With 100-plus short films, Atlanta Shortsfest has something for everybody
Celebrate short independent films with big energy at the 16th annual Atlanta Shortsfest, where you’ll be able to view a wide variety of shorts that tell creative stories in less than 45 minutes. The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday at Limelight Theater near downtown Atlanta.
Films are varied and include comedy, drama, animation, documentary and experimental work. They’re divided into 17 interesting screening blocks, including Baggage Claim (the various ways in which people try to connect, with things rarely going as expected); Hot Mess Express (hilarious and unfiltered stories of casual hookups, crazy Santas, ventriloquist dummies with sexually transmitted diseases and more); and Oops, That Got Dark (with stories that lean into dark humor, including a boring slideshow that turns sinister).
The fun continues after the credits, so stay for Q&As with the filmmakers.
A showing of audience favorites is at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, with awards following at 10. An after-party with other filmgoers and some of the filmmakers starts at 10:30.
In addition to Atlanta Shortsfest, Limelight Theater also hosts the Atlanta Underground Film Festival, Aug. 8-10; Atlanta Horror Film Festival, Oct. 17-19; and Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival, Dec. 6. A VIP all-access pass to all of the 2025 Atlanta Film Series festivals, including Atlanta Shortsfest, is $89.
If you go
Atlanta Shortsfest
Starting at noon Saturday and Sunday. Tickets, $12 per programming block online, $15 at the door (cash not accepted), $25 for a one-day pass, $40 two-day pass. 349 Decatur St. SE, Atlanta. atlantashortsfest.com.
