| History & Mission |
|
History The Atlanta Film Festival 365 (ATL365) mission is to build and support a strong independent media arts community in Atlanta and the Southeast by promoting the production, exhibition and public awareness of film and video as artistic forms of individual expression.
Mission In 2009, ATL365 refined it's mission: Our mission is to lead the community in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image. Atlanta Film Festival 365 works year-round to develop film lovers and filmmakers of the future through screenings, events, social networking, and by presenting a world-class film festival. 
|
ATL365 began in 1976 as IMAGE (Independent Media Artists of Georgia, Etc.), an outgrowth of the need for equipment access, networking, information dissemination and support among media artists and producers in Georgia. The executive committee, formed through public meetings held with the media community, formalized an organizational structure under the auspices of the Arts Festival of Atlanta, establishing a non-profit media arts center. With initial funding from the NEA and the Georgia Council for the Arts, IMAGE incorporated, purchased film and video equipment, and presented programs on independent film and video, featuring guest artists and critics.
Each year since 1977, the Atlanta Film Festival, organized by ATL365 and held at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema and other venues, has dispensed thousands of dollars worth of awards to artists and has grown into one of the most important "artists' festivals" in the country. In 1986, IMAGE moved to and renovated a facility in the TULA Arts Complex on Bennett Street. In 2004 the organization moved to The Contemporary at 535 Means Street.
