PEACHTREE VILLAGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATED 21 YEARS OF CINEMA, CULTURE AND LEGACY

Four days of premieres, industry conversations and heartfelt tributes connected screen legends with a new generation of storytellers.

By Dr. Jerome Dorn
SPECIAL EDITION

Atlanta became a gathering place for filmmakers, performers and creative voices as the 21st Annual Peachtree Village International Film Festival unfolded November 5–8, 2026. Through film screenings, educational programming, red carpet conversations and awards, PVIFF celebrated both the achievements that had shaped entertainment and the independent voices contributing to its future.

Under the leadership of founders Dr. Len Gibson and Dr. James “JB” Brown, the festival brought established industry talent and emerging filmmakers into a shared space. The weekend offered opportunities to present new work, exchange knowledge and recognize the dedication behind a lasting career.

Beyond the cameras and formal celebrations, a common thread connected the program: storytelling depended on people willing to create, collaborate and help others find their place.

AN OPENING NIGHT WITH SOUL

Stepp Stewart’s A Soulful Christmas opened the festival with a premiere screening that brought the production’s creative team into the spotlight. Stewart and members of the cast, producers Wayne Overstreet and Len Gibson, and acclaimed actor Obba Babatundé were among the evening’s featured personalities.

The opening celebration emphasized the shared effort behind a finished film. Performers and producers stood alongside fellow creatives, giving audiences a closer connection to the people responsible for bringing the story to the screen.

Red carpet conversations added a personal dimension, turning attention toward the relationships, preparation and persistence behind the production.

STORIES THAT EXTENDED THE CONVERSATION

The festival’s screening program continued at Tara Theatre with titles including Project 313, Chocolate Santa, One Last Shot, The Message and In The Matchbox. Together, the selections gave audiences opportunities to encounter different creative voices throughout the weekend.

Beyond the Diagnosis also received attention, with cast members Dr. Joyce Turner Keller, Dominique Grant and Millicent Foster appearing on the red carpet. Related programming included a roundtable conversation and free HIV/AIDS testing, sponsored and hosted by Ourconic. That community service component extended the film’s presence beyond its screening and into a conversation about awareness and access.

BEYOND THE SCREEN: KNOWLEDGE AND OPPORTUNITY

Education formed an important part of the festival’s programming. Obba Babatundé’s “Language of The Lens” master class appeared alongside the PVIFF Pitch Tent, table reads, speed networking and “How To Get Your Project Greenlit.”

These sessions addressed the practical work that accompanied creative ambition: developing ideas, presenting projects and building professional relationships. The youth event “The Making of A Movie” also brought aspiring young creatives into the program.

Journalism and media entered the discussion through “Beyond The Headlines,” a conversation with Soledad O’Brien hosted by Dr. Rashad Richey. “Greenlight: 10 Mins with Mark Swinton” added another opportunity for industry insight.

The educational offerings gave substance to the festival’s connection between generations. Experience became something to share, while emerging talent had a place within the broader industry conversation.

HONORING A LASTING LEGACY

Among the weekend’s most meaningful recognitions was Margaret Avery’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor celebrated a career whose influence had reached across generations of film audiences.

For me, the occasion became especially personal when Avery offered a special thank-you. Hearing my name spoken by an actress whose performances had become part of our cultural memory was humbling. In that moment, years of work behind the camera felt connected to something larger than an individual assignment.

Her acknowledgment reminded me that documenting the arts also meant preserving relationships, contributions and moments of recognition that deserved to be remembered.

Dr. Christine Houston, creator of 227, brought another significant chapter of Black television history into the celebration. Her presence underscored the influence of storytellers whose work had opened doors and helped audiences see their lives reflected on screen.

Together, these moments gave the festival’s anniversary a sense of continuity. The weekend celebrated new productions while honoring the people whose earlier contributions had helped make those opportunities possible.

TISHA CAMPBELL’S HONOR CONNECTED ARTISTRY WITH SERVICE

PVIFF named actress, comedian and singer Tisha Campbell its 2026 Tommy Ford Humanitarian Award honoree, recognizing her contributions to entertainment alongside her advocacy and service to others.

The honor carried a meaningful personal connection. Campbell and the late Thomas Mikal Ford had shared the screen on Martin. In explaining the award’s significance, the festival highlighted Ford’s commitment to mentoring young people and strengthening communities.

Campbell’s selection brought that legacy into the anniversary celebration, recognizing the impact an entertainer could make both through creative work and through care for others.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CELEBRATION

The anniversary awards show was hosted by actress and comedian Kelly Kellz. Throughout the weekend, screenings, panels, workshops, live podcasts and networking events brought participants together, with the Courtland Grand Hotel and Tara Theatre serving as key venues.

Red carpet moments also included photojournalist Nayoung Petty with Obba Babatundé and host Janae’ Madison of The Flexx with JJ. JaroGo Award host Anisha Streeter added to the personalities featured during the awards celebration.

These encounters helped tell the festival’s story beyond the screen. Actors, filmmakers, hosts and media professionals each contributed to a weekend built around creative work and the people who made it possible.

A LEGACY THAT MADE ROOM FOR THE FUTURE

By its conclusion, the 21st Annual Peachtree Village International Film Festival had connected recognition with opportunity. Established artists received their honors, independent productions reached audiences, and aspiring creatives found a place within conversations about the craft and business of entertainment.

Its significance rested in those connections: between an artist and an audience, a mentor and an emerging filmmaker, a celebrated career and a story still waiting to be told.

Across four days, PVIFF honored the work that had come before while making room for what came next.