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Ticket Prices:

Single Day Pass - $15

Weekend Pass (Saturday & Sunday) $25

Full Festival Pass (all four days): $50

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

(2024)

DESCRIPTIONS OF FILMS ARE BELOW SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 1, 2024

1015 - Festival Open/Welcome

1025 - Peter’s Plan

1045 - Under the Hawthorn Tree

1100 - Healthy Harry’s

1130 - That Summer

1200 - Look At Me

1330 - About a Bowshot Away

1345 - Black Girls & Fairytales

1400 - Script

1410 - Game, Set, Death!

1430 - A Love Like Mine

1450 - New Year, New Me

1455 - Perfect

1500 - Guest With Benefits

1520 - Frequency

1530 - Children Of The Pines

1700 - Sober Up

1720 - Janitor 988

1725 - Late Sleeper

1730 - Pillow Talk

1740 - Dirt Circus

1800 - Broken Vows

1810 - Probable Cause

1830 - Love Potion

1900 - Consequences

2000 - Vile

2015 - Destructive Sleep Apnea

2030 - Culture Talk on the Radio

2100 - ABC’s: Always Be Smiling

2130 - Piercing the Veil

2140 - 4 Little Angels

Friday, August 2, 2024

0955 - Day Two Open/Welcome

1000 - Buddy

1010 - Rapstab

1030 - Shirley

1140 - Burglars

1200 - Totaled

1215 - The O.G.s

1230 - Inshallah

1300 - Harmonics and Heartstrings - The Power and Glory of Bollywood Music

1330 - Twin Flame Hotel

1500 - The Devil’s Got My Arms

1515 - Too Serious

1530 - Telek

1535 - Bob

1545 - Pretty Liar Man

1600 - The Worst Love Story Ever

1700 - EVENT - Photos on the Red Carpet with Chandler Riggs (“Carl” from The Walking Dead”) - Main Lobby - Concurrent with Films

1715 - No Shame Theater

1730 - Scars of an Angel

1745 - See You Soon

1800 - PRESENTATION - Chandler Riggs - “Being a Child Actor and the Challenges of Transitioning to Adult Actor (Main Theater Stage)

1900 - Breakup Season

2045 - Boot Hill

2130 - Bad Night for Babysitting

2145 - What Happens in the Woods

2215 - Landlord

Saturday, August 3, 2024

0955 - Day Three Open/Welcome

1000 - The Cure

1015 - The Oak Tree

1030 - What To Say Anymore

1100 - Third Life Crisis

1110 - Call

1115 - Two Paths: The Psychology of a Freelancer -vs- a Full-Time Employee

1130 - River Rats

1140 - Beyond the Glass

1145 - Elegy

1200 - BREAKOUT SESSION - Meet and Greet the Casting Directors - George Pierre and Chad Darnell - 2nd Floor - Concurrent with Films

1200 - That Place You Hate

1210 - The Boy from Lookout Mountain

1215 - It’s Almost the End of the World, Probably

1230 - The Space Between

1300 - My First Breath

1340 - Boy’s Things

1400 - PRESENTATION - Emmy Award Winning Casting Director Chase Paris (Main Theater Stage)

1500 - Introductory

1515 - Because I Love You

1530 - Where There Is Youth, There Is Life

1600 - BREAKOUT SESSION - Meet with an Agent (for Actors seeking representation) - Second Floor Lounge - Concurrent with Films

1600 - The Pact

1630 - Hammered: A Fond Farewell to the Rusty Nail

1650 - Flag Act

1700 - PRESENTATION - Jesse Malinowski from Get Scene - “Preparing for and Shooting Your Audition Tape” (Main Theater Stage)

1800 - Free Lover

1830 - Bounty

1850 - Hot Tub High

1900 - Left One Alive

2030 - You’ll See Me Again

2040 - Beautiful Catastrophe

2055 - Why Direct?

2100 - The Awkward Date

2115 - Deceased

Sunday, August 4, 2024

0955 - Day Four Open/Welcome

1000 - AAi-Ron

1010 - My Friend Matty

1020 - Open With Strangers: A Short Documentary

1030 - PRESENTATION - Zele Avradopolous - The Business Side of Acting (for working actors) - [Theater Main Stage]

1030 - BREAKOUT SESSION - Meet with an Agent (for Actors seeking representation) - 4th Floor

1130 - The Red Egg

1140 - Apocalypse: Written by a Nine Year Old

1200 - PRESENTATION - Casting Director Brian Beegle - “Commercials and Film - The Similarities in Casting and Acting for Both” (Main Theater Stage)

1300 - The Martini Shot

1430 - Room for None

1455 - Hammer

1515 - 100 Hour Film Race Films - Top Fifteen International Finalists and Local Non-Finalist Films

1815 - RED CARPET

1900 - AWARDS PROGRAM

Film Descriptions

4 Little Angels [Short – Horror] – by YAQ Distribucion in Boveda, Spain - Dani is a young geriatric assistant who starts his new job in an old nursing home taking care of Marisa, an elderly woman in the last few hours of her life. Dani aims to use the situation to get hold of some of the old woman’s jewels and valuables, and unleash some of his most personal perversions. However, Dani may have chosen the wrong person (in Spanish with English subtitles)

A Bleak Home [Short] – by Prem Prasad Adhikary in Kathmandu, Nepal - Dance tutor Shubhi decides to confront her partner whom she suspects of infidelity with another girl. Later on, she discovers her parent's relationship falling apart. Now, the daughter and mother are in a dilemma of either holding on to the things that are falling apart or to let go of them. (in Nepali with English Subtitles)

A Love Like Mine - [Short] – by Rosa Leger in Atlanta, Georgia - "A Love Like Mine" follows the journey of Mae, a confident lesbian, and Delilah, who discovers her attraction to Mae despite previously identifying as straight. As they navigate the complexities of love and identity, they must confront societal expectations and personal insecurities to determine if their love can withstand the challenges ahead. [World Premiere]

AAi-Ron [Short] – by Angel Alvarez in Georgia – A girl wants her new boyfriend to meet her parents!

ABC’s: Always Be Smiling [Short – Dark Comedy/Family Drama] – By Brandon Lay in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania - Mom's dead, Christmas is permanently f'cking cancelled. Claire's come home for the holidays and her father has been called into work, leaving her to do... everything.

About a Bowshot Away [Documentary] – by Sangun Choi in Georgia - Hayun’s parents decided to become their daughter’s archery coach even though they lacked prior archery experience. Undeterred, this family persisted in their dedication to archery, culminating in their preparation for the U18 USA National Team qualifying tournament. {in English and Korean with English subtitles]

APOCALYPSE: Written by a Nine-Year-Old Child [Short – Comedy] – by Sam Morgan in Georgia - Three post-apocalyptic survivors navigate a zombie-ridden wasteland in this action-adventure film written by a nine-year-old.

Bad Night for Babysitting [Short – Horror/Thriller] – by Ken Merritt (First Friday Filmmakers) in Georgia - A high school girl uses her wits to survive when she finds out the parents of the children are serial killers in disguise.

Beautiful Catastrophe [Short] – by Christina Renee in New York, New York - Often we compare our lives to the posts we see on social media   without knowing what someone is going through. Beautiful Catastrophe explores the life and psyche of Heidi, a 30 something year old woman living in New York, who is struggling with a breakup from now her ex-fiancée Mark, a recent miscarriage, substance abuse and the lasting impact of a difficult childhood. On social media, Heidi only showcases a perfect image of herself causing her many followers to envy her. However, as Heidi looks for happiness while trying to overcome her struggles, we realize things are not always as they appear.

Because I Love You [Short – Romance/Thriller/Suspense] – by Bob Celli in New York, New York - Marco and Joanna enjoy an electric marriage, until Marco is witness to a series of events that lead him to suspect Joanna is having an affair with a co-worker.

Beyond The Glass [Short] – by Micholas Taylor in Powder Springs, Georgia - A quiet night turns into a strange experience for our protagonist when he hears a knock at his window. Caught between curiosity and fear he must discover what's Beyond The Glass. [World Premiere]

Black Girls & Fairytales [Short] – by Kiara Barnes in Sherman Oaks, California - A princess-for-hire gets the chance of a lifetime to be an actual princess, but her ingrained colorism and insecurities hold her back from her crown.

Bob [Short] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia - In the beginning of the pandemic, a work-from-home husband is confounded by his distorted perspective while jogging through his neighborhood. [World Premiere]

Boot Hill [Short – Wester/Thriller] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia - After her husband is killed by Indians, a woman and her deaf, sick son leave their remote frontier on a long journey by foot to the closest town of Boot Hill for food and medical help [World Premiere]

Bounty [Short – Noir/Action/Drama] by Corey Grispo in Atlanta, Georgia - An ex-bounty hunter is pulled back into the life he left behind when a hitman is sent to his house unexpectedly. [World Premiere]

Boy's Things [Short – Gender Equality/Adolescence/Drama/Coming of Age] – byYAQ Distribution in Boveda, Spain - The 1990s. Summer begins on the outskirts of a sunny rural village. Marta, a cheerful and innocent 12-year-old girl, enjoys playing football with her friends, swimming in the river, riding her bike and building the same hut as every year. Everything in her world in the village is perfect, but Marta is different from the other girls: in addition to being the leader of her gang of friends, she is the only girl in the group. Although gender has never been an issue in their friendship, this is about to change: Loren, a 16-year-old boy, arrives in the village and approaches Marta's friends, causing them to change their view of her. Loren is here to stay, and with him the gender roles. Will Marta lose her innocence? (in Spanish with English subtitles)

Breakup Season [Feature – Drama/Comedy/Romance] – by H Nelson Tracey in La Grande, Oregon - A young man brings his girlfriend to his rural Oregon hometown to introduce her to his family, only for things to go terribly wrong. Starring Chandler Riggs (The Walking Dead), Samantha Isler (Sean Saves the World) and James Urbaniak (Oppenheimer).

Broken Vows [Short – SciFi/Drama/Horror/Supernatural] – by Joseph Frew-Miller in Savannah, Georgia - Mary and Stan were once madly in love.  But, thinks took a turn for the worst after years of marriage.  An unfortunate accident changes their lives forever.

Buddy [Short – Drama] – by Kaylee Gahagan in Atlanta, Georgia - Two lifelong friends face their last night before one of them moves away.

Burglars [Short] – by Christopher Glover in Cleveland, Tennessee - When two burglars discover a homeowner’s dark secret, they must evade and escape him before it’s too late.

Call [Short] – by Robert Greenwald in California - As we get older, the idea of calling a friend or family member gets lost in our minds as we deal with the busyness and distractions of life. "Call" is a brief snapshot that follows Steve as he understands the importance of a simple phone call. [World Premiere]

Children Of the Pines [Feature – Horror/Thriller/Drama] – by Joshua Morgan in Florida - Over her winter break, Riley, a college junior, is persuaded by her estranged parents, Kathy and John, to visit. Unbeknownst to her, they've developed an unsettling friendship with her high school ex, Gordon, while also seeking supernatural healing for their family's deep-rooted issues

Consequences [Feature – Drama/Action] – by Annette Wilson in Fairburn, Georgia - Patrick, a 37-year-old drug addict learns that not keeping your promise will lead to disaster. [World Premiere]

Culture Talk on the Radio [Documentary] – by Errkaa in Germany - "Culture Talk on the Radio" is a hybrid, narrative and documentary, a road movie and also an art film and for the most part affectively a silent movie with some music. Then we only hear the conversation between the art critic Christoph Tannert and the well-known artist René Schoemakers coming from the speakers of a car radio. As for the road movie it is about a lonely truck driver who works for a company that specializes in the delivery of fruit and art. When the truck driver picks up a hitchhiker this interrupts his daily routine. For almost the whole time they listen to a radio program that just happens to be broadcast. Tannert is the presenter of the culture and arts program. The conversation is real and has not been scripted. Some of the things referred to during this conversation are taken up in the fictive part of the film. The film sequences become a silent movie once the radio has been turned on, allowing the content of the conversation about art to creep into the narrative and eventually gain equal footing with the power of the moving pictures.   (in English)

Deceased [Short – Drama/Comedy/Horror] – by Ashley Wilson in Buford, Georgia - Eight months into the apocalypse, a mismatched group of teens battle the undead, growing up, and each other as they seek shelter in a community full of familiar faces and shifting dynamics.

Destructive Sleep Apnea [Short – Drama/Thriller/Psycho-Drama] – by Yuri Boiko in Ukraine - After numerous setbacks in his life, Ostap decides to relax and spend the evening with an old friend. Once they get together, the guys decide to watch Fight Club, reflect on old events and comprehend recent ones. (in Ukrainian with English subtitles)

Dirt Circus [Documentary] – by John Affleck in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania - Rivalry, passion and danger all come together in this documentary about a summer at a sprint car racing track in central Pennsylvania.

Elegy [Short – Drama/Romance/SciFi] – by Che Ethridge in Atlanta, Georgia - After losing the love of her life, Phoebe must try to navigate through life with a void inside her. As she gets ready for an interview for a job she doesn't want, she begins catching fleeting glimpses of a familiar face. [World Premiere]

Flag Act [Short] – by Susana Darwin in St Petersburg, Florida - Free-spirited Simone gets a surprise knock at her door one evening. Turns out she has run afoul of the F.L.A.G. Act, a new (fictional … really) law that prohibits the flying of “provocative” flags. Simone coolly defends her right to free speech, including the flying of a rainbow flag. The porch-side conflict escalates beyond annoyance to absurdity, with Simone’s sass remaining intact to the end.

Free Lover [Short – History/Biography/Women’s Issues] – by Victoria Lynn Weston in Marietta, Georgia - FREE LOVER unveils an exceptional story grounded in true-life events. Propelled by a captivating childhood vision, a courageous young woman sets out on a bold quest to campaign for the US presidency on a platform of "free love."  Nevertheless, the exposure of clandestine truths surrounding a prominent preacher initiates a sequence of adverse outcomes.  Transport yourself to the year 1870, a pivotal moment in history, where Victoria Woodhull makes history as the first woman nominated to run for US President, a groundbreaking achievement in an era when women lacked voting rights.  Throughout this remarkable journey, she finds guidance in Demosthenes, her spiritual mentor, adding a unique and intriguing dimension to her pursuit of political aspirations. Witness the twists and turns as FREE LOVER narrates the untold story of Victoria Woodhull, whose visionary spirit challenged the norms of her time.  FREE LOVER is based on the PBS featured documentary, "America's Victoria, Remembering Victoria Woodhull" produced and directed by Victoria lynn Weston.   CAST:  Atlanta award winning actress, Christina Leidel plays Victoria Woodhull.   Austin Freeman, Jason Townsend, Beau Blanchard, Victor Kuchmaner, Travis West, Brixtin West. [World Premiere]

Frequency [Short – Apocalyptic Drama] – by Colin Babcock in Marietta, Georgia - A woman traverses post-apocalyptic Appalachia searching for any occupied frequencies on her CB Radio...until she encounters the love of her life.

Game, Set, Death! [Short – Dark Comedy/Drama] – by Tyler Cole in Georgia - A husband and wife contemplate getting away with murder.

Guest With Benefits [Short – Satire/Comedy] – by Joe Howell in Smyrna, Georgia - In this satirical comedy, a woman who inherits her father's Victorian house is pressured to rent a vacant room to avoid a deeply rooted superstitious outcome. But in a world full of appearances, the choice comes down to two outwardly flawed candidates that reveal shocking & surprising sides of humanity

Hammer [Short] – by Jon Hobson in Crockett, Texas - Jack receives a mysterious phone call that sets off a bizarre turn of events.  Jack, plagued by unexplained headaches, hallucinations, and blackouts, tries to uncover the truth about his forgotten past.

HAMMERED: A Fond Farewell to the Rusty Nail [Documentary] – by Trey McGriff in Decatur, Georgia - An exciting and heartfelt, real-life documentary film about one of the last, true American dive bars in Atlanta, Georgia, on the eve of its closing, celebrating forty-nine years in business. The cost of admission is low, and the thrills are high! Enter this popular watering hole if you dare and witness all the loyal customers pour in to get their final fill at The Rusty Nail. [World Premiere]

Harmonics and Heartstrings - The Power and Glory of Bollywood Music [Documentary] – by Naman Naik in India - Why does Bollywood music wield such an extraordinary influence over more than a billion Indians? American-born Naman Naik, aged 17, spent 14 of his formative years in India. Though classically trained in Western music, he has always been captivated by the magnetic pull of Bollywood music. From its inception in Indian cinema to its contemporary hits, the irresistible charm of Bollywood music has never waned. This documentary delves deep into this cultural phenomenon, exploring why Bollywood music is like a religion of its own in India. Through powerful and revealing interviews with legendary composers, iconic lyricists, renowned songwriters, and even the listeners, from bankers to tuk-tuk drivers—Naman uncovers the profound impact, enduring legacy, and science behind Bollywood music. Through his learning, he pieces together the intricate tapestry of Bollywood music's role in Indian society. (in English) [World Premiere]

Healthy Harry’s [Short - Dark Comedy] - by Will Hollerung and John Romanski in Smyrna, Georgia - It’s the graveyard shift at Healthy Harry’s Smoothie Emporium. When an unlikely customer enters before the cashiers can lock-up, only their training, and the wise words of a deranged mascot, can save them from what’s to come. [World Premiere]

Hot Tub High [Short – Comedy/Drama] – by Braxton Lee in Marietta, Georgia - During a lonely and stressful summer of college classes, Mikey is determined to prove his worth by treating himself to the ultimate self-care day.

Inshallah [Short] – by Sequoia Holton in McDonough, Georgia - A young couple struggles to keep their interfaith relationship together after receiving pushback from loved ones.

Introductory [Short – Comedy] – by Greg Lloyd and Abbey Kincheloe in Atlanta, Georgia - A young woman's search for purpose comes to a head when she joins an Intro to Acting Class at her local community college. Caught between her hyper-dramatic classmates and her own desire to make herself proud, she must face her biggest fear.

It's Almost The End Of The World, Probably [Short – Comedy] – by David Silverman in Atlanta, Georgia - A soccer mom preps for an imminent alien apocalypse.

Janitor 988 [Short] – by Justin Edwards in Georgia - A janitor struggling with his mental state only looks forward to his next drink.   Janitor 988 is a short drama film intended to highlight the state of mental health in today's society. More so, the film aims to spread awareness about how the signs of depression can be subtle. The goal of scenes in the short film are to project a lonely, cinematic atmosphere that encompasses the environment of someone who is working a job they don’t love, while living in a situation where they look forward to nothing but the next sip of alcohol. The choices of wardrobe and set design are intentional and are intended to match the dark, blue state of the character.  This film and subject matter is extremely close to my heart, as I am someone who has had a long battle with mental health. I temporarily dropped out of school when my mental health was at it's lowest point. The struggles have made me determined to use my platform to spread awareness about topics we don't speak about enough and that's what I hope to do with Janitor 988.

Landlord [Short] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia - A landlord goes searching for leads to the murder of a neighborhood tenant

Late Sleeper [Short] – by Peter Hardy in Atlanta, Georgia - Nightmares don't always come at night.

Left One Alive [Feature – Horror] – by David Axe in Columbia, South Carolina - Sara survived a monster massacre. Now that's the least of her problems.

Look At Me [Feature – Fictional Biography] – by Taylor Olson in Hatchet Lake NS, Canada - A fictional autobiography about an insecure, awkward and lonely bisexual actor who goes on an unwitting journey of self-love in the midst of an eating disorder relapse.

Love Potion [Short – Horror/Supernatural/Suspense/Drama] – by James Carey in Atlanta, Georgia - A man obsessed with getting his ex-girlfriend back at any cost makes a deal with a mysterious stranger for a magic love potion but at what cost to his soul. 

My First Breath: The Story of Carl Gibson [Documentary] – by Karen Shayne in Brentwood, Tennessee - A Journey into the life of Carl Gibson; a man whose early struggles with substance abuse threatened to consume him. From experimenting with 'huffing gas' at age 10 to a harrowing battle with addiction that cost him his family, his support system, and his actual “life” (twice), Carl's story is one of resilience, redemption, and restoration. Today, he shares his lessons and life experience, revealing a man of unwavering faith and a mission to help others overcome addiction and rebuild. Discover the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity in this powerful documentary.

My Friend Matty [Short – Drama/thriller/SciFi] – by John Takacs in Buffalo, New York - Young Nick and his family have moved into a house that has been vacant for 20 years.  On this night, he meets a mysterious figure. [World Premiere]

New Year, New Me [Short] – by Zuri Johnson in Atlanta, Georgia - Lily wants to uphold all of her New Year's Resolutions, but her habits stop her from implementing them. However, failure doesn't exist when the hopes of tomorrow shine through.

No Shame Theater: The Voice of Columbus [Documentary] – by Braxton Lee in Marietta, Georgia - No Shame Theater is a late-night, uncensored event in which performers get five minutes to express themselves with very few limitations. This documentary explores how the artistic freedom provided at the theater affects the greater Columbus community for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Open with Strangers: A Short Documentary [Documentary] – by Nicholas Bruno in Cartersville, Georgia - What happens when a Kennesaw State University student sits in public with a sign saying "Vent to Me, Get $5"? [World Premiere]

Perfect [Short] – by Joanie Geiger in Canton, Georgia - When the mother of a special-needs child is judged harshly on a trip to the grocery store, she finds herself doubting her own abilities, but soon discovers that unconditional love is where perfection is found.

Peter’s Plan [Short} - by Lyria Garcia - Eight-year-old Peter, a Brazilian immigrant living near Boston, dreams of leading the United States to victory in the FIFA World Cup. With his hardworking mom, Elaine, often away for long hours, Peter spends much of his time alone. One day, he ventures to a local soccer field, drawn by the sounds of neighborhood kids playing. Along the way, he stops at a Brazilian store where he admires a pair of shiny golden cleats. There, he meets Marcelo, a mysterious man who invites Peter to join him for a game of soccer. Despite initial hesitation, Peter takes off with him. He then discovers Marcelo's genuine nature, and they form an unlikely friendship. Marcelo even gifts Peter a used ball and reveals that he works for a local soccer league. However, their friendship raises suspicions from a neighbor, leading to a police visit to check on Peter's well-being. When Elaine returns home to find the police, she pleads with them to let the situation pass. After the scare, Elaine begins to support Peter's soccer aspirations. During the league's opening season, Marcelo surprises Peter with a pair of donated cleats, proving to the neighbor that appearances can be deceiving. With newfound confidence, Peter invites other kids to join him in playing soccer, embracing his passion for the sport. (in English and Portuguese with subtitles)

Piercing the Veil [Short – Horror] – by Chandler Thornton in Gainesville, Georgia - A college student yearning for connection befriends something from the other side.

Pillow Talk [Short] – by Frances Chang in Lawrenceville, Georgia - Jill just wants to get a good night's sleep before a big presentation, but it's not in the cards.

Pretty Liar Man [Short] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia - A married man having a fling gets creative with hiding it from his wife until the plan misfires. [World Premiere]

Probable Cause [Short – Thriller/Romance] – by Kai Morgan in Milton, Georgia - When Lennox, a true crime-obsessed podcaster/writer, witnesses something, a man named Asher shows up and asks questions. Lennox keeps him on edge by flaunting and withholding her evidence to tag along with him on a stakeout, allowing her to solve a true crime mystery firsthand.

Rapstab [Short – Drama] – by Christopher Williams in Atlanta, Georgia – Three people lose their souls, stabbing each other in the back for wealth and revenge. Focusing on the topics of one-sided relationships and hip hop culture, the question this film asks is "When you have everybody's back, who has yours?

River Rats [Short] – by Aaron Paderweski in Atlanta, Georgia – Two best friends reunite after years of being on different tracks.

Room For None [Short – Crime/Comedy] – by Matt Mckisson in Atlanta, Georgia - A serial thief cons people by applying to roommate ads, learning their routine, then robbing them blind. He runs into a dilemma when his latest mark turns out to be an obsessively needy man desperate for friendship. To make matters worse, a prior mark tracks him down and follows him around the city, determined to bring him to justice.

Scars of An Angel [ Short] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia - An angel resents his assignment to help a young lazy man until he discovers information about an event in his past.

Script [Short] – by Piero Cannata in Palermo, Italy - Two screenwriters, a ghost story, the night that goes on. Who will put an end to this? (in Italian with English subtitles_

See You Soon [Short – SciFi/Horror] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia -

"Shirley" [Documentary]  - by Pam Miller in Huntersville, North Carolina - “A gimmick, menace, curiosity” – those were the “nice” adjectives the men threw at Shirley Muldowney when she showed up to drive in her first drag race. They made it clear they didn’t want her around. But when she beat NHRA stars like Don Garlits, Don Schumacher & Connie Kalitta - NOTHING in drag racing would ever be the same. “Shirley” is the real story of the inimitable Shirley Muldowney. Salty, sassy, unflappable – Shirley crushed stereotypes and became an integral part of the gritty, golden age of drag racing. Her aggressive approach fueled intense rivalries, passionate fan reaction and sometimes caustic headlines but never derailed her quest to be a champion. She’d be the first woman to earn a license to drive a Top Fuel dragster, first woman to win a professional racing championship, and first DRIVER to win THREE Top Fuel Championships. Shirley’s journey came with great personal costs, but her perseverance proved women could race equally with men. Controversial, inspirational and fiercely honest – there is only one Shirley and luckily she was up to the challenge.

Sober Up [Short – Drama/Comedy/Coming of Age] – by Annabeth Olivia Mellon in Atlanta, Georgia – The tale of three childhood best friends over the course of one drunken night at a raging party during their freshman year of college. It’s the story of how friendships, if true, will always find their way back to each other...no matter how many douchey frat boys try to get in the way. [World Premiere]

Telek [Short] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia - Set in the 80s, Braxton seeks refuge in his home with his friend Stacy, after a harrowing encounter with an unknown mind-controlling creature. As the sinister creature draws near, Braxton and Stacy face a crucial decision: whether to hide or confront the looming threat head-on in a fight for survival.

That Place You Hate [Short] – by Evyn Barron in Marietta, Georgia - In disjointed moments, a man's ordinary night spirals into darkness as he grapples with mundane tasks, exposing an internal battle that culminates in an unexpected tragedy.

That Summer [Short] – by David Haines in Kennesaw, Georgia - When Eliot reveals that his parents are forcing him to move away at the end of the summer, his best friend Colby decides to make it their most memorable summer; hoping that reliving their favorite activities will help them forget that their childhood friendship has an expiration date. [World Premiere]

The Awkward Date [Short – Comedy/Romance] – by Peighton Williamson and Justin Ford in Kennesaw, GA - When nervous college student Jacob prepares for a study session with his crush, May, their day becomes a whirlwind of awkward mishaps and endearing moments, leading to unexpected confessions and the start of a budding romance amidst their charmingly clumsy interactions [World Premiere]

The Boy From Lookout Mountain [Short] – by Christopher Flippo in Atlanta, Georgia - A young woman reminisces about her father.

The Cure [Short] – by Nathan Hattaway in Georgia - Two scientists search for a potential "CURE" during a pandemic.

The Devil's Got My Arms [Short – Horror] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia -

The Martini Shot [Feature] – Comedy/Drama/Existential/Romance] – by Stephen Wallis in Canada – Starring Matthew Modine and John Cleese, this existential drama follows an ailing movie director as he begins to shoot what he believes to be his final work of art. What starts out as a normal movie, ends up being an exploration of mortality and one's profound effect on the world.

The O.G.s [Short - Comedy/Drama] - by Tom Cavanaugh in New York, New York - Three retirees go from victims to vigilantes when they turn the table on a couple of burglars.

The Oak Tree [Short – Romance/Drama] – by Maddie Cobb in Carrolton, Georgia - A grief-stricken young woman must come to terms with her reality and learn to move on from the death of her boyfriend. [World Premiere]

The Pact [Short] – by Tim Peek in Atlanta, Georgia - Looking through the lens of someone who has had a lifetime of her choices being dictated by others, Fran has the compelling urgency to take control of her life to prevent it from disappearing under the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. She realizes that, as some control erodes, other issues rise to the surface and demand attention and makes the most consequential decision of her life but her son Terry struggles to accept it.

The Red Egg [Short – Horror/Suspense] – by Carlos Diaz in Jonesboro, Georgia - A pregnant woman has a nightmarish psychological experience in the woods. One thing leads to another, progressing into a state of irreversible trauma.

The Space Between [Short – Coming of Age/Drama/LGBTQ+] – by Luke Baker in Atlanta, Georgia - Two college students, who on the outside couldn't be more different from each other, happen to meet at a party and form a deep connection where they find self-discovery, forgiveness and hope for the future.

The Worst Love Story Ever [Feature] – by James Russell Lingerfelt in Newnan, Georgia - A farce comedy where a poor man rebuilds a broken-down mobile home in hopes to win back the love of his life who shared intimate time with him in it seven years earlier. Though her rich fiancé and status hungry parents stand in his way, he finds help from a local redneck cop and a pie-slinging Sasquatch.  Fans of Scary Movie, Dumb & Dumber, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, The Princess Bride, Billy Madison, Spaceballs, Austin Powers, Caddy Shack, Airplane!, The Naked Gun, Hot Shots, Family Guy, and BoJack Horseman will enjoy this one.

Third-Life Crisis [Short] – by Marvin Emetom in Dallas, Texas - Gabe faces a streak of misfortune and convinces his friends to join him on an adventure. From a disastrous Vegas trip to unemployment, his need for excitement takes one of them through an impromptu escapade challenging their views on life. [World Premiere]

Too Serious [Short] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia - A Birthday Party goes awry when they discover a home invasion is part of the party.

Totaled [[Short] – by Jeffrey Morgan in Atlanta, Georgia - A husband struggles with his mentally ill spouse, while their young son's future hangs in the balance.

Twin Flame Hotel [Feature – Sci-Fi/Romance] – by Michael Howell in Atlanta, Georgia - A number theorist and a naturopath keep an old promise and share a night of reminiscing, dreams and infinite probability.

Two Paths: The Psychology of a Freelancer vs a Full-Time Employee [Documentary] – by Marco Castaneda in Kennesaw, Georgia - What do I do next? Do I go Freelance? Or Do I look for a full-time job? These are the questions most students in the creative field constantly ask themselves, especially when graduation is around the corner. Here we delve deep into the psychology of a freelancer and full-time employee, to better understand what is the optimal mindset to have in order to succeed in this competitive field.

Under the Hawthorn Tree [Short - Historical Drama] - by Tori Layne - Two sisters-in-law grapple with the death of a loved one - and the coming of a new family member - in the midst of early 1900s rural life. [World Premiere]

Vile [Short – Tragedy/Horror] – by Casey Glazer – While on a date, a woman finds herself fixated on a violin hanging on the wall. Unable to focus, she discovers that the violin is anything but average, as it begins to seemingly play itself and call out to her. Completely enthralled by its song, the woman takes drastic action to obtain the violin.

What Happens in The Woods Stays in The Woods [Short – Action/Horror] – by First Friday Filmmakers in Georgia -

What To Say Anymore [Short] – by Kimberly Hauser in Atlanta, Georgia - It's Valentine's Day. Eight friends get ready for a group dinner together, but the moments leading up are less than smooth. As each couple navigates their own personal challenges, they all face one enduring question: what happens when there's nothing left to say anymore? [World Premiere]

Where There Is Youth, There Is Life [Short – Drama/Music] – by Benjamin Brown in Lawrenceville, Georgia - An old lead guitar player of a small band reflects on his age and past at a park in order to come to terms with his failures.

why DIRECT? [Documentary] by Evyn Barron in Marietta, Georgia - An aspiring filmmaker discovers why he would want to follow down the career path that others would call "CRAZY."

You'll See Me Again [Short] – by Franklin Lowry in Huntersville, North Carolina - With his brother at his side, a man takes his final journey home.