Over the past decade, Atlanta has emerged as a major player in the film industry, with a surge of production companies setting up shop in the city and a steady stream of movies and television shows being filmed in the area. From big-budget blockbusters to indie gems, Atlanta has become a hub for filmmakers looking for a diverse and vibrant backdrop for their projects.
One of the key factors behind Atlanta’s rise as a filmmaking destination is the talented group of directors who have made the city their home. These filmmakers are not only bringing their unique visions to the screen, but they are also redefining what it means to make a film in the South.
One such director is Barry Jenkins, whose breakout film “Moonlight” won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017. Jenkins, who calls Atlanta home, has brought his distinctive visual style and intimate storytelling to projects like “If Beale Street Could Talk” and the upcoming Amazon series “The Underground Railroad.” His work captures the beauty and complexity of the South in a way that feels authentic and fresh.
Another director making waves in Atlanta is Ava DuVernay, whose film “Selma” was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars in 2015. DuVernay has used her platform to champion diversity and inclusion in the industry, and her work on projects like “When They See Us” and “Queen Sugar” has been praised for its powerful storytelling and social commentary.
In addition to these established directors, Atlanta is also home to a new generation of filmmakers who are pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues in storytelling. Directors like Janicza Bravo, Justin Simien, and Lena Waithe are creating bold, innovative work that challenges traditional narratives and explores themes of identity, race, and culture.
The success of these directors is not only a testament to their talent and creativity, but also to the supportive community of filmmakers that has sprung up in Atlanta. The city offers a wealth of resources for filmmakers, from state-of-the-art soundstages to experienced crew members, making it an ideal place to bring a vision to life.
As Atlanta continues to grow as a filmmaking hub, the directors who call the city home are poised to make a lasting impact on the industry. Their work is not only redefining what it means to make a film in the South, but also reshaping the landscape of cinema as a whole. Lights, camera, Atlanta: the directors redefining film in the South are leading the charge towards a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative future for the industry.