The Macon Film Festival offers options for the whole family, from classic box-office hits to the best of the indies. 

This year's festival, which is celebrating its 18th year and runs from Aug. 17 to Aug. 20, will see a slate of independent films from around the world shown in historic theaters in the city's downtown district, as well as "fulldome immersive content" at Macon's Museum of Arts & Sciences.

Expect appearances by celebrity guests, special event screenings, and workshops throughout the weekend.

Film and music producer Dallas Austin, originally from Columbus, Ga., will receive the inaugural Macon Film Festival Georgia Film Impact Award at the Grand Opera House on Aug. 19 at 7:15 p.m.

This new annual award will be presented to actors, filmmakers, writers, community leaders and musicians who have directly impacted the Georgia film industry on a large scale and whose work has helped to make Georgia an industry leader in film production.

In addition to that presentation, the Saturday evening event will be accompanied by a special screening of the 2002 movie Drumline, produced by Austin, and a live Battle of the Bands event judged by Austin before the presentation featuring Bibb County high schools Central Fine Arts & International Baccalaureate Magnet High School, Howard High School and Westside High School.

MFF hosts dozens of screenings across the weekend including Matthew Modine’s new short film, I Am What You Imagine; Jessamyn Ansary and Joyce Mishaan's music documentary, Lee Fields–A Faithful Man; and Nicholas Manting Brewer's double documentary feature, Danny / The Art Whisperer.

Other highlights include:

Friday, Aug. 18, 2023

Paul Reubens aka Pee-wee Herman

Paul Reubens aka Pee-wee Herman

Credit: Charles Sykes / AP

Pee-wee's Big Adventure

9:15 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. at Museum of Arts & Sciences

A free outdoor screening of Tim Burton's 1985 film, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, starring Paul Reubens as title character Pee-wee Herman.

 

Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023

Zoe Saldana and Nick Cannon star in the 2002 film "Drumline."

Zoe Saldana and Nick Cannon star in the 2002 film "Drumline."

Credit: 20th Century Fox

Drumline

7:15 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Grand Opera House

A special community screening of director Charles Stone III's 2002 film, Drumline, starring Nick Cannon as a young man leading a marching band's drumline to victory. 

 

Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the iconic Atlanta folk-rock band Indigo Girls.

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the iconic Atlanta folk-rock band Indigo Girls.

Credit: Courtesy of the artists

It's Only Life After All

7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the Douglass Theatre

A special screening of director Alexandria Bombach's It's Only Life After All, a profile of Atlanta music duo Indigo Girls.

Browse the complete Macon Film Festival schedule here or sort by category below. Check listings for ratings and age-appropriate recommendations.

Visit maconfilmfestival.com for tickets and more information.
 

Tags: Macon  Film Festival  Georgia  Indigo Girls  Pee-wee Herman