Documentary Film Submissions - ATLanta DOCumentary Film Festival

All films are carefully reviewed by a panel of passionate documentary filmmakers, curators, and festival staff. We value every submission and treat your work with the same respect and attention we'd want for our own.

ATL DOC welcomes compelling documentary films of all lengths and styles:  features, shorts, hybrid docs, experimental, and animated nonfiction films.

 We only accept online screeners via FilmFreeway for preview purposes.

Doc Shorts and Features are Accepted. Shorts are under 45 minutes.  
 

 No premiere status is required. Films that have screened elsewhere or are available online are eligible.
 

All films must be in English or include English subtitles.
  

Works-in-progress are accepted, but please note what changes are expected before completion.
   

Multiple entries are allowed, but each must be submitted with a separate entry fee.
    

We can only offer entry fee waivers to festival alumni. If you are an alumni with a new project you would like to enter, please email us with the subject line ATL DOC alumni fee waiver 
     

Please visit FilmFreeway for entry fees and deadlines. Submission fees are non-refundable.
      

Programming decisions are made by the festival directors and our selection committee. Filmmakers will be notified of acceptance by email via FilmFreeway.  If selected, your final exhibition file must be delivered to us at least two weeks prior to the festival. We do not pay screening or rental fees for submitted work that is programmed.
 

ATL DOC honors outstanding documentary films and filmmakers with beautiful crystal trophies awarded in the following core categories:

Best Feature Documentary – Top honor for a feature-length documentary.
Best Short Documentary – Recognizes excellence in a short documentary.
Best Local Documentary – For a standout Georgia-made documentary.
Best Student Documentary – Honors exceptional student work.
Best Director - Feature – For outstanding direction in a feature documentary.
Best Director - Short - For outstanding direction in a short documentary.
Jury Award - Feature – Selected by the festival jury for overall excellence in a feature.
Jury Award - Short – Selected by the festival jury for overall excellence in a short.
Audience Choice Award - Feature – Chosen by festival audiences for favorite feature.
Audience Choice Award - Short – Chosen by festival audiences for favorite short.
Documentary Spirit Award – For a film that embodies the heart of ATL DOC.
Emerging Voice Award – For a rising filmmaker showing strong potential.
Visionary Filmmaker Award – For an original and bold creative vision.
Innovative Filmmaking Award – For creativity and experimentation in form.

Feel free to email us if you would like to confirm we've received your entry