Atlanta Global Film Festival crowns 2026 winners at LOOK Cinema

The 2026 Atlanta Global Film Festival wrapped Sept. 19 at LOOK Cinema with awards for international and Georgia-made films, plus a screenplay competition and audience favorites. Festival leaders say planning has already begun for the 2027 season.

Why it matters: - The Atlanta Global Film Festival spotlighted independent filmmakers, regional Georgia talent and screenwriters in one event. - The awards signal which films and creators stood out to festival judges across feature, short, documentary and screenplay categories. - The festival also gave local audiences a full-theater showcase that can help independent projects build attention and momentum.

What happened: - The 2026 Atlanta Global Film Festival concluded on Saturday, Sept. 19, at LOOK Cinema in Atlanta. - The event featured red-carpet activity, networking, screenings and an awards presentation. - Festival organizers said the celebration drew filmmakers, crew members, families and cinema fans. - The festival honored films and scripts across feature films, shorts, documentaries and screenplays.

The details: - Best Picture in the feature category went to One More Bus, directed by Tucker Clement and starring Michelle Renée Gomes. - Best Picture in the short film category went to Pyre, directed by Dylan Miller. - Tara Kaye Burgh won Best Actor for Pyre. - Best Narrative Short Film went to Turn Off, directed by Brent Ogburn. - Jess Matney won Best Actor for Turn Off. - Best Documentary Film went to Grounded In Your Light, directed by Brandon Anderson and Lacey Longino. - Best Made in Georgia Short went to Conviction, directed by Jared Hunte. - Best Cinematography went to Blume, directed by Cody Bende. - Best Screenplay went to New Coke, written by Peter Burns. - Best Short Screenplay went to A Key To The Plot, written by Peter Hardy. - Screenplay finalists included Who Takes The W(R)AP?, written by Carla B. Boone, and Canterbury Trails, written by Michael Brose. - Audience-favorite shorts included Skin Deep, Waiting, Baby Killed The Cat, Rinse Cycle, Mom Walkers and 37 Dollars. - The festival also highlighted animated shorts Silence and Athens By Kaleidoscope. - The festival took place at LOOK Cinema and featured big-screen showcases, food and beverage service and networking opportunities.

Between the lines: - The lineup shows ATLGFF trying to balance industry recognition with audience appeal. - The inclusion of a Best Made in Georgia category points to a deliberate effort to elevate local production alongside international work. - Festival Director Andrew Burn said the experience stood out because the films were shown on a large screen with pristine sound and a cinema-loving audience. - Burn also said the red-carpet energy and packed auditorium reflected the community’s passion and talent.

What’s next: - ATLGFF leadership has opened preparations for the 2027 festival cycle. - Filmmakers and fans are being directed to watch for submission deadlines, news and event announcements. - More information is available at the festival website, and the festival is also on social media at Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - ATLGFF used its 2026 edition to reward standout independent work and position Atlanta as a hub for film discovery and local creative talent.