Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival
Join us Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Limelight Theater for the end of the year showdown for the best short films of 2025
Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival
The Event
Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival
Saturday, December 6, 2025 Limelight Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival is not a typical film festival. We present the Best of the Year Showcase, where selected films compete for top honors in front of a live audience. Every film chosen is automatically nominated for an award in its category.
Why Attend the Event
- Experience the year’s most compelling short films in a single unforgettable night
- Celebrate with filmmakers from across the country in a high-energy, non-pretentious atmosphere
- Vote for your favorite films and help decide the winners
- Enjoy a red carpet experience built for indie film - meaningful, exciting, and built on community
Award Categories
Every film selected for the Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival is automatically nominated for an award in its category. Nominees are recognized on our website and across our platforms, and all winners receive our custom Spotlight crystal trophy.
Award Categories:
Film of the Year
Best Narrative Short
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Horror Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Local Short
Best Local Director
Best Student Short
Best Animated Short
Best Music Video
Best Micro Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Director
Best Performance
Best Ensemble
Jury Award
Audience Choice
Spotlight Icon Award
Why Submit Your Film
We welcome films that have already had a successful festival run, as well as new discoveries ready to shine. Our goal is to highlight the very best short films of the year and celebrate the filmmakers who made them.
If selected, your film will screen in Atlanta at our year-end showcase. All films seleted will have an automatic nomination for an award in your category and a chance to win the custom Spotlight crystal trophy.
Submit Today Let your film stand out.
Our Filmmakers
Meet the visionary creators behind this year’s award-winning films. From bold storytellers to masterful directors, these filmmakers represent the best in independent cinema. Explore their bios, discover their work, and see why they earned the spotlight.
Short Film Festival Awards on IMDB
Documentary Awards on IMDB