WonderRoot's Local Film Series Wants You to Submit Your Films!

WonderRoot is looking for submissions for the fall edition of its Local Film Series! Experimental shorts, documentaries, narratives, animation, music videos, and video art are all considered, as long as they are made in Georgia.

The deadline for submissions is August 21st and the next screening will be on September 24th at the Plaza Theatre. Jury prizes will be awarded and winning filmmakers receive funding to submit their work to other local and national film festivals, as well as a private consultation with the ATLFF's Creative Director, Kristy Breneman, and Senior Shorts Programmer, Christina Humphrey.

Submit your local film today!

Christina Humphrey and Alyssa Armand Step Into New Roles as ATLFF Shorts Programmers

Alyssa Armand (left) and Christina Humphrey (right) have a gravely serious discussion... Probably about Film.
Photo: Portraits by Isadora

The Atlanta Film Festival is pleased to announce the expansion of our programming department, including new titles for two of our talented programmers. Christina Humphrey will now move into the role of Senior Shorts Programmer and Alyssa Armand will take the title of Shorts Programmer.

"I couldn't be any happier to work alongside Christina and Alyssa on ATLFF's female-led programming team. Their dedication to showcasing quality filmmaking and providing outlets and resources to filmmakers will allow these two to continue to expand on our already strong film program."
—Kristy Breneman, ATLFF Creative Director

Christina Humphrey began her ATLFF career in 2011 as an intern. Back then, ATLFF's offices were still housed in the Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center. In 2012, she moved into the role of Shorts Programmer and has now overseen ATLFF's Oscar-eligible short film program for several years running. Christina graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and a Minor in Film. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters of Arts in Film Studies from Georgia State University. Having formerly worked as stage security for Lil Wayne, Christina now spends her off-hours as a part of Contraband Cinema and New Mavericks, swimming across lakes with board members, and as a contributing writer for Reel Georgia.

Alyssa Armand first joined the ATLFF family as a volunteer during the 2013 and 2014 festivals. In the fall of 2014, Alyssa began an internship with the festival before joining the staff as Assistant Programmer in January 2015. Alyssa initially attended Savannah College of Art and Design to study photography before transferring to Georgia State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Film & Video. Although she once slapped her own mother during a Candyland-induced rage, Alyssa insists her wild days are behind her and that her post-work activities mostly consist of binge-watching any-and-every television show ever produced.

Congratulations, Christina and Alyssa! We are grateful for your hard work.

ATLFF names Kristy Breneman as new Programming Director

The Atlanta Film Festival is pleased to announce Kristy Breneman as the new Programming Director. Kristy has been with the festival since 2011, where she started as Outreach Coordinator. Leading up to the 2013 festival, she began programming feature films—a position she continued through this year's festival. As Programming Director, Kristy will continue her work with feature films, but will now work with ATLFF Education and Shorts Programmers to oversee the entire festival's programming. Her responsibilities run the gamut from our 10-day Spring Festival's lineup and Creative Conference to the myriad of year-round screenings and workshops offered to both ATLFF members and the public at large.

Kristy's work extends well beyond the walls of the Atlanta Film Festival offices. Calling her an 'active member of the arts community' would be an understatement. Kristy serves on the Board of Directors for three of Atlanta's most influential creative organizations—WonderRoot, ASIFA-Atlanta and The Plaza Theatre Foundation. As if that wasn't enough, she also works as an Associate Producer for live-music video show, indieATL.

"Having known and seen the great work that Kristy has done over the last few years with us, WonderRoot, ASIFA-Atlanta, indieATL and everything she gets involved with, I know our programs are in good hands with her. In just the few years she has been with our organization, she has shown tremendous vision and leadership abilities and I look forward to see the possibilities of where she’ll take us in the future."
—Christopher Escobar, ATLFF Executive Director

In 2013, Kristy expanded her horizons and moved to Austin, Texas to work as Production Manager for the Austin Film Festival. Although they tried their best to keep her, she came back home to Atlanta to continue her good work here.

Kristy's interest in programming first stemmed from her experience with WonderRoot's Local Film Night at The Plaza Theatre. Encountering so many talented local filmmakers gave Kristy a vision to have the Atlanta Film Festival reflect the talents and interests of this dynamic city. She believes that ATLFF's move to The Plaza and 7 Stages Theatres is an exciting step in the right direction.

Today, Kristy leads a programming team composed of all women. Together with Christina Humphrey (Programmer of Short Films) and Sue-Ellen Chitunya (Programmer of Education), this is—no doubt—one of the only teams of its kind.

Congratulations, Kristy Breneman!