A Cinematic Partnership: Peachtree Village International Film and the City of East Point Team Up to Empower Filmmakers and Enrich the Community

By Dr. Jerome Dorn

The newly renamed East Point Peachtree International Film Festival (EPIFF), formerly known as the Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF), represents a significant alliance between the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau and festival founders Len Gibson and James Brown along with Chantel Ross Francois, President of the East Point CVB, at the helm, this partnership positions East Point, Georgia, as a premier destination for filmmakers around the globe. The festival, featuring an extensive lineup of films, panels, workshops, and special events, celebrates the city’s cultural vibrancy while establishing itself as the place “Where the World Meets.”

A Visionary Rebrand: Cultural and Economic Growth in East Point

Chantel Ross Francois has been instrumental in spearheading this initiative, emphasizing the cultural and economic opportunities that EPIFF brings to East Point. With her leadership, the CVB sees the festival as a powerful alignment with Atlanta’s creative pulse, transforming East Point into a cultural and cinematic hub. EPIFF has long championed diverse voices and provided valuable networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers, and this partnership enables the festival to reach even broader audiences, with an expanded program that benefits both local and international talent.

Elevating the Local Arts Scene: EPIFF and East Point as Cultural Catalysts

For East Point, hosting EPIFF events is an incredible opportunity to support the city’s growing arts scene and draw visitors from across the country. Francois and city officials are excited about EPIFF’s potential to drive economic growth, tourism, and a deeper local interest in film production—one of Georgia’s fastest-growing industries. With East Point’s unique blend of historic charm and modern creativity, the city is poised to gain recognition as a top destination for creative projects, enhancing both cultural and economic development.

Fostering Engagement and Education: A Community-Focused Festival

The festival programming, crafted under the guidance of Gibson, Brown, and Francois, places community engagement at its heart. Through workshops, exclusive screenings, and interactive sessions, EPIFF offers East Point residents—particularly youth and aspiring filmmakers—unique opportunities to gain insight into the film industry. Francois highlights the importance of accessible and inclusive programming, emphasizing that these hands-on experiences are vital for nurturing local talent and empowering storytellers to see their voices reflected on a larger stage.

Setting a New Standard for Film Festivals: A Lasting Legacy

As EPIFF moves forward with the support of East Point CVB and Chantel Ross Francois, the festival is positioned to attract even more international filmmakers and foster projects that will leave a lasting impact on the community and the film industry. Together, EPIFF, the East Point CVB, and the city of East Point are redefining the role of a film festival, building a legacy of artistic excellence, cultural pride, and economic growth. This partnership exemplifies how film festivals can successfully integrate with their host cities, creating meaningful opportunities for both filmmakers and communities.