Following a successful inaugural year, the Metro Atlanta Film Summit (MAFS) returns for its second annual event on March 13, hosted just north of Atlanta in Acworth, Georgia, at the YANMAR EVO//Center.
The first Metro Atlanta Film Summit debuted in 2025, bringing together more than 260 creatives, filmmakers, and industry professionals from across the metro region to chart the path forward for film, digital entertainment, and creative production in Georgia. Building on that momentum, MAFS returns with an expanded focus on authentic connections that keep creatives creating.
The one-day summit welcomes professionals of all skillsets across the metro region for a dynamic experience centered on meaningful connections and actionable education.
In addition to networking, attendees will have the opportunity to gain both practical skill development and forward-looking perspectives through workshop-style breakout sessions and inspiring Keynote and Feature presentations from industry standouts and thought leaders. Last year’s topics ranged from camera tools, voiceover, accessibility in film, motion capture, film finance, and more.
The team behind Metro Atlanta Film Summit (MAFS) passionately believes that the diversely talented people who make up the metro region’s film workforce are the heartbeat of Georgia’s film production. Created as a beacon for inspiration, perspective, and connection, MAFS convenes creatives and industry leaders to ignite conversations that empower the metro filmmaking community and help chart a path forward together.
The 2025 summit underscored the importance of collaboration across jurisdictions, with speakers and attendees representing multiple counties and communities throughout the metro area –reinforcing the idea that the region succeeds most when it competes as a unified market.
As one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, Atlanta’s influence extends well beyond the city core. Its surrounding counties represent a deep pool of talent, resources, and opportunity for major productions and independent filmmakers alike – making the metro region a compelling, competitive market on a national and global scale.
“MAFS brings together informed leadership from across the industry to foster conversations that keep Georgia’s film sector strong,” said Molly Mercer, Director of Film at the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. “That strength translates into economic opportunity – not only for filmmakers, but for the many businesses, support services, and communities impacted statewide.”
Driven by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), MAFS evolved from the long-running Cherokee Film Summit, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2024 and has welcomed more than 1,500 attendees and over 100 speakers and panelists since its inception. The expansion to a metro-wide summit reflects the growing importance of collaboration across communities.
Filmmakers and creatives are invited to learn directly from industry professionals, build meaningful connections, and be part of a growing regional conversation. Be part of a community that keeps on creating. Join the Metro Atlanta Film Summit on March 13 for a day of networking, education, and inspiration.
More information is available at MetroAtlantaFilmSummit.com. Follow @CherokeeOED on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates.
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About the Cherokee Office of Economic Development
COED is Cherokee’s leading organization for business and film recruitment, and industry retention and expansion. For more information, visit www.cherokeega.org.
