"Invest in Georgia's Future: Supporting Local Film Festivals After the Sundance Bid"

Atlanta is incredibly blessed with the FIFA World Cup and all the magnificent projects coming to our state, like the Super Bowl. However, we are saddened that we couldn't convince the Sundance Film Festival. We had a great opportunity to bring this prestigious festival to Georgia. Despite our best efforts and a $2 million initiative, Atlanta did not advance from the six finalist cities to the top three, which include Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah, Boulder, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Although it’s disappointing, this is an opportunity for us to refocus our efforts on supporting the vibrant local film festivals we already have. Festivals like the Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF) are vital for supporting the diverse voices and filmmakers in our community. With the $2 million that would have gone to Sundance, we could invest in Georgia’s cultural assets, especially in our local festivals, which continue to elevate Latino filmmakers and storytellers.

This setback gives us the chance to rethink how we present ourselves as a hub for art and culture, particularly within the Latino community. While Atlanta has a rich history in hosting major events, we often lack strategic investment in our cultural organizations. For instance, Georgia ranks last in per capita arts funding. Imagine how much more we could achieve with just a fraction of the investment other cities make in their artistic infrastructure.

The Georgia Latino International Film Festival continues to grow and foster the next generation of filmmakers, offering opportunities for Latino creatives to thrive. With increased support, we can build on this momentum and ensure that Georgia remains a key player in the film and entertainment industry.

Instead of viewing the loss of Sundance as a setback, let’s use this moment to prioritize and champion our own festivals, especially those that celebrate our diverse communities. Let’s invest in our cultural landscape so we can continue to tell our stories and ensure that Georgia remains a true center of creativity and entertainment.

The Georgia Latino Film Alliance produces the Georgia Latino International Film Festival, which is the premier film festival in the Southeast and the only film festival directed by two Afro-Latinos in the country. The Georgia Latino International Film Festival is held in the state of Georgia and features films directed, produced, and acted by Latinos, along with other national and international productions.

Through this film festival, we showcase Latino talent in Georgia, educate, and empower the next generation of Latino storytellers.

The mission of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance is to build awareness of independent films and film as an art form; provide educational opportunities for students and Latino filmmakers in Georgia, and create opportunities for Georgia communities to experience high-quality Latino films.