PVIFF – Peachtree Village International Film Festival

Winners List

Peachtree Village
International Film Festival 2025

LAST YEAR WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
For our 20th ANNIVERSARY, we are getting back to our roots. Last year, the city of East Point merged with us & cultivated a dynamic powerhouse! This year, we are proud to re-introduce PVIFF and will have an outstanding line-up of films, panels, workshops & special events featuring premiere talent & executives to honor 20 Years In the Game!

'24 WINNERS '24 HONOREES

4
Days
A+
Content
1000s
of Attendees
Millions
of Views

OCT 23-26
2025

Atlanta, GA

2025 MAY

2025 Monologue Compettion

Get ready to showcase your acting skills at the PVIFF Monologue Competition and wow the audience with your talent!

Location: MISS CONDUCK
357 Edgewood Avenue Southeast Atlanta, GA 30312

Panelists

-Susan Reed, Tyler Perry Studios
(Talent Department, Voice Over Artist")

-Clarissa Robinson, Celebrity Acting Coach, Manager/Producer
("Pariah," "On Everything I Love," "The Voice: Nigeria")

-Latonya Black Gilliard, Actress, Author, Producer (“A Fall From Grace", Gilliard Media Group”)

WED MAY 28, 2025@ 6:30pm

— FREE for Audience Members

—$25 for Participants

— 2 Drink or 1 Entree Min.

REGISTER HERE

Over 3,500 Foot Traffic Attendees

A launching pad for many successful filmmakers and other artists alike.

Powerful Networking

Connecting thru our Network, Panels, Film Screenings, Special Events, Workshops, Parties, More.

It Takes A Village

Over 100+ Entertainment Power Brokers representing more than 100+ companies. Over 500+ Submissions.

East Point Peachtree International Film Festival Awards Breakfast

EPIFF AWARDS BREAKFAST '24

A Sunrise Silver Screen Soiree!

WINNERS

Best Screenplay: "Perseverance"
Best Short Film: "Therapist"
Best Feature Film: "South Haven"

WINNERS

Best Doc: "A Time to Yell"
Audience Choice: "Beyond the Rush"
Best Actor: "Maia Nicole Smith"

And the Winner Is...

'24 Best Documentary Winner: "A Time to Yell"

The Winner of the EPIFF 24 Best Documentary is A Time to Yell by Eric Newman & Dan Levin.

We have all heard the despicable rhetoric and seen the violence that came out of the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12, 2017. If you think you know how we got there and what happened that day, think again. This is the untold story from the one person who was the catalyst for these monumental events. Told from the lens of former Vice Mayor and community activist, Dr. Wes Bellamy, we unravel a contemporary yet historic racial justice saga centered around the fight to remove the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, resulting in one of the most politically divisive conflicts in modern American history.

FULL 2024 WINNERS LIST

"A TIME TO YELL"

MORE THAN A STATUE

DIRECTORS

Eric Newman & Dan Levin

Upcoming Events, Panels, Workshops, Screenings, & More

Festival Events

And the Winner Is...

'24 Audience Choice Award Winner: "Beyond the Rush"

The Winner of the EPIFF 24 Audience Choice Award is Beyond the Rush by Robert John Sayegh.

Samuel Grievess — a rising investigative journalist now demoted to covering the gossip column — is a high-functioning addict who finds himself at a crossroads dealing with cascading mental health issues, childhood traumas, a failing career, and the pressures of starting a family.

When he receives a secret tip that Judge Joy, from his damaged past, is suspected of deviant sexual acts within the juvenile court system, church, and community, Samuel goes undercover and rogue, returning to his old neighborhood.

FULL 2024 WINNERS LIST

"BEYOND THE RUSH"

DIRECTOR

Robert John Sayegh

WATCH AND VOTE

"EPIFF JARO 2024 Short Film Competition WINNER"

This year's submissions were AMAZING and hard to choose betwen, but the 2024 JARO Best Short Film is....THE THERAPIST by Ahmad Muhammad & Gabriel Reis.

FULL WINNERS LIST

1st Place Winner

THE THERAPIST

Directed By:
Ahmad Muhammad, Gabriel Reis

Enjoy the TOP 40 Short Film Finalists

Continue Watching the Short Films at www.watchjaro.com/epiff-2024

Welcome To EPIFF

Previous Speakers & Personalities

Omari Hardwick

Actor

Barbara Niven

Actress/Producer

Chadwick Boseman

Actor

Naturi Naughton

Singer, Songwriter, Actress

Blair Underwood

American Actor

Ruby Dee

Actress, Poet, Playwright, Civil Rights Activist

Omar Benson Miller

Actor

Ava Duvernay

Filmmaker

Bill Duke

Award Winning Actor/Director

Lou Gossett, Jr

Oscar Winner

Jonna Naegele

Acting Coach

Anthony Anderson

Actor, Comedian, Writer, and Game Show Host

Isaiah John

Actor

2024 Panel

Cast Me If You Can

Location: MAIN VILLAGE
Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Panelists

-Sean Baker, Actor
("Swagger," "Grey's Anatomy," "Chicago Med")

-Chinet Scott, Actor
("P-Valley," "Pain Hustlers," "BMF")

-Jermel Howard, Actor/Writer (“Power,” “Salt -N- Pepa,” “Luke Cage”)

SAT 11/9 @ 3p

-Carl Gilliard, Actor/Acting Coach/Producer
(“Family Business”,“Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story”)

-Heather Taylor, Casting Director
(“Just Mercy,” “Atlanta,” “Watchmen,”“First Lady”)

-Jonna Naegele, Celebrity Acting Coach (“The First Lady,” “Bunked,” “LongSlow Exhale” )

EPIFF Awards

HONORED GUESTS

Friends, Panelists, Award Recipients & More

PREVIOUS CELEBRITY GUESTS

HAVE AN IDEA?

PITCH YOUR
MOVIE IDEA

5 MINUTES TO PITCH YOUR IDEA LIVE to top producers, executives, and directors in the industry.

If you are seeking financing for your film or television projects, CLICK HERE. (This is just the financing form. The pitch tent tickets are separate.)

Investors | Producers | Distributors

-Melinda Santiago (Manager/Author/Producer)
-Clarissa Robinson (Manager/Producer)
-Benton Aladin (Producer)
-Errol Sadler (Producer)
-Royce Wolfe (Distribution & Marketing Executive)
-Jervis Hough (Investment Banker)

Star

-Len Gibson (Producer/Distribution Executive)
-James “Jb” Brown (Producer/Music Supervisor/Distribution Executive)
-John Biord (Producer)
-Wayne Overstreet (Producer/Distribution Executive)
-Cory Henry (Producer/Investor)
-Jessie Jalee (Producer)
-Derrick Wills (Producer/Investor/Distribution Executive)

Jeffrey Wright

Actor

Malcolm Lee

Director

Birgundi Baker

Actress

Alex Hibbert

Actor

Will Packer

Producer/Director

Rob Hardy

Producer/Director

Ozzie Areu

Producer

Joe Morton

Actor

Tirrell Whittley

CEO & Filmmaker

Kim Fields

Actress

Melvin Van Peebles

Actor

Thursday, November 7 — Sunday, November 10

2024 DAILY SCHEDULE

DAY 1 Thursday - 11/7/24
DAY 2 Friday - 11/8/24
DAY 3 Saturday - 11/9/24
DAY 4 Sunday - 11/10/24

Brunch

10:00 AM
---

VILLAGE 6 - EAT MY BISCUITS- 2881 Main St Unit 100, East Point, GA 30344

Kickoff Brunch

Join us for a delicious Brunch with notable Dignitaries & Producers. Held at the raving EAT MY BISCUITS. Your meal and 1 drink is included.

welcome-to-atlanta-filmmaker-screenwriter-afterparty-pviff-2024

NETWORKING

7:00 PM
---
Until

VILLAGE 3 - Rich & Pour Opulence Lounge - 1606 W Cleveland Ave, East Point, GA 30344

Opening Night Mixer & Improv Night

The Official Welcome to Atlanta: Filmmaker & Screenwriter After Party Featuring Celebrity Acting Coach & Manager Clarissa Robinson This will also be an Actor's Improv Night Hosted by Actor/Comedian Mike Bend! LOCATION: Village 3

ONLINE

Thursday
---
Friday

Short Film Competition

SCREEN and RATE the 2024 Finalists for the OFFICIAL JARO | EPIFF SHORTS COMPETITION. VOTE HERE!

WINNERS LIST

Registration

9:00 AM
---

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

REGISTRATION

Check-in this year will be slightly different. Everything is digital! Please use use your mobile device or print your tickets to have them scanned at the entrances of the event you're attending. However, there will be help desks available throughout the festival.

Screenings

11:00 AM
---
10:00 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Film Screenings

Watch Films & Screenings. Main Village (Complimentary shuttle from the Host Hotel *Please be sure to check the Screening Schedule as times may vary and are subject to change.

Private

12:00 PM
---
6:00 PM

Main Village - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Pitch Tent

Register to pitch your ideas to television and film production executives for a chance to have your film or television series produced. Each pitch registrant will have 5 minutes to pitch their concept LIVE in front of a panel of various professionals and entities to include but not limited to:

PANELISTS: Melinda Santiago, (Manager/Author/Producer) | Clarissa Robinson (Manager/Producer) | Benton Aladin (Producer) | Errol Sadler (Producer) | Royce Wolfe (Distribution & Marketing Executive) | Jervis Hough (Investment Banker) | Len Gibson (Producer/Distribution Executive) | James “Jb” Brown (Producer/Music Supervisor/Distribution Executive) | John Biord (Producer) | Wayne Overstreet (Producer/Distribution Executive) | Cory Henry (Producer/Investor) | Jessie Jalee (Producer) | Derrick Wills (Producer/Investor/Distribution Executive)

This year's panel of producers, distributors and investors have collectively financed, licensed, produced, and distributed more than $250 Million dollars worth of films and television projects collectively.

TABLE READS

12:00 PM
---
6:00 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Table Reads

Writers, Producers & Actors come together to read and enact various Scripts

WORKSHOP

4:00 PM
---

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, East Point, GA 30344

Speed Networking: Fast Lane to Success for Film, Music & TV Producers

Attendees will rotate between tables in timed sessions, engaging in 1-on-1 discussions with a diverse group of industry leaders & influencers.

Gene Andrews - Film & Music Producer | Jeff Robinson - Music Manager/Producer MBK Entertainment | Tina Rodriguez - Sr. Director, Content Strategy Acquisition - UP Entertainment/Aspire TV | Wayne Overstreet - Producer, Distribution Executive || Bobby Yan - Director/Producer | Def Jef - Music Supervisor Producer | Dolapo Erinkitola - Producer/Investor | Tabari Sturdivant - Producer/Director | Nina Packer - Non Profit Consultant/ Educator/Producer | Moderator - Mike Anderson

PANEL

6:00 PM
---
7:30 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

The Business of Music in Film

Join us for a captivating exploration of the inner workings of the film industry as we delve into the crucial aspects of The Business of Music in Film. Our esteemed panel of experts, comprising industry veterans and financial wizards, will provide invaluable insights and real-world experiences that will shed light on the complexities of bringing cinematic dreams to life and getting them onto the big screen. PANELISTS: -Lil Zane, Artist/Actor ("Atlanta," "Cold Case" "BMF" etc.) -Ronnie Garrett, Music Supervisor/Producer (Tyler Perry's "I Can Do Bad By Myself," "Jury of Our Peers," "Diary of A Mad Black Woman" etc.) -Pnut Johnson, Music Producer ("Letters To A Father," "Madea's Family Reunion," "Daddy Little Girls" etc.) -James "Jb" Brown, Producer/Music Supervisor/Artist ("Trois," "Sugar Hill," Jury Of Our Peers" etc.) -Chanel Mack, Artist/Actress ("Wicked City," "For Life," "The Deuce" etc.)

Afterparty

9:00 PM
---
2:00 AM

VILLAGE 3 - RICH & POUR- 1606 W Cleveland Ave, East Point, GA 30344

FRIDAY AFTERPARTY

After the some of the EPIFF Events, Screenings, & Panels, comes the EPIFF AFTERPARTY. Special Guests: Acclaimed actors, directors, producers, and more.

ONLINE

Thursday
---
Friday

Short Film Competition

SCREEN and RATE the 2024 Finalists for the OFFICIAL JARO | EPIFF SHORTS COMPETITION. VOTE HERE!

WINNERS LIST

Registration

9:00 AM
---

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

REGISTRATION

Awards Breakfast

10:00 AM (9a Red Carpet)
---
12:00 PM

Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344 (MAIN VILLAGE )

EPIFF AWARDS

This year's EPIFF Awards Breakfast will be a Sunrise Silver Screen Soiree. A Power Breakfast honoring Cassi Davis-Patton, Jacob Latimore, Patsy Jo Hilliard,Drew Sidora, Colette Otusheso, KJ Smith, Nia Hill, Bright Jaja, Travis Cure, John Bird, Bobby Yan, and more. Performances by Edi Callier & Bonita Jalane and Hosted by Lydia Caesar! A Star-studded event with an Included Breakfast, Awards, Video presentations and announcing the Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, & Best Screenplay from our Festival Submissions.

Screenings

12:45 PM
---
10:30 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Film Screenings

Watch Films & Screenings. Main Village (Complimentary shuttle from the Host Hotel *Please be sure to check the Screening Schedule as times may vary and are subject to change.

TABLE READS

1:00 PM
---
6:00 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Table Reads

Writers, Producers & Actors come together to read and enact various Scripts

Private

1:00 PM
---
6:00 PM

Main Village - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Pitch Tent

PANEL

1:00 PM
---
2:30 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

How to Get Your Project Greenlit

An insightful and informative discussion on the intricate journey of getting your film or television project greenlit. Our esteemed panel of industry experts will share their experiences and insights, offering invaluable tips, strategies, and real-world advice for filmmakers and content creators. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate newcomer, this panel will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully navigate the greenlight process. PANELISTS: -Aisha Corpas Wynn, Producer (Macro)- “The Next Black Millionaires,” “Truth Be Told,” “Supreme Team” etc. -Quincy Luzinaris, CEO of Kredit Koncepts/Investor -Cory Henry (Producer/Investor/Distributor) -Attika Torrence (Actor/Director/Producer) -Colette Otusheso (Network TV Executive/Producer) Moderated By: Tamika Newhouse

PANEL

3:00 PM
---
4:30 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Cast Me If You Can

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey into the world of casting, as we assemble an elite panel of casting directors, industry insiders, and A-list actors to share their insights, secrets, and stories. Discover the art of choosing the perfect actors to breathe life into iconic characters and make movie history. PANELISTS: -Sean Baker, Actor ("Swagger," "Grey's Anatomy," "Chicago Med" etc.) -Chinet Scott, Actor ("P-Valley," "Pain Hustlers," "BMF" etc.) -Jermel Howard, Actor/Writer (“Power,” “Salt -N- Pepa,” “Luke Cage” etc.) -Carl Gilliard, Actor/Acting Coach/Producer (“Family Business”, “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story” etc.) -Heather Taylor, Casting Director (“Just Mercy,” “Atlanta,” “Watchmen,” “First Lady” etc.) -Jonna Naegele, Celebrity Acting Coach (“The First Lady,” “Bunked,” “Long Slow Exhale” etc.) Moderated by: The Cinema Dolls (Actors: Leslie Drake, Challedon Saltor, Rachelle Neal & Laketa Booker)

PANEL

5:00 PM
---
6:00 PM

MAIN VILLAGE - Sonesta Hotel Atlanta Airport North - 1325 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344

Doing Film Business in East Point

Learn about strategies for enhancing your production workflow in the city of East Point. It is beneficial for the city of East Point as well as Films, to work together. We'll show you PANELISTS:

CHANTEL ROSS FRANCOIS - President of the East Point Convention & Visitors Bureau

MELANIE STYLES - CEO of Cultured South

SHAWN BUCHANAN - East Point Chief of Police

RANDY DAVIDSON - Founder & CEO of Georgia Entertainment

Moderated By: MACEO ROGERS - Economic Development Director of East Point, GA

Afterparty

9:00 PM
---
12:00 AM

VILLAGE 3 - RICH & POUR- 1606 W Cleveland Ave, East Point, GA 30344

OFFICIAL AWARDS AFTERPARTY

After the EPIFF AWARDS BREAKFAST, there's a few more events... and then comes the Official Awards Afterparty. Special Guests: Acclaimed actors, directors, producers, and more.

WINNERS LIST

Reception & Screenings

2:00 PM
---
6:00 PM

VILLAGE 5 - Black Art in America Gallery- 1802 Connally Dr., East Point, GA 30344

Cocktail Reception & Double Feature Screenings

Watch the closing film screenings of “Mommas” (Short Film) and “The A Stands For Art” (Documentary). Also join us for a Cocktail reception where we will announce the EPIFF Best Actor. Includes Heavy Hors D'oeuvres and Cash Bar. Music Provided by: @DJOuttaSpace

WINNERS LIST

And the Winner Is...

"The PVIFF 2021 Audience Choice Award"

And the Winner is...

"MOMMAS" - WATCH HERE

           + Overall
            Foot Traffic
             Attendees

+ Entertainment
Power Brokers

+ Partnered
Companies

+ Film
Submissions

EPIFF supports a multitude of Projects & Productions

EPIFF Supports

EPIFF Couldn't Do This Without You!

GOLD SPONSORS

East Point Peachtree International Film Festival

Silver Sponsors

Join one of our plans

PVIFF Membership

PVIFF Associate Alumni

$59.99Annually

10% Discountoff all PVIFF events & merchandise
(including annual festival)
1 Hour FREEFilm Consultation Services - Independent Filmmaking, Financing Your Independent Film, How To Distribute Your Indie Film, Starting or Advancing Your Career in Entertainment
FREE PVIFF Coffee Mug(I'm A PVIFF Alum')

PVIFF Premiere Alumni

$79.99ANNUALLY

15% Discountoff all PVIFF events
(including annual festival)
10% Discount off merchandise
2 Hours FREEFilm Consultations Services
3 FREE E-Blasts & Social Media PostsAnnually announcing or promoting current entertainment projects

FREE PVIFF Alumni Coffee Mug
("I'm A PVIFF Alum”)

PVIFF Elite Alumni

$99.99ANNUALLY

25% Discountoff all PVIFF events
(including annual festival)
15% Discount off merchandise
BOGO 50% Off VIP All Access Ticket(Limited to 1st 50 Members)
Letter of Recommendation from PVIFF
3 Hours of FREE film consultation services
FREE PVIFF Alumni Coffee Mug
("I'm A PVIFF Alumn”)
6 FREE Email Blasts & Social Media posts annually announcing or promoting current entertainment projects

Welcome to the East Point Peachtree International Film Festival

EPIFF Press

Film Production & Business

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‘Power’ Director Rob Hardy Inks First-Look Deal With Lionsgate

Director Rob Hardy is cranking up the power with a new first-look deal with Lionsgate and Power creator Courtney […]

Events

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August 31, 2021

Black Media Honors Celebrates Minority Trailblazers

Black Media Honors held its inaugural Awards on August 21-22, […]

Film Production & Business

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August 31, 2021

The Chi’ Renewed For Season 5

Showtime has renewed hit drama series The Chi for a fifth season. The […]

Peachtree Village International Film Festival 2025

OCT 23-262025

2025 Monologue Compettion

EPIFF AWARDS BREAKFAST '24

'24 Best Documentary Winner: "A Time to Yell"

Festival Events

'24 Audience Choice Award Winner: "Beyond the Rush"

"EPIFF JARO 2024 Short Film Competition WINNER"

Previous Speakers & Personalities

Omari Hardwick

Barbara Niven

Chadwick Boseman

Naturi Naughton

Blair Underwood

Ruby Dee

Omar Benson Miller

Ava Duvernay

Bill Duke

Lou Gossett, Jr

Jonna Naegele

Anthony Anderson

Isaiah John

Cast Me If You Can

HONORED GUESTS

PREVIOUS CELEBRITY GUESTS

PITCH YOUR MOVIE IDEA

Jeffrey Wright

Malcolm Lee

Birgundi Baker

Alex Hibbert

Will Packer

Rob Hardy

Ozzie Areu

Joe Morton

Tirrell Whittley

Kim Fields

Melvin Van Peebles

2024 DAILY SCHEDULE

"The PVIFF 2021 Audience Choice Award"

"MOMMAS" - WATCH HERE

+ Overall Foot Traffic Attendees

+ Entertainment Power Brokers

+ Partnered Companies

+ Film Submissions

EPIFF Supports

GOLD SPONSORS

Silver Sponsors

PVIFF Membership

EPIFF Press

Get the Latest Updates

Peachtree Village
International Film Festival 2025

OCT 23-26
2025

PITCH YOUR
MOVIE IDEA

+ Overall
Foot Traffic
Attendees

+ Entertainment
Power Brokers

+ Partnered
Companies

+ Film
Submissions