Over four Saturdays, filmmakers will step into the dynamic world of actor-director synergy, learning how to lead with clarity, communicate vision with confidence, and shape performances that resonate long after the credits roll. Through scene work, hands-on coaching, and real-time feedback, students will explore advanced directing techniques that professional sets rely on—from emotional safety to artistic risk-taking.
Designed for beginners, this four-week series provides the essential tools, techniques, and creative foundation needed to begin producing your own documentary content.
Due to the contraction of film and television work in the U.S., The PA Academy is expanding it's training to include live events such as music, film and arts festivals, corporate conventions, event staging and light stagehand work to increase the arsenal of skills to make you more desirable as a freelancer. Offering the workshop virtually allows out of state and international students the chance to learn and grow without the prohibitive costs of travel. Join us from anywhere, because we're taking The PA Academy virtual!
This 3-hour seminar covers essential tools and techniques to help hone your vision as a director through the art of preparation. Learn how to create a compelling lookbook, design and block scenes, and the art of visual storytelling through shot listing and storyboarding.
Join Director and Cinematographer Chris Anthony Hamilton for an immersive workshop that moves you beyond "auto" settings and into the art of visual storytelling. Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker, a camera assistant, or a director wanting to better communicate your vision, this course bridges the gap between optical physics and emotional impact.
We are thrilled to bring back two-time Oscar-winning cinematographer Sir Roger A. Deakins, along with his longtime collaborator and wife, James Deakins, for a special screening of SKYALL (2012). Join us for a pre-screening discussion about their book “Reflections on Cinematography,” followed by a Q&A, all moderated by ATLFS Executive Director, Chris Escobar. Pre-signed copies of their book will be available courtesy of A Cappella Books.
Get a preview of this year's events from Creative Conference Director Linda Burns and a few of the panelists we’ve lined up to help educate, motivate, and entertain attendees of the 50th annual Atlanta Film Festival & Creative Conference!
We are thrilled to bring back two-time Oscar-winning cinematographer Sir Roger A. Deakins, along with his longtime collaborator and wife, James Deakins, for a special screening of BLADE RUNNER 2049 (2017). Join us for a pre-screening discussion about their book “Reflections on Cinematography,” followed by a Q&A. Pre-signed copies of their book will be available courtesy of A Cappella Books.
Before “Black Panther,” before “Do the Right Thing,” there was “The Spook Who Sat by the Door.” The 1973 film, directed by Ivan Dixon from a screenplay and novel by Sam Greenlee, imagined a Black CIA operative turned guerrilla revolutionary. Its boldness led to suppression, cult status — and now, rebirth.
ATLANTA, GA (October 30, 2025)—On Saturday, November 15th, at the prestigious Plaza Theatre, The Atlanta Film Society proudly presents the Atlanta premiere of THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR in its glorious 4K restoration (Restored by The Library of Congress and The Film Foundation. Funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation). Directed by Ivan Dixon and based on the best-selling novel by Sam Greenlee, THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR is certainly among the most radical major-release pictures of the 70s. It follows the first Black CIA agent to complete rigorous agency training, who then uses that knowledge to plot a Black revolution.
tlanta Film Society is pleased to announce the screening of GIRLFIGHT, directed by Karyn Kusama. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Girlfight is featured as this year's ATLFS ¡CINEMÁS! screening, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Ethics at the Movies is a documentary screening series presented by the Center for Ethics at Emory University, featuring in-person post-film conversations with members of the creative teams behind the films.
The Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) and Kodak are partnering to present the 100 Feet of Film Project. This project allows a team of filmmakers to maximize their creativity while minimizing the need for reshooting. Through this project, filmmakers will learn to effectively and efficiently shoot on a limited reel of film stock and, in the process, must focus on the fundamentals of filmmaking.
ATLANTA, GA (July 24, 2025)—The Atlanta Film Society is proud to announce the award winners for our most recent LOCALS ONLY: TRIPPIN’, which occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Jury Award Winner was chosen by distinguished jurors from all backgrounds across the film industry, while in-person attendees determined the Audience Award.
ATLANTA, GA (February 14, 2025)—The Atlanta Film Society is proud to announce the award winners for our most recent LOCALS ONLY: SHORTS & GIGGLES, which took place Thursday, February 13, 2025. The Jury Award Winner was chosen by distinguished jurors from all backgrounds across the film industry, while the Audience Award was determined by in-person attendees.
The Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000! This grant will save jobs and fund operations and facilities, health and safety supplies, and marketing and promotional efforts to encourage attendance and participation.
Christopher Escobar, the Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Society, was asked to comment on the recent passing of President Jimmy Carter. Christopher is an executive producer for the documentary CARTERLAND, which examines the tragic yet inspirational life of our country's most misunderstood president.
Chris Escobar has been awarded Georgia's Creative Champion of 2024/2025. The honor was bestowed last night at Georgia Entertainment's Signature 100 held on Stage 5 of Assembly Studios. Over 600 producers, directors, and entertainment executives in Georgia and beyond were in attendance.
The Atlanta Film Society is proud to announce the award winners for our most recent LOCALS ONLY: What Haunts You, which took place Thursday, November 21, 2024.
The Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) is pleased and grateful to announce that we have been awarded $10,000 by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Arts Fund (MAAF).