• Home
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Awards
  • Volunteer
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • Submissions
    • Awards
    • Volunteer
  • Home
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Awards
  • Volunteer

ATL DOC - Atlanta Documentary Film Festival

About ATL DOC

After more than 20 years of showcasing powerful documentaries, Atlanta Docufest is evolving into ATL DOC, a vibrant, modern identity that celebrates the future of documentary filmmaking.


Now in its 21st year, ATL DOC: The Atlanta Documentary Film Festival continues to honor real stories told with purpose. We celebrate the filmmakers who bring them to life with vision, craft, and heart.


Whether your film uncovers injustice, sparks cultural dialogue, or offers a deeply personal perspective, ATL DOC is built to recognize work that informs, inspires, and stays with audiences long after the credits roll.


We welcome feature and short documentaries from around the world, including investigative, personal, political, artistic, environmental, and experimental work.


Be part of the 21st Annual ATL DOC, March 20–22, 2026.
Let your story be heard where stories matter most.

Why Submit to ATL DOC

 

  • Live screenings in a vibrant Atlanta venue with passionate, engaged audiences 
  • Real recognition with awards in key categories like Best Feature, Best Short, Best Director, and Audience Choice
  • Trusted programming focused on powerful stories, unique access, and fresh perspectives
  • A filmmaker-first experience with Q&As, promotional support, and opportunities to connect
  • 21 years of credibility as a dedicated documentary festival presented by the team behind the Atlanta Film Series

Documentary Submissions

Atlanta Documentary film Festival Event Photos

    2025 Atlanta Documentary Film Festival Teaser

    ATL DOC, formerly known as Atlanta Docufest, over 20 years of documentary storytelling in Atlanta.
     

    Festival Press

    Check out these articles about Atlanta Documentary Fest
    Atlanta Documentary Film Festival Celebrates 20 years...Highlights from Atlanta's Annual Atlanta Docufest

    aTL doc fILMMAKER REVIEWS

    Thomas Hoebbel

    Serenity Kelly

    Serenity Kelly

     

    Attending the Atlanta Docufest was an amazing experience. The quality of films was outstanding and the networking opportunities with other film makers was very enriching. The festival staff were very accommodating and made the experience a wonderful one.

     

    Serenity Kelly

    Serenity Kelly

    Serenity Kelly

     

    The Atlanta Docufest was unbelievably fun. They were super sweet and gave every filmmaker the opportunity to have a Q&A to talk about our films. I definitely look forward to submitting more of my work with the Atlanta Film Series.

     

    Henry Baker

    Serenity Kelly

    Amanda Cryer

     

    Amazing! The festival is super-organized. Plenty of advance notice to arrange attending and sending out my own social media, The festival is highly promoted, so filmmakers get great coverage and PR. Perfect communication and networking, A must for all LGBTQ+ filmmakers,

     

    Amanda Cryer

    Jordan Barclay

    Amanda Cryer

     

    We are profoundly grateful to the Atlanta Docufest and Atlanta Film Series for recognizing our film "Living UN DONE" and honoring us with the Jury Award. 

    A special acknowledgment to the festival founders Eric & Lauren, who played a key role as judges in selecting our film. From our cast and entire crew - the emotional response our film has evoked speaks volumes about its significance and impact and we are beyond grateful for this acknowledgment by the Atlanta Docufest team.

    A gigantic thank you to the outstanding women who ran the festival, Kelsey Coy, Auraclea Toms, and Heather Elenia, as well.

    Your tireless efforts ensured that we all felt welcomed and supported throughout the entire event. You ladies are truly extraordinary.

    Filmmakers: I HIGHLY recommend submitting your film to this festival. It was a wonderful experience for all of us.

    Jordan Barclay

    Jordan Barclay

    Jordan Barclay

     

    I was thrilled to win Best Director - Documentary Short for our film “Sack Race With Knives”. The hospitality of the staff was great. The short films in our block were all really impressive and I enjoyed connecting with talented filmmakers.

     

    Anthony Werhun

    Jordan Barclay

    Jordan Barclay

    We had a wonderful experience and are honored that IT’S NOT UP TO US won the Short Documentary Jury Award — considering the high quality of films in this festival, that is a tremendous honor.
    Every film in our program was fantastic and I look forward to following the careers of the talented filmmakers I encountered at Docufest.
    Our team is grateful for the positive experience and we will be submitting future projects to Atlanta Docufest. 

    Connect With Us

    Copyright © 2025 ATL DOC - Atlanta Documentary Film Festival - All Rights Reserved.

    An Atlanta Film Series Event

    This website uses cookies.

    We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

    Accept