News Summary

As Georgia Film Week unfolds, Atlanta showcases its thriving film industry while addressing challenges from international competition. Local leaders meet to strengthen film production and emphasize support for independent filmmaking. The historic Plaza Theatre revitalizes local cinema, while upcoming festivals like the Atlanta Film Festival and Athens Film Festival promise to engage local filmmakers and audiences alike.

Atlanta Celebrates Georgia Film Week Amid Competition and Challenges

Atlanta, as the heart of Georgia’s vibrant film scene, is currently shining bright during Georgia Film Week. This week-long celebration focuses on the growth of the film industry in the state, while strategizing on ways to overcome challenges posed by international competition. As film productions increasingly move overseas due to attractive incentives offered by other countries, local industry leaders are uniting to keep Georgia’s film business strong and thriving.

The Plaza Theatre: A Beacon of Success

Among the many stars of Georgia’s film industry is the historic Plaza Theatre, located in Northeast Atlanta. Owned by a passionate advocate for local cinema, the theatre is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, reportedly doing twice the business compared to pre-pandemic levels. This boost is necessary, considering the rising costs in the area.

However, while the Plaza Theatre appears to be in good shape, the picture isn’t as rosy for theatres nationwide. Overall attendance across the country has been lower than expected, and production in Georgia has also seen a decline. This growing concern has prompted local industry leaders, state lawmakers, and city officials to come together during Georgia Film Week, seeking effective strategies to enhance the local movie business.

Focusing on Local Filmmaking

Industry advocates are emphasizing the need for a shift towards supporting home-grown and independent films. Recent successes, such as an independent film winning the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars, have sparked excitement and optimism among local filmmakers. The push to create more locally made productions has become crucial for revitalizing Georgia’s film industry.

The film landscape in Georgia has shown resilience, generating approximately $11 billion across music, film, television, and digital media over the past three fiscal years. Notably, in fiscal year 2024 alone, the industry brought in $2.6 billion in revenue, indicating that while challenges exist, opportunities for growth are still present.

A Week of Celebrations and Discussions

This year’s Georgia Film Week features a lineup of themed days celebrating various aspects of the film industry. These include:

Legacy Day commemorating 30 years of Georgia’s production partnerships.
Diversity in Film Day, which focuses on representation and inclusion within the industry.
Union/Workforce Appreciation Day, acknowledging the contributions of those working in the industry.
Legislative Day, aimed at discussing policies that support local filmmakers.
A grand finale event celebrating three decades of achievements in the film industry.

Upcoming Festivals in Georgia

Mark your calendars as the 49th annual Atlanta Film Festival prepares to take center stage starting April 24. Additionally, the 9th Annual South Georgia Film Festival has announced an extended submission deadline of December 9, 2024, with the festival set to take place from March 7-9, 2025, in Valdosta, GA. This festival aims to highlight both professional and amateur filmmakers through screenings and networking opportunities.

Don’t miss the inaugural Athens Film Festival, scheduled for August 15-17. This event will feature over 80 film screenings and shine a spotlight on local Georgia creators. Ticket prices range from $8 to $12, with various pass options available between $25 and $60. The opening night will feature the Southern premiere of the film “Ugly Sweater,” directed by a University of Georgia professor.

Integrating Community and Collaboration

The Athens Film Festival aims to include local filmmakers, students, and industry professionals for a truly inclusive celebration. With a staff that boasts both professional and personal ties to the film industry, the festival seeks to build upon the rich history of film festivals in the area, ensuring that the community stays engaged and connected to the world of cinema.

As Georgia Film Week unfolds, it’s clear that the local film industry is not just about making movies; it’s about building a community of storytellers and visionaries ready to shine on the global stage.

Georgia Film Week Celebrates Growth Amid Challenges