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Atlanta’s Film Scene

Discover Atlanta’s
Film Scene

Atlanta is a powerhouse in the film industry. From notable studios and filmmakers, both independent and established, it’s clear why the city maintains its nickname as the Hollywood of the South.

People walk and ride hoverboards on a sunny path through a green urban park with colorful murals in Atlanta, Georgia.
Swan House at Atlanta History Center serves as the home of President Snow in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” (Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate)

Atlanta plays a huge part in the state’s film production industry, from “Captain America: Civil War” transforming downtown Atlanta’s The Gulch into a Nigerian market to the High Museum of Art and Atlanta City Hall serving as backdrops for “Black Panther.” With a diverse range of neighborhoods within a few miles of Downtown, Atlanta can portray everything from New York City to middle America to a quaint Southern town on the bayou. 

Visit these Top Filming Locations in Atlanta, and snap a picture in the same spot as your favorite actors and filmmakers.

While blockbuster sets and large-scale productions carry the city’s reputation, it is the independent creators who shape its soul, telling authentic stories that often highlight different cultures and experiences that shape the community. As the independent filmmaking community strives to reach global audiences, they find joy in building their own lanes while screening at local festivals like Atlanta Film Festival, Bronze Lens Film Festival, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and many more.

During the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2026, Filmmaker Hilan Warshaw presented his film, Mahler in New York. Through his work in film and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Warshaw often takes inspiration from Atlanta and music.
Rich Perez is one of many Atlantans making a footprint in Atlanta’s film industry. His film, “It Stays With Us” was shown at the Atlanta Film Festival.
Jeremy Thao is a talented Atlanta-based film director who showed his film, “Wokman”, at the Atlanta Film Festival.
Denise Santos is one of many Atlantans making a footprint in Atlanta’s film industry as the founder of Latinas in Media ATL.
Meet Atlanta Actor Courtney Locke of “I Could Just Die, And That Would be Alright”
Jenna Kanell is an Atlanta actor whose film, “Faceless After Dark”, was shown at the Atlanta Film Festival.

Atlanta Film Festival

Plaza Theatre - Eastside Atlanta

Celebrating 50 years in 2026, the Atlanta Film Festival showcases diverse feature and short films that connect audiences to new and refreshing talent in the Atlanta film space. Whether you’re attending a panel at the Creative Conference or bumping shoulders with actors and creators in between screenings, this is truly where Atlanta’s film community engages with each other, sparking new ideas and connections.

BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta

Dedicated to bringing national and global attention to Atlanta as the center for film production for people of color, Bronzelens has become a premier event that provides the space for creators to network and develop opportunities that promote the next generation of filmmakers. Attend events that feature celebrity talent or view screenings of some of Atlanta’s independent filmmakers of color through the festival.

Atlanta's Film Scene

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Atlanta's Film Scene

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is not just known for its films, but for the many conversations they spark. Attendees often enjoy post-screening discussions featuring guest appearances by notable filmmakers, artists, and subjects traveling from around the world. Having started as a modest showcase of international Jewish cinema, it has quickly grown into one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind.

On Set ATL Slate Awards

On Set ATL’s goal has always been to create space for Atlanta Creatives in various industries across film, dance, performing arts, and more. The host frequently hosts events that provide the opportunity for independent filmmakers and creatives to maximize their power in the film industry while also providing access to tools and resources. Each year, the organization hosts the star-studded Slate Awards, honoring independent filmmakers and talent making moves in Atlanta.

Atlanta's Film Scene

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