DATE: 12/16/25
TIME: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
LOCATION: Manuel’s Tavern
PRICE: Free
This month's Eat, Drink & B-Indie will focus on providing filmmakers of all levels with essential tools, resources, and educational opportunities. The conversation will be led by our very own Education Director, Melissa Simpson, and Education & Grants Coordinator, Taylor Montalto. We'll dive into local grants and funding options, networking opportunities, and the wealth of educational programs available.
MEET THE PANELIST
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Melissa Simpson is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Film Impact Georgia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of independent filmmakers in Georgia. Born and raised just north of Atlanta, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Film & Digital Media from the University of North Georgia. Melissa's passion for film is reflected in her extensive experience within the industry. She was a founding director of the Georgia Film Festival and served as Creative Director for the TERMINUS Conference + Festival. Melissa's diverse roles at various film festivals include the prestigious Atlanta Film Festival, the Rome International Film Festival, the WIFTA Short Film Showcase, and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Additionally, she spent two transformative years at Eventive, a virtual streaming platform for independent film, where she collaborated with filmmakers and film festivals worldwide. Currently, Melissa is the Education Director at the Atlanta Film Society, where she works to uplift the next generation of storytellers. She remains actively engaged in the Georgia film community, producing independent projects such as Come Correct, Wokman, and Christmas with Jerks. Melissa was recently named one of the 200 Most Influential of Georgia’s Creative Industries by Georgia Entertainment and honored at the Women in Film and Television 50th Anniversary. She also has a house full of rescue animals and won a hula hoop contest when she was eight.
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Taylor Montalto grew up obsessed with movies and was inspired to study film by her idol, Nora Ephron. She ended up graduating with honors from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies and Journalism. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Taylor’s passion for all things film and photography-related has driven her to work on various projects in both documentary and narrative mediums. She has had the opportunity to work on a variety of film projects, including narrative features, The Rack Pack and Grace Point, starring Johnny Lowe and Andrew McCarthy. Taylor also participated in the 2019 Charlotte 48 Hour Film Project as Assistant Director and Script Supervisor of The Job, which was recognized for its achievements in Directing, Cinematography, and Musical Score, as well as Audience Choice and Best Film overall for the year. She currently works as Education & Grants Coordinator for Atlanta Film Society, in which she is tasked with logistical, operational and informational coordinating of educational programs, including the Creative Conference during the Atlanta Film Festival, as well as classes, workshops & webinars throughout the year. In addition, Taylor works to research, identify, and cultivate prospective donors/grant partnerships (including foundations), assists the organization’s development efforts to maintain current and grow from current levels with new grant sources, and corresponds with prospective donors/grant funders. She continues to play an active role in both the Atlanta and Charlotte cultural arts scenes. Apart from serving as Programming Director for Charlotte Film Festival at Charlotte Film Society's The Independent Picture House, Charlotte's first and only independently-owned art house cinema, Taylor is also a Senior Usher for Blumenthal Arts and a Guest Experience Event Staff Member for The Fox Theatre. She previously worked as Production Assistant for Full Scale Productions in Charlotte. Taylor loves checking out new to her film festivals, and apart from her work with ATLFS and CFF, has had the opportunity to volunteer at such festivals as Sundance Film Festival and Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.