49th annual Atlanta Film Festival celebrates independent films from both local and international filmmakers

The 2025 Atlanta Film Festival takes place April 24-May 4 at the Tara and Plaza Theatres. (Courtesy of the Plaza Theatre)

Courtesy of the Plaza Theatre

The moment Atlanta film buffs have been gearing up for is finally here. The 2025 Atlanta Film Festival launches April 24-May 4 with a vast roster of local, national and international selections premiering at the Tara and Plaza Theatres.

Along with screenings of feature films, shorts, documentaries, animation and more, the festival also brings us the yearly Creative Conference, a week’s worth of film-related panels, workshops and Q&A sessions.

Christopher Escobar, director of the Atlanta Film Festival, joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss this year’s exciting screenings and special events.