Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival

The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Limelight Theater in Atlanta, GA.

The Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival is a prestigious short film event that honors the most exceptional independent short films of the year. Held live in Atlanta each December, the event features a red carpet screening and awards presentation, where selected films compete for top honors in front of an industry jury and engaged audience.

Only 12 awards are presented, making it a truly selective and meaningful celebration of excellence in short-form filmmaking.

Our final nominees are announced November 1.  All winners will be revealed at the Awards Presentation at the end of the night in the main theater Saturday, December 6, 2025

Audience members will vote for their favorite films in each category using a mobile-friendly voting system. Voting will be open immediately after the final film in each screening block, and the winners will be announced during the Awards Presentation at the end of the night.

• Single Screening Ticket: $12 – Access to one screening block.
• All-Day Pass: $35 – Unlimited access to all screenings and the Awards Presentation.

Yes, but seating is limited, so we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to guarantee entry.

 Yes! The venue will have concessions available for purchase, but feel free to bring anything you want.

Yes! The Lounge is an exclusive area for pass holders, filmmakers, and industry professionals to connect.

Yes! All-Access Pass holders can move between screenings in both theaters, subject to seating availability.

Yes! Street Parking available or you can park in the Pencil Factory Flats and see the front desk at the theater for a validation QR code when you arrive. 

Submissions are accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway. Visit our FilmFreeway page to review submission guidelines and deadlines.

The competition is open to short films under 46 minutes in various categories, including Narrative, Documentary, Horror, Comedy, Animation, Experimental, AI-Integrated Films, and more.

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