Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) today unveiled programming for its landmark 50th anniversary event, marking five decades as one of the nation’s longest-running and premier celebrations of independent film and storytelling. This year’s festival promises an extensive slate of marquee films, notable talent, and special presentations, further solidifying ATLFF’s legacy as a cultural cornerstone in the Southeast and beyond. The film festival and 16th annual Creative Conference, which is the festival’s educational programming, will take place Thursday, April 23 – Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Plaza Theatre and Tara Theatre in Atlanta. Virtual screenings of selected films will be available from Monday, May 4, to Monday, May 11.
The 2026 lineup features a dynamic mix of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and episodic content from both emerging voices and acclaimed filmmakers. Today’s announcement represents the festival’s full slate of official selections with 154 films chosen from over 5,500 submissions, alongside a robust offering of marquee screenings and special presentations. Festivalgoers can expect a compelling selection of marquee screenings and special presentations, both spotlighting bold storytelling and diverse perspectives that reflect the evolving landscape of global cinema.
With the 50th milestone, the Festival is celebrating the filmmakers who have grown alongside it. Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Mark Mori, whose filmmaking career began with the premiere of Building Bombs at the 1989 Atlanta Film and Video Festival (now ATLFF), returns this year with a special presentation of Baristas Vs. Billionaires. Narrated by Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon, the documentary chronicles the early days of the nationwide Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) movement.
Opening activities include the official Opening Night film, IDIOTS, at the Plaza Theatre. Two other films will be screening that night, including The Birth of Trap Music with special guest T.I. and Over Your Dead Body. All three films will screen at the Plaza Theatre on Thursday, April 23. For Closing Night, the official film will be I LOVE BOOSTERS (Plaza Theatre) by director Boots Riley. Other available films that night will be The Brittney Griner Story (Tara Theatre), Silent Friend (Tara Theatre), Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story (Tara Theatre), and I Want Your Sex (Plaza Theatre). The Closing Night slate will screen on Saturday, May 2.
Marquee programming announced includes a selection of high-profile titles from leading distributors such as Lionsgate, Magnolia Pictures, Focus Features, Janus Films, and 1-2 Special. Highlights include Rose of Nevada, Power Ballad, Obsession, I Want Your Sex, Caroline, Late Fame, Silent Friend, and Romería, representing a diverse and highly anticipated cross-selection of new releases and acclaimed festival titles from around the world.
The full schedule of films and events is available at http://www.AtlantaFilmFestival.com and through the ATLFF 2026 app. Festival badges and individual tickets are now available for purchase here (badges) and here (individual event tickets).