'RE YOUNG!
Atlanta Film Festival will host Growing Up Baumbach: a retrospective during the month of March, culminating in the Southeast Premiere of "While We're Young" during ATLFF '15.
We are extremely excited to announce that the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival will present the Southeast Premiere of "While We're Young," the latest feature directed by Noah Baumbach—Academy Award Nominee (Best Original Screenplay, "The Squid and The Whale") and critically acclaimed director ("Kicking and Screaming," "Margot at the Wedding," "Greenberg," "Frances Ha")—before its Atlanta release in April! To provide career context (and an excuse to see three fantastic films), we're hosting Growing Up Baumbach: a retrospective of three essential Baumbach works that will screen at The Plaza Theatre in the weeks prior to the premiere. See one film for $7, the first three for $15, or become a member and see all four for FREE.
Wednesday, March 4th: "Kicking and Screaming" (1995)
Paralyzed by postgraduation ennui, a group of college friends remain on campus, patching together a community for themselves in order to deny the real-world futures awaiting them. Academy Award–nominated screenwriter Noah Baumbach’s hilarious and touching directorial debut was one of the highlights of the American independent film scene of the nineties, speaking directly to a generation of adults-to-be. Stingingly funny and incisive, Baumbach’s breakthrough features endlessly quotable dialogue, delivered by a stellar ensemble cast.
Wednesday, March 11th: "The Squid and the Whale" (2005)
The film captures with extraordinary immediacy the inner workings of the Berkman family in 1986 Brooklyn. Bernard (Jeff Daniels), an academic and author, and his restless wife Joan, (Laura Linney) an up-and-coming writer, have given up on their marriage. Their two sons Walt (Jesse Eisenberg), 16, and Frank (Owen Kline), 12, are left to grapple with their confusing and conflicted feelings.
Wednesday, March 18: "Frances Ha" (2013)
Frances (Greta Gerwig) lives in New York, but she doesn’t really have an apartment. Frances is an apprentice for a dance company, but she’s not really a dancer. Frances has a best friend named Sophie, but they aren’t really speaking anymore. Frances throws herself headlong into her dreams, even as their possible reality dwindles. Frances wants so much more than she has, but lives her life with unaccountable joy and lightness. FRANCES HA is a modern comic fable in which Noah Baumbach explores New York, friendship, class, ambition, failure, and redemption.
Wednesday, March 25th: "While We're Young" (2014)
This dramatic comedy about a middle-aged couple (Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts)—whose friendship with a dynamic, disarming young duo (Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried) upends their marriage and careers—garnered applause and attention at its Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival showings in 2014.
Atlanta Film Festival 2015 - Official Selection
How can you resist? Lock down your membership and get ready to join us for this one-time opportunity to grow up Baumbach.
Get a Sneak Peek of ATLFF '15 Selection THE KEEPING ROOM at the Preview Party on February 19th!
As part of the Preview Party on February 19th, you are invited to attend an early screening of Daniel Barber's "The Keeping Room" starring Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld, Muna Otaru and Sam Worthington before it plays the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival in March!
The Atlanta Film Festival Preview Party & Fundraiser is just around the corner! On February 19th, you are invited to attend an early screening of Daniel Barber's "The Keeping Room" starring Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld, Muna Otaru and Sam Worthington before it plays the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival in March. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
Set in the final days of the Civil War, "The Keeping Room" rips genre and gender conventions apart in its showcase of three powerful and resilient Southern women.
Get your tickets below!
Coming Soon: Homespun Series Screening
The Plaza Theatre hosts third installment of the Homespun Series: a showcase of documentary shorts focused on Atlanta and its real-life characters.
Kevin Dunbar in "Apples to Peaches"
The next installment in the Homespun Series is fast approaching! Our partners since they began in November 2013, Homespun exists to showcase and inspire Atlanta filmmakers to focus on the real, colorful characters in their city.
For 2015’s Winter Screening, Creator Brantly Watts and Executive Producer Jon Watts, Atlanta Film Festival Filmmakers in Residence, have chosen three documentary shorts that comply with a universally resonant theme: music. From a recording artist and New York transplant in “Apples to Peaches,” to the producer and artist behind “SpeakerKiller,” to producer and self-professed vinyl addict “TAPES,” the subjects tell stories as varied as they are. As an added bonus, filmmaker Adam Forrester will preview his documentary feature “Eat White Dirt,” an examination of a rare mineral and its effects on the American South.
Don’t hesitate to secure your tickets to Atlanta’s most pointed and courageous short film showcase, hosted by the Plaza Theatre on Friday, February 13th.
Short Cuts Film Contest Closes on Friday, February 9!
This is your last chance to submit a film to ATLFF '15! Plus, you could win $750 and a year-round festival membership! All you have to do us capture the essence of ATL in a 5-minute-or-less film.
Can you capture the essence of ATL in 5 minutes or less?
Once again, the Atlanta Film Festival is partnering with Creative Loafing to bring you the greatest short film contest in Atlanta! This is your last chance to submit a film to ATLFF '15! Plus, you could win $750 and a year-round festival membership! All you have to do us capture the essence of ATL in a 5-minute-or-less film.
The theme for the 5th Annual Short Cuts Film Contest is ATL Imagined: The City Through Your Lens. What does that even mean? It means we're looking for your vision of ATL—whether it's a documentary on your neighbor, a music video of your favorite band, a cartoon of the mayor—we're looking for it.
The top 16 entries will screen on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 8:30 PM at the Plaza Theatre.
The Critics' Pick winner will receive $750 and the Audience Pick winner will receive $500! Both winners will have their films screened at the Atlanta Film Festival in March, and both will receive memberships to the Atlanta Film Festival for one year.
Your film must be submitted by February 9th!
2015 ATLFF Preview Party & Fundraiser
In celebration of the upcoming 39th annual Atlanta Film Festival, we cordially invite you to an official feature film selection at the Plaza Theatre followed by a party at the Callanwold Fine Arts Center. Come dressed in your best Classic Hollywood Glamour!
In celebration of the upcoming 39th annual Atlanta Film Festival, we cordially invite you to an official feature film selection at the Plaza Theatre followed by a party at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Come dressed in your best Classic Hollywood Glamour!
The feature film will be screened at 7 PM at the Plaza Theatre. Following the feature film, raise your glasses and enjoy delicious local eats at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center from 8:30 PM to 11 PM. Walk down the red carpet, chow down on delectable food and enjoy the open bar.
Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased via eventbrite. Check out our Facebook event here.
Last year, this event was a stunning success that brought together our community leaders, local and visiting filmmakers, and staff, for a night filled with food, libations, music and film.
As you know, our organization relies on support from the community to be able to present our programming. This event is aimed to increase that support -- it's a fundraiser, open to the public! So gather your family, friends, and colleagues and help us once again to fulfill our mission of leading the community in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image.
In addition to your ticket, there are plenty of small ways to help us fulfill our mission:
- Share our fundraiser with friends and family who might be interested in the festival -- it's open to the public!
- Participate in our stellar VIP package giveaway! This package includes (4) All-Access Passes to the 2015 Festival, dinner for (4) during the fest accompanied by festival staff and filmmakers, and other superb perks to be announced soon! With your ticket, you will receive (1) entry into this raffle, but you may purchase additional entries for $10 each (Winner will be announced at the party, attendance is not required to win).
- Bid in our silent auction, or donate an item! We will have a plethora of swag from community favorites, as well as from some of your favorite television shows and films! If interested in donating, please contact sydney@atlantafilmfestival.com with details.
We hope to make this evening an enchanting glimpse at what's to come during our 10-day festival run (March 20th - 29th), sharing together the excitement that being a month out from the festival invokes.
Once again, thank you for being such a loyal supporter of the Atlanta Film Festival; we look forward to seeing all of you on February 19th for a fun night of entertainment!
Feature Film hosted by: Plaza Theatre (1049 Ponce de Leon Avenue. Atlanta, GA 30306)
Party hosted by: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center (980 Briarcliff Road NE. Atlanta, GA 30306)
Sponsored by: XFINITY, Stella Artois, & MailChimp
HBO Invites You and a Guest to a Sneak Preview of "Looking" Season 2!
HBO is hosting a sneak preview of the second season of their hit show "Looking" at the Plaza! You are invited, but you better RSVP soon!
Have Some Christmas Fun with "Gremlins" at The Plaza on Saturday Night
The Plaza Theatre Foundation is hosting a 30th anniversary screening of "Gremlins." Just like in 1984, tickets are only $3.50! The bar will be open.
The Plaza Theatre Foundation proudly presents:
"Gremlins"
as part of the Class of 1984 Series
Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 PM
The Plaza Theatre
Tickets: $3.50
You've already seen 30th anniversary screenings of "Romancing the Stone," "The Terminator" and "Purple Rain." Now, join us for "Gremlins," the final installment in The Plaza Theatre Foundation's Class of 1984 series. Just like in 1984, tickets are only $3.50! Additional donations are welcome. Come join the fun and celebrate the 30th anniversary of these great films with us at this great movie house! The bar will be open.
The Plaza Theatre Foundation's goal is to provide a screening space for organizations who want to benefit and enrich the community through film-based events.
Help The Plaza Theatre Foundation benefit Project Open Hand with the Class of 1984 Screening of "Romancing the Stone"
The Plaza Theatre Foundation is hosting a 30th anniversary screening of "Romancing the Stone." Tickets are only $3.50! The number of tickets sold will go towards determining the I Love Movies Atlanta Meetup group's plans for a screening to benefit Project Open Hand.
The Plaza Theatre Foundation proudly presents:
"Romancing the Stone"
as part of the Class of 1984 Series
Thursday, November 20th at 7:30 PM
The Plaza Theatre
Tickets: $3.50
The Plaza Theatre Foundation's Class of 1984 series launched in October with a double feature of "The Terminator" and "Purple Rain." Join us for "Romancing the Stone," the next installment in the series. Just like in 1984, tickets are only $3.50! Additional donations will be accepted. Come join the fun and celebrate the 30th anniversary of these great films with us at this great movie house!
The Plaza Theatre Foundation's goal is to provide a screening space for organizations who want to benefit and enrich the community through film-based events.
This screening of "Romancing the Stone" will be focused on providing a screening opportunity for the Meetup group I Love Movies to benefit Project Open Hand at a later date in 2015. The more tickets sold will determine whether I Love Movies will get to screen on the Upstairs Screen at The Plaza Theatre or downstairs on the Main Screen and whether or not it will be a weekday or a weekend screening.
Meetup groups have long been important to the film community in Atlanta. Whether focused on filmmaking, cinema studies or particular niches, Atlanta's Meetup groups have been prominent on the film screen for many years. This event allows us to not only focus on a crucial and underrated component of our community but also benefit an important charity organization.
About I Love Movies
Love movies? Love the people who love them too? I Love Movies is a social place to share and discuss the films you love, and films you want to see. You don't need to be a film expert to join this group, just enjoy seeing films and talking about them with like minded people.
About Project Open Hand
Its a non-profit organization that feeds chronically ill people who are too sick to feed themselves. Project Open Hand feeds hundreds of people daily who are chronically ill, from HIV/AIDs, Cancer, Diabetes and Other Diseases. They are 100% dependent on donations and volunteers.