Art Over Algorithms • Radical Access • Aggressive Hospitality
The Automatic
Film Society.
We believe the price of entry should never silence a story. By breaking down financial barriers for creators worldwide, the Athens Film Festival curates one of the most fiercely competitive, globally diverse film slates in the country—connecting bold storytellers, big and small, with the rarest gift in cinema: a live, packed, and deeply appreciative audience.
Annual Patron Memberships
Choose Your Level of Impact
Every membership directly eliminates filmmaker submission barriers, supports local Georgia student storytellers, and keeps Athens cinema fiercely independent.
Automatic Choice
Every great film festival starts with an open door. Your $25 ensures that a student creator or indie director is judged solely on artistic merit, not their bank account. You cover their entry; Athens provides the audience.
- Radical Access Underwriter: Directly covers one filmmaker’s submission fee so merit remains the only metric
- The Audience Voice: Official voting ballot for the annual Automatic Choice Award
- The Insiders Dispatch: Quarterly programming updates, behind-the-scenes dispatches, and festival news
- Member Directory: Profile on the Automatic Film Society page featuring your Top 3 favorite films of all time
Automatic Spotlight
Offsets submission fees for three storytellers and sustains community cinema year-round.
- Everything in Choice, plus:
- Quarterly Screenings: Free admission for one to all 4 off-season community pop-up screenings across Athens $48 VALUE
- Festival Savings: 10% discount on all official Athens Film Festival general tickets and passes
- Community Storyteller Fund: Directly offsets submission costs for 3 emerging or student creators
- Digital Honor Wall: Official donor recognition on the digital Automatic Film Society Honor Wall
Automatic Feature
Underwrites an entire short film competition block and puts your name on the silver screen.
- Everything in Spotlight, plus:
- All-Access Festival Pass: Complete priority admission to every film block, panel, and Q&A across all 4 days at Ciné, the historic Morton Theater, and downtown partner venues $90 VALUE
- Theatrical Pre-Roll Credits: Your name featured on the big screen in our custom opening credits sequence projected before every film block at Ciné and the Morton Theater
- Program Guide Billing: Official Feature Supporter recognition in the commemorative printed festival program guide
- Screening Block Underwriter: Directly sponsors the curation and screening fees for a complete festival film block
Automatic Producer
Champions radical hospitality, artist travel, and complimentary passes for local students.
- Everything in Feature, plus:
- Two All-Access Festival Passes: Full priority admission for you and a guest across all 4 days at Ciné, the historic Morton Theater, and downtown partner venues $180 VALUE
- Filmmaker Lounge Credentials: Exclusive badges for you and a guest to the official Hospitality Lounge alongside visiting directors, jury members, and partners
- Underwrite Radical Hospitality: Directly funds travel and lodging stipends so visiting independent directors can be in the room with our audience
- Student Access Champion: Underwrites complimentary multi-day festival credentials for local Athens high school and university students
- Executive Pre-Roll Billing: Elevated Producer Circle placement in the theatrical pre-roll credits at Ciné and the historic Morton Theater, plus the printed festival guide
The Athens Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Our Driving Thesis
Art Over Algorithms.
Athens is an Audience Town.
In a film industry preoccupied with status, Athens exists to prove that the true power of cinema resides in the unadulterated embrace of a live audience.
We are committed to leveling the playing field so a high school student with a vision stands on equal ground with an industry veteran. Because we open doors and eliminate entry barriers, our festival receives submissions from all corners of the globe—allowing us to curate an uncompromising lineup of 100 exceptional films shown across historic rooms like Ciné and the Morton Theater. When you join the Automatic Film Society, you directly champion radical access, world-class artist hospitality, and the communal screen in Northeast Georgia.
Join The Movement100
Curated Films
Selected on merit alone from across the globe43
World & US Premieres
A fiercely competitive international slate100%
Radical Access
Financial barriers never silence a voice4
Downtown Venues
Packed houses in a walkable cultural hubThey Like Us. They Really Like Us.
What Filmmakers Say About Athens
"Our screening was a sold-out show at a beautiful venue, and the energy from the audience was unforgettable. It's a must for any filmmaker looking for a warm, fun, and professional festival experience."
Karie Ellsworth
Director, Hockeytown"Athens is going to be the next big deal on the festival circuit! The attention towards the filmmakers was one of a kind—only matched by the warmth and close-knit community."
Will Sterling
Director, A Cell Phone Movie"The importance of what Athens is doing is tremendous. A festival that truly allows the little guy to shine right alongside the big guy."
Merl St. James
Director, EdgwickFuel Independent Storytelling
Every dollar contributed directly supports filmmaker hospitality, student badges, and year-round programming at historic venues across Athens.
Select a Membership Level