For over 19 years, the Peachtree Village International Film Fest has brought rich, diverse content to Atlanta, and this year, they’re elevating this initiative with the launch of the East Point International Film Fest. Born from a partnership with the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, the festival aims to establish East Point as a premier film destination for visitors from near and far.

The East Point International Film Fest has been years in the making. Founder Len Gibson has spent this time connecting with various municipalities across Georgia to broaden the festival’s impact. In conversations with Fulton Films and the Georgia Film Office, he learned about the impressive work underway at the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau (EPCVB), led by Chantel Ross Francois, and discovered they shared a vision of bringing a film festival to the city. A mutual friend helped bridge the gap, and the East Point International Film Fest was set in motion.

What makes this year unique is the festival’s mission to unite industry experts and enthusiasts nationwide to showcase East Point’s offerings. While many pass through East Point due to its proximity to the world’s busiest airport, they may not get the chance to experience the city’s cultural richness.

Taking place from November 7 to November 10, the festival opens with a press conference and brunch and wraps up with a cocktail reception. The event will feature a wide range of activities, including 60 film screenings, various panels and workshops, an awards show, and a pitch contest.

Highlights this year include The Business of Music and Film panel, which will celebrate legendary Southern hip-hop producer Rico Wade, and the inaugural East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau Culture Impact Award ceremony honoring former East Point Mayor Patsy Jo Hilliard, the city’s first African American and female mayor.

Other notable events include a free screening in collaboration with Black Girl Film Camp, featuring short films by young African American women, followed by a Q&A session. Additionally, there will be a showing of the Atlanta-shot comedy Car Lot, starring and executive produced by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, directed by Atlanta native Dorian Forbes, and featuring Jamal Willard, DC Young Fly, and others.

The ultimate goal of the East Point International Film Fest is to establish East Point as the “go-to” film and TV hub in the Southeast—a place where projects can be seen and sold. To achieve this, the festival offers year-round training to demonstrate that East Point is “Film Ready,” with notable productions like Black Panther and Stranger Things already filmed there.

Additional focus areas include:

• Music Integration: Enhancing film and TV projects through impactful soundtracks and scores, which are essential to the success of any production.
• Marketplace Creation: Providing a platform through the festival where filmmakers can showcase their projects.
• Industry Training: Developing opportunities for young minds in the business and encouraging economic growth within the City of East Point.

To purchase tickets and stay updated on event details visit www.EPIFF.org and follow @epiffga on social media.