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The Peachtree Village International Film Festival will return to Atlanta Nov. 5-8, bringing film premieres, conversations about journalism and storytelling, and hands-on training for entertainment professionals to its 2026 program.
Among the announced highlights are a career retrospective with journalist Soledad O’Brien, moderated by Dr. Rashad Richey; a two-day masterclass led by actor, director and producer Obba Babatundé; and screenings showcasing independent filmmakers.
Founded in 2005 by James “JB” Brown and Len Gibson, PVIFF operates under the philosophy “It Takes a Village.” This year’s programming extends that mission through opportunities for emerging filmmakers, actors and writers to connect with established industry professionals.
Soledad O’Brien Examines Truth, Power and Purpose
“Beyond the Headlines: Truth, Power & Purpose” will feature O’Brien in a discussion about her work across journalism, documentary filmmaking, production and media entrepreneurship.
Moderated by Dr. Richey, the conversation is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Atlanta’s Courtland Grand Hotel. Topics will include storytelling responsibility, opportunities for underrepresented voices and the relationship between media, culture and social impact.
The session places journalism alongside filmmaking in the festival’s broader examination of who tells stories, how those stories reach audiences and whose experiences receive attention.
Obba Babatundé Connects Performance and Visual Storytelling
Obba Babatundé — Press photoBabatundé will lead “The Language of the Lens,” a two-day masterclass scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7.
Designed for actors, writers, producers and directors, the workshop will explore how each discipline approaches a scene and how those perspectives contribute to a shared cinematic vision. Participants will examine performance, direction, visual storytelling and the relationship between an actor and the camera.
The festival’s returning “Cast Me If You Can” panel will address another part of the creative process: securing work and building a sustainable career.
Its planned topics include audition preparation, self-tapes, callbacks, character development, professionalism, networking and handling rejection. The discussion is intended for actors as well as filmmakers seeking a better understanding of casting.
“A Soulful Christmas” Opens the Festival
The animated feature “A Soulful Christmas” will open PVIFF on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Written and directed by playwright and dancer Stepp Stewart and distributed by GO Media Productions, the holiday film features the voices of Keith Robinson, LaToya London and Eric Williams. The opening-night venue will be announced.
The screening begins a four-day slate that includes premieres, an encore presentation and films from emerging and established independent creators.
Independent Films Take the Spotlight
“In The Matchbox,” directed by and starring Mike Rae Anderson and Hawthorne James, is scheduled for a featured premiere at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Atlanta’s Tara Theatre. Members of the film’s cast and crew are also expected to participate in festival events throughout the weekend.
Other announced selections include:
- “Beyond The Diagnosis,” directed by Meo Kellerman and Rafael Cherry of Ourconic, LLC.
- “Project 313,” written and directed by Jay White, returning for an encore screening after receiving recognition at PVIFF 2025.
- “The Message,” directed by Lem Collins and starring Clifton Powell and Jason Louder.
The slate supports the festival’s emphasis on connecting independent films with audiences, industry professionals and potential collaborators.
Entrepreneurship Joins the Conversation
Actor Carl Gilliard will host “Cigars & Success,” a panel featuring members of The Atlanta Renaissance Brothers.
Sponsored by Bongani Cigars, the discussion will cover entrepreneurship, leadership, relationships, business ownership and legacy. The program will also consider how established professionals can create opportunities for the next generation.
The panel adds a business perspective to a festival schedule that addresses both creative work and the relationships needed to sustain a career.
A Masquerade Celebration and Musical Send-Off
The Masquerade Mask Christmas Ball will serve as PVIFF’s official centerpiece theme party at 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Courtland Grand Hotel.
DJ Hershey will provide music for the celebration, which will bring together filmmakers, honorees, industry professionals and attendees. The cast and crew of “In The Matchbox” are among those scheduled to participate.
The festival concludes Sunday, Nov. 8, with its awards ceremony and closing party. R&B artist Damion Hall will present a preview listening experience featuring material from his new album Perfect Designer during the closing celebration.
Damion Hall – Courtesy of Damion HallGuests Across Film and Television
The announced roster of guests and participants includes Nzinga Imani, Tisha Campbell, Carl Gilliard, Margaret Avery, Hawthorne James, Obba Babatundé, Christine Swanson, Brely Evans, Cocoa Brown and Christine Houston.
Additional guests, panelists and honorees are expected to be announced as the festival approaches.
Building Access Beyond the Screen
For PVIFF’s founders, the screenings are part of a broader effort to help creative professionals build relationships that continue after the festival ends.
“PVIFF has always been about more than screening films. It is about creating access, building relationships and giving talented people an opportunity to move their careers and their stories forward,” said Dr. Len Gibson, PVIFF’s CEO and co-founder. “This year represents everything we believe a festival should be—a place where great films are discovered, meaningful conversations happen, knowledge is shared and relationships are created that can change the trajectory of someone’s career. From Soledad O’Brien and Dr. Rashad Richey to Obba Babatundé and the incredible filmmakers bringing their projects to Atlanta, we are building an experience that truly demonstrates why it takes a village.”
Brown, the festival’s president and co-founder, said that commitment to access has guided the organization from its beginning.
“When Len and I started this journey, the vision was to create a village where filmmakers and creatives could have a seat at the table,” said James “JB” Brown. “That mission remains at the heart of everything we do. We want the filmmaker attending their first festival to have the opportunity to learn from someone who has spent decades in this business. We want relationships to become collaborations, collaborations to become productions and productions to become careers. PVIFF is about opening doors, sharing knowledge and making sure the next generation of storytellers understands that there is a village ready to support them.”
Announced sponsors and community partners include JaroGO, C.A.M. Productions, Bongani Cigars, Dolapo Erinkitola, Tri-Cities High School Culinary Arts, Georgia Film Office, Kredit Verse, Fulton Films and Truth Honey.
For schedules, passes, tickets and venue updates, visit the official PVIFF website.
The post PVIFF 2026 Brings Film, Media and Mentorship to Atlanta appeared first on The Hype Magazine.
