Atlanta Film Festival 2026 - 50th Anniversary
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Festival
Film-related Business, Filmmaker Resource
ATLFF is the epicenter of Georgia's film community. As an institution existing for half a century, we have faced many hurdles over the years, and as we head into our 50th anniversary, we face a new issue of government defunding. Every dollar given shapes this festival & uplifts emerging talent.
Atlanta Film Festival 2026 - 50th Anniversary
Atlanta, Georgia | Film Festival
Film-related Business, Filmmaker Resource
2 Campaigns | Georgia, United States
71 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$16,222
Goal: $50,000 for production
ATLFF is the epicenter of Georgia's film community. As an institution existing for half a century, we have faced many hurdles over the years, and as we head into our 50th anniversary, we face a new issue of government defunding. Every dollar given shapes this festival & uplifts emerging talent.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The film industry has taken hit after hit, but our ATLFF community has remained strong. After COVID shutdowns and strikes, the industry was put in a standstill, and amidst it all, the Atlanta Film Festival was able to throw its greatest festival to date in 2025 with your support. To every attendee, filmmaker, backer, and sponsor of #ATLFF25, THANK YOU! Pat yourself on the back for contributing to one of the oldest and largest arts organizations in the Southeast. Not only were you a part of keeping this festival alive and flourishing, but you are also partially responsible for inspiring artists to continue creating and taking their work to the next level. Now heading into our 50th anniversary, we are excited to make an even bigger splash with the 2026 festival and create an even bigger impact for independent filmmakers within Georgia and across the globe.
When you show up, we show out! Each year, we host over 20,000 filmmakers and film lovers from across the world for 11 days of independent filmmaking, and we accomplish it on a modest budget, without compromising the integrity of our festival by partnering with organizations with aligned values, sourcing sponsorships, and receiving contributions from lovers of the arts like yourself. The Atlanta Film Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, meaning every dollar put in goes right back to serving you up the best exhibition of independent cinema possible. It allows us to support filmmakers' travel expenses, reintroduce programs like Sound and Vision, host more activations, and so much more.
Our festival is as raw and authentic as the films we screen. The independent artist spirit runs through the veins of our organization. Our first festival was a scrappy gathering held in Piedmont Park's bathhouse. According to founding member and first Executive Director, Gayla Jamison, "It was the first time the bathhouse had been used as anything but a bathhouse. So there we were, showing these films and videotapes in a place that smelled like old tennis shoes." In our founding, we were a group of filmmakers, educators, and cinephiles determined to carve out a space for unique storytelling on screen, and it remains true to who we are today. Just like the filmmakers who are selected for our festival, we know how to get down and dirty to make a project come to fruition. And it is because of this independent artist spirit that we have successfully thrown fifty festivals dedicated to the latest and greatest in film.
.png)
What makes ATLFF stand out is our commitment to raw, authentic filmmaking. Our genuine love and appreciation for the innovation of cinema is the reason why we have been around so long. When you're one of MovieMaker Magazine's Film Festivals Worth the Submission fee four years in a row, people take notice. Not only will fillmakers submit, but the stars are going to show up! ATLFF '25 had over 6,000 film and screenplay submissions from over 150 countries across the world. And films from people like Two Chainz and Omar Epps not only attended, but submitted their project, RED CLAY, to ATLFF. We had a few more celebs grace our red carpets like Kerry Washington, Ray McKinnon, and Ed Helms, to name a few! And they weren’t alone - over 20,000 people flocked to ATLFF '25 to see what films were selected for the festival.
At the 49th film festival, we had over 6K films submitted. Out of those, 144 films from 35 countries - including 27 world premieres - were programmed for this year's festival. This includes 37 feature films, 87 Short Films, and 20 Creative Media (Music Videos, Episodic Pilots, and Virtual Reality). Not only is ATLFF known for uplifting the early works of cutting-edge, award-winning artists like Spike Lee, Walton Goggins, and Keke Palmer, but the films screened also come from diverse voices. In 2025, we had:
- 60% BIPOC Directed
- 55% women + non-binary Directed
- 24% of the total lineup programmed from submissions were Georgia films
At ATLFF, we pride ourselves on championing the voices of independent filmmakers. Whether they’re from our home state of Georgia or from one of the 30 countries that submitted to ATLFF ’25, we showcase stories of all sizes and colors. It’s our mission to empower the independent film community and to launch film careers. And thanks to our supporters, we’ve been able to do that for fifty years!
Beyond our diverse representation both behind and in front of the cameras, the Atlanta Film Festival brings breathtaking programming from our official selections to our marquee. ATLFF '25 had 22 Marquee Screenings, with our Opening Night film COLOR BOOK kicking things off and 7 Special Presentations, like a sold-out screening of Coherence with James Ward Byrkit. And it was all possible because of supporters like you!
.png)
The Atlanta Film Festival is the annual centerpiece of educational and enriching film programming that is provided year-round by its parent organization, the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS). ATLFF is not just a local celebration of film but a world-renowned film festival. We are one of only a handful of film festivals worldwide that are Academy Award-qualifying in all three categories: live-action short, animation short, and documentary short subject.
This means winners of our animated short, documentary short, and narrative short jury awards may qualify to be on a shortlist for Oscar® nominations.
AKA, we give independent filmmakers a chance to have their creations go down in history and join our wall of fame of creatives we launched the careers of. Only a handful of film festivals are Academy Award®-qualifying in all three shorts categories, and we are honored to be one of them. And at the 94th Academy Awards, thanks to winning the ATLFF ’21 Jury Award Winner for Best Narrative Short, THE DRESS was nominated for Best Live Action Short. But it doesn't stop at the Oscars®; our winning filmmakers go on to have their works picked up by major studios and distributors. ATLFF ’24 Georgia Short Film Award and Short Audience Award winner, MAKAYLA'S VOICE, was picked up by Netflix.
But wait - there's more! The Atlanta Film Festival isn't only about film. It's about art itself and how it intermingles with people, the city, and film. Each year, we present the Creative Conference with over 40 panels discussing the pressing topics of entertainment media today with industry leaders and trailblazers. And we create space not only to listen to these thought-provoking conversations, but to have them yourself with big names in the game and up-and-coming talent just getting their feet wet. Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or just an enjoyer of community, the Atlanta Film Festival has a panel, party, and activation to plug into. Furthermore, we showcase more than films! This past year, we partnered with Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week for a fashion show at the Supermarket. The 2026 festival is the return of Sound and Vision at the Goat Farm, a presentation of film in conjunction with music and visual arts in a variety of mediums.
.png)
Many of you give just as a way to give back. And many of you are backers because it includes some impressive benefits.
We’re a judgment-free zone; as to why you give is totally up to you; just know we appreciate you. That’s why we will provide some pretty sweet perks, from your name on the big screen to special VIP treatment. So, if you're planning to attend the 2026 festival, Pledge today and save more on your pass than at any other time of the year. Year-round member? Pitch in $85 and get your 2026 membership to the Atlanta Film Society, which comes with all kinds of year-round perks, like invitations to free advance screenings, member-exclusive events, and more.
More Ways To Give! - Rep ATLFF Out n' About
We're bringing you all an exclusive shirt design so you can support ATLFF all year long and have your shirts before the upcoming festival!
.png)
We're a city that has risen through the ashes, and so will our industry. Support ATLFF this giving season with a shirt that represents our vibrant and resilient community! This shirt is exclusive to our Seed & Spark campaign and cannot be purchased at any other time. Grab yours here by November 28th @ 11:59 PM EST.
.png)
If we don’t raise 80% of $50,000, we don’t get a single penny pledged.
COVID-19 shutdowns, strikes, and studio losses have impacted us financially, limiting the scale of our yearly festival. ATLFF has made some astonishing accomplishments over the last five decades, and the success of this campaign plays a big part in our continued success.
.png)
While the future of filmmaking in Georgia is unclear, we are certain that this community of artists will remain strong. Amidst recent production losses, MovieMaker insists that Atlanta is one of the top 3 places to live and work as a filmmaker. Georgia is a powerhouse in production from micro to macro budgets, but you can't make a movie without the cast, crew, and investors who make it happen. And that's who we create the Atlanta Film Festival for. Now more than ever, we need your help to continue to do what we do best: champion independent cinema. Donations to this year's Seed & Spark campaign help us to keep our staff employed, provide the most welcoming experience for local and out-of-town talent, and give the city an event like no other!
.png)
We have succeeded by fostering a tight-knit independent film community! Help us continue this streak by encouraging your inner circle to contribute by sharing on socials, email, and in conversation. Your help means so much to us and the independent filmmakers of Georgia and across the world that we support!
Please share the following social media copy:
It's that time of year again: giving season! This year, I'm contributing to the 50th Anniversary of the Atlanta Film Festival in their effort to raise 50k for 50 years of independent cinema. As a lover of the arts, I'm happy to take part in maintaining one of Georgia's greatest art nonprofits and community events. I encourage you to do the same and join me in celebrating #50YearsofCinema
Find our complete shareable media and social toolkit here. Be sure to tag us @atlantafilmfestival so we can see you and show our appreciation for our
.png)
We know you have a choice of organizations to support, and we are so thankful that you consider us to be worth your dedication! It's a pleasure to have you in our corner as we face the unforeseen future of filmmaking in Georgia.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Filmmaker Lodging
Costs $15,000
We need funds to cover hotel costs for filmmakers at ATLFF, ensuring they can focus on showcasing their work and foster a vibrant community!
Filmmaker Travel
Costs $10,000
We need help covering filmmakers' flights to ATLFF. Your donations will ensure they can attend and share their incredible films!
Filmmaker Cash Prizes + Awards
Costs $10,000
Filmmaker Cash Awards help ATLFF award-winning independent filmmakers continue to create impactful stories and share their unique voices.
Sound & Vision Activations
Costs $15,000
After years in hiatus, Sound & Vision at the Goat Farm is back! This will be a night of audiovisual installations, but we need your help!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Chris Escobar, Executive Director
Serving since 2011, Christopher Escobar is the longest serving and first minority Executive Director of the 44-year old Atlanta Film Society, the media arts organization named “Best Nonprofit” by Creative Loafing and producer of the Academy Award-qualifying Atlanta Film Festival named “Best Spring Festival in Atlanta” by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine and "10 Best Film Festival" by USAtoday two years running. He has been named a “40 under 40” and “CFO of the Year” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, “Best of Atlanta” by Atlanta Magazine, and the “Creativity & Arts Award for Community Impact Arts Administrator” from the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts. Escobar has been featured in Vice, Variety, Slate Magazine, The New York Times, TIME, ABC, PBS, NPR, NBC, Fox News, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CBS, and CNN.
He has served on boards for Georgia Production Partnership, Plaza Theatre Foundation, Rialto Center for the Arts, and Georgia State University’s College of the Arts. He has also served on grant review panels for Fulton County Arts & Culture, Georgia Council for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts many times. In 2017, he purchased the historic Plaza Theatre—Atlanta’s oldest cinema and converted the theatre from being a strategic partner of the ATLFS to making the theatre’s number one philanthropic priority. In 2023, he reopened the Tara Theatre after the previous owners had to close unexpectedly. Christopher holds a B.A. in Film & Video as well as an M.A. in Moving Image Studies with a concentration in Production, both from Georgia State University. He is lucky to be married to his lovely wife of over a decade, Nicole, and they have three amazing children, Olivia, Aiden, and Amelia.
Jon Kieran, Programming Director
Jonathan Kieran is a film programmer hailing from Essex County, Massachusetts. After making a start as an amateur filmmaker at the tender age of 22, he moved across the country to take a spot at the Master of Fine Arts program in Film Production at the University of New Orleans. At the same time, he started as a volunteer for the New Orleans Film Festival, which slowly grew to become his professional home over the next decade, and where he wore many hats, from organizing panels to assisting the festival’s technical department, to finally settling into the role of Programming Manager. He also lent a hand at other regional festivals, including Court 13’s Always for Pleasure fest in New Orleans, Borscht Corporation’s “Borscht Diez” in Miami, and the Camden International Film Festival. He was also a longtime contributor to online indie-film showcase NoBudge. In 2021, Jon returned to New England to serve as Director of Cinema Programming at Cinema Salem, an independent three-screen cinema located in Salem, MA. In between programming jobs, he had side-gigs as a pedicab driver in the French Quarter, a sound recordist on indie film crews, and a tour guide in Salem, where he educated the public about the city’s notorious witch trials. When he’s not working, Jon is a slow reader, bike rider, drink mixer, Letterboxd try-hard, Eurovision superfan, sometimes diarist, novice synthesist, and cat person.
Melissa Simpson, Education Director
Melissa Simpson is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Film Impact Georgia, a nonprofit dedicated to helping uplift the voices of those making independent films in Georgia. She was born and raised just north of Atlanta and has a BS in Film & Digital Media from the University of North Georgia. Melissa was a founding director of the Georgia Film Festival, has worked as the Creative Director for TERMINUS Conference + Festival, and has worked in many different roles for film festivals across Georgia, including the Atlanta Film Festival, Rome International Film Festival, the WIFTA Short Film Showcase, and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.
She also spent two years working with film festivals and indie filmmakers across the world at Eventive, a virtual streaming platform for independent film. Currently, Melissa is the Education Manager at the Atlanta Film Society. In her spare time, she is involved in many organizations in the Georgia film community and has produced independent projects, such as Come Correct, Wokman, and Lilin. Melissa also has a house full of rescue animals and won a hula hoop contest when she was eight.
Learn more about the full team here!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The film industry has taken hit after hit, but our ATLFF community has remained strong. After COVID shutdowns and strikes, the industry was put in a standstill, and amidst it all, the Atlanta Film Festival was able to throw its greatest festival to date in 2025 with your support. To every attendee, filmmaker, backer, and sponsor of #ATLFF25, THANK YOU! Pat yourself on the back for contributing to one of the oldest and largest arts organizations in the Southeast. Not only were you a part of keeping this festival alive and flourishing, but you are also partially responsible for inspiring artists to continue creating and taking their work to the next level. Now heading into our 50th anniversary, we are excited to make an even bigger splash with the 2026 festival and create an even bigger impact for independent filmmakers within Georgia and across the globe.
When you show up, we show out! Each year, we host over 20,000 filmmakers and film lovers from across the world for 11 days of independent filmmaking, and we accomplish it on a modest budget, without compromising the integrity of our festival by partnering with organizations with aligned values, sourcing sponsorships, and receiving contributions from lovers of the arts like yourself. The Atlanta Film Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, meaning every dollar put in goes right back to serving you up the best exhibition of independent cinema possible. It allows us to support filmmakers' travel expenses, reintroduce programs like Sound and Vision, host more activations, and so much more.
Our festival is as raw and authentic as the films we screen. The independent artist spirit runs through the veins of our organization. Our first festival was a scrappy gathering held in Piedmont Park's bathhouse. According to founding member and first Executive Director, Gayla Jamison, "It was the first time the bathhouse had been used as anything but a bathhouse. So there we were, showing these films and videotapes in a place that smelled like old tennis shoes." In our founding, we were a group of filmmakers, educators, and cinephiles determined to carve out a space for unique storytelling on screen, and it remains true to who we are today. Just like the filmmakers who are selected for our festival, we know how to get down and dirty to make a project come to fruition. And it is because of this independent artist spirit that we have successfully thrown fifty festivals dedicated to the latest and greatest in film.
What makes ATLFF stand out is our commitment to raw, authentic filmmaking. Our genuine love and appreciation for the innovation of cinema is the reason why we have been around so long. When you're one of MovieMaker Magazine's Film Festivals Worth the Submission fee four years in a row, people take notice. Not only will fillmakers submit, but the stars are going to show up! ATLFF '25 had over 6,000 film and screenplay submissions from over 150 countries across the world. And films from people like Two Chainz and Omar Epps not only attended, but submitted their project, RED CLAY, to ATLFF. We had a few more celebs grace our red carpets like Kerry Washington, Ray McKinnon, and Ed Helms, to name a few! And they weren’t alone - over 20,000 people flocked to ATLFF '25 to see what films were selected for the festival.
At the 49th film festival, we had over 6K films submitted. Out of those, 144 films from 35 countries - including 27 world premieres - were programmed for this year's festival. This includes 37 feature films, 87 Short Films, and 20 Creative Media (Music Videos, Episodic Pilots, and Virtual Reality). Not only is ATLFF known for uplifting the early works of cutting-edge, award-winning artists like Spike Lee, Walton Goggins, and Keke Palmer, but the films screened also come from diverse voices. In 2025, we had:
- 60% BIPOC Directed
- 55% women + non-binary Directed
- 24% of the total lineup programmed from submissions were Georgia films
At ATLFF, we pride ourselves on championing the voices of independent filmmakers. Whether they’re from our home state of Georgia or from one of the 30 countries that submitted to ATLFF ’25, we showcase stories of all sizes and colors. It’s our mission to empower the independent film community and to launch film careers. And thanks to our supporters, we’ve been able to do that for fifty years!
Beyond our diverse representation both behind and in front of the cameras, the Atlanta Film Festival brings breathtaking programming from our official selections to our marquee. ATLFF '25 had 22 Marquee Screenings, with our Opening Night film COLOR BOOK kicking things off and 7 Special Presentations, like a sold-out screening of Coherence with James Ward Byrkit. And it was all possible because of supporters like you!
The Atlanta Film Festival is the annual centerpiece of educational and enriching film programming that is provided year-round by its parent organization, the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS). ATLFF is not just a local celebration of film but a world-renowned film festival. We are one of only a handful of film festivals worldwide that are Academy Award-qualifying in all three categories: live-action short, animation short, and documentary short subject.
This means winners of our animated short, documentary short, and narrative short jury awards may qualify to be on a shortlist for Oscar® nominations.
AKA, we give independent filmmakers a chance to have their creations go down in history and join our wall of fame of creatives we launched the careers of. Only a handful of film festivals are Academy Award®-qualifying in all three shorts categories, and we are honored to be one of them. And at the 94th Academy Awards, thanks to winning the ATLFF ’21 Jury Award Winner for Best Narrative Short, THE DRESS was nominated for Best Live Action Short. But it doesn't stop at the Oscars®; our winning filmmakers go on to have their works picked up by major studios and distributors. ATLFF ’24 Georgia Short Film Award and Short Audience Award winner, MAKAYLA'S VOICE, was picked up by Netflix.
But wait - there's more! The Atlanta Film Festival isn't only about film. It's about art itself and how it intermingles with people, the city, and film. Each year, we present the Creative Conference with over 40 panels discussing the pressing topics of entertainment media today with industry leaders and trailblazers. And we create space not only to listen to these thought-provoking conversations, but to have them yourself with big names in the game and up-and-coming talent just getting their feet wet. Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or just an enjoyer of community, the Atlanta Film Festival has a panel, party, and activation to plug into. Furthermore, we showcase more than films! This past year, we partnered with Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week for a fashion show at the Supermarket. The 2026 festival is the return of Sound and Vision at the Goat Farm, a presentation of film in conjunction with music and visual arts in a variety of mediums.
Many of you give just as a way to give back. And many of you are backers because it includes some impressive benefits.
We’re a judgment-free zone; as to why you give is totally up to you; just know we appreciate you. That’s why we will provide some pretty sweet perks, from your name on the big screen to special VIP treatment. So, if you're planning to attend the 2026 festival, Pledge today and save more on your pass than at any other time of the year. Year-round member? Pitch in $85 and get your 2026 membership to the Atlanta Film Society, which comes with all kinds of year-round perks, like invitations to free advance screenings, member-exclusive events, and more.
More Ways To Give! - Rep ATLFF Out n' About
We're bringing you all an exclusive shirt design so you can support ATLFF all year long and have your shirts before the upcoming festival!
We're a city that has risen through the ashes, and so will our industry. Support ATLFF this giving season with a shirt that represents our vibrant and resilient community! This shirt is exclusive to our Seed & Spark campaign and cannot be purchased at any other time. Grab yours here by November 28th @ 11:59 PM EST.
If we don’t raise 80% of $50,000, we don’t get a single penny pledged.
COVID-19 shutdowns, strikes, and studio losses have impacted us financially, limiting the scale of our yearly festival. ATLFF has made some astonishing accomplishments over the last five decades, and the success of this campaign plays a big part in our continued success.
While the future of filmmaking in Georgia is unclear, we are certain that this community of artists will remain strong. Amidst recent production losses, MovieMaker insists that Atlanta is one of the top 3 places to live and work as a filmmaker. Georgia is a powerhouse in production from micro to macro budgets, but you can't make a movie without the cast, crew, and investors who make it happen. And that's who we create the Atlanta Film Festival for. Now more than ever, we need your help to continue to do what we do best: champion independent cinema. Donations to this year's Seed & Spark campaign help us to keep our staff employed, provide the most welcoming experience for local and out-of-town talent, and give the city an event like no other!
We have succeeded by fostering a tight-knit independent film community! Help us continue this streak by encouraging your inner circle to contribute by sharing on socials, email, and in conversation. Your help means so much to us and the independent filmmakers of Georgia and across the world that we support!
Please share the following social media copy:
It's that time of year again: giving season! This year, I'm contributing to the 50th Anniversary of the Atlanta Film Festival in their effort to raise 50k for 50 years of independent cinema. As a lover of the arts, I'm happy to take part in maintaining one of Georgia's greatest art nonprofits and community events. I encourage you to do the same and join me in celebrating #50YearsofCinema
Find our complete shareable media and social toolkit here. Be sure to tag us @atlantafilmfestival so we can see you and show our appreciation for our
We know you have a choice of organizations to support, and we are so thankful that you consider us to be worth your dedication! It's a pleasure to have you in our corner as we face the unforeseen future of filmmaking in Georgia.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Filmmaker Lodging
Costs $15,000
We need funds to cover hotel costs for filmmakers at ATLFF, ensuring they can focus on showcasing their work and foster a vibrant community!
Filmmaker Travel
Costs $10,000
We need help covering filmmakers' flights to ATLFF. Your donations will ensure they can attend and share their incredible films!
Filmmaker Cash Prizes + Awards
Costs $10,000
Filmmaker Cash Awards help ATLFF award-winning independent filmmakers continue to create impactful stories and share their unique voices.
Sound & Vision Activations
Costs $15,000
After years in hiatus, Sound & Vision at the Goat Farm is back! This will be a night of audiovisual installations, but we need your help!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Chris Escobar, Executive Director
Serving since 2011, Christopher Escobar is the longest serving and first minority Executive Director of the 44-year old Atlanta Film Society, the media arts organization named “Best Nonprofit” by Creative Loafing and producer of the Academy Award-qualifying Atlanta Film Festival named “Best Spring Festival in Atlanta” by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine and "10 Best Film Festival" by USAtoday two years running. He has been named a “40 under 40” and “CFO of the Year” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, “Best of Atlanta” by Atlanta Magazine, and the “Creativity & Arts Award for Community Impact Arts Administrator” from the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts. Escobar has been featured in Vice, Variety, Slate Magazine, The New York Times, TIME, ABC, PBS, NPR, NBC, Fox News, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CBS, and CNN.
He has served on boards for Georgia Production Partnership, Plaza Theatre Foundation, Rialto Center for the Arts, and Georgia State University’s College of the Arts. He has also served on grant review panels for Fulton County Arts & Culture, Georgia Council for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts many times. In 2017, he purchased the historic Plaza Theatre—Atlanta’s oldest cinema and converted the theatre from being a strategic partner of the ATLFS to making the theatre’s number one philanthropic priority. In 2023, he reopened the Tara Theatre after the previous owners had to close unexpectedly. Christopher holds a B.A. in Film & Video as well as an M.A. in Moving Image Studies with a concentration in Production, both from Georgia State University. He is lucky to be married to his lovely wife of over a decade, Nicole, and they have three amazing children, Olivia, Aiden, and Amelia.
Jon Kieran, Programming Director
Jonathan Kieran is a film programmer hailing from Essex County, Massachusetts. After making a start as an amateur filmmaker at the tender age of 22, he moved across the country to take a spot at the Master of Fine Arts program in Film Production at the University of New Orleans. At the same time, he started as a volunteer for the New Orleans Film Festival, which slowly grew to become his professional home over the next decade, and where he wore many hats, from organizing panels to assisting the festival’s technical department, to finally settling into the role of Programming Manager. He also lent a hand at other regional festivals, including Court 13’s Always for Pleasure fest in New Orleans, Borscht Corporation’s “Borscht Diez” in Miami, and the Camden International Film Festival. He was also a longtime contributor to online indie-film showcase NoBudge. In 2021, Jon returned to New England to serve as Director of Cinema Programming at Cinema Salem, an independent three-screen cinema located in Salem, MA. In between programming jobs, he had side-gigs as a pedicab driver in the French Quarter, a sound recordist on indie film crews, and a tour guide in Salem, where he educated the public about the city’s notorious witch trials. When he’s not working, Jon is a slow reader, bike rider, drink mixer, Letterboxd try-hard, Eurovision superfan, sometimes diarist, novice synthesist, and cat person.
Melissa Simpson, Education Director
Melissa Simpson is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Film Impact Georgia, a nonprofit dedicated to helping uplift the voices of those making independent films in Georgia. She was born and raised just north of Atlanta and has a BS in Film & Digital Media from the University of North Georgia. Melissa was a founding director of the Georgia Film Festival, has worked as the Creative Director for TERMINUS Conference + Festival, and has worked in many different roles for film festivals across Georgia, including the Atlanta Film Festival, Rome International Film Festival, the WIFTA Short Film Showcase, and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.
She also spent two years working with film festivals and indie filmmakers across the world at Eventive, a virtual streaming platform for independent film. Currently, Melissa is the Education Manager at the Atlanta Film Society. In her spare time, she is involved in many organizations in the Georgia film community and has produced independent projects, such as Come Correct, Wokman, and Lilin. Melissa also has a house full of rescue animals and won a hula hoop contest when she was eight.
Learn more about the full team here!