
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.
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.
Categories include: Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Horror, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Local Film, Audience Choice, and more.
What you can expect if selected:
Your film screened in Atlanta at our year-end showcase
Automatic nomination for an award in your category
A chance to win our crystal Spotlight trophy
Networking with fellow filmmakers and a live audience experience
All submissions are reviewed by a panel of experienced film professionals, including:
Films are judged on originality, storytelling, emotional impact, direction, editing, pacing, cinematography, sound, and overall artistic merit.

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
Jury Award
Audience Choice
Film of the Year
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