August 6-7 — The Second Annual Marietta International Film Festival, created and founded by Richard Tavernaro, took place at the Earl Strand Theater, screening 78 films (eight features and 70 shorts) from across the U.S. and 14 countries, with 19 awards distributed for best domestic and international films, shorts, acting, and technical features.

This year’s event also included the Sunday screenings for the 24 Hour Film Race, relocated from New York to Atlanta this summer under the leadership of Tavernaro and other industry heavy hitters. Teams around the world were challenged to create short films based on a surprise theme, action, and prop assignment. The top 24 winning films and all of the films submitted by regional teams were shown on the last day of the film festival.

Overall Best Film winner for the 24 Hour Film Race was I Came from the Sky by Polesemia Films. Local Georgians who won 24 Hour awards include Sophia Watson for Best Young Actor in a Local Film (Reawakening) and Tarique Frances for Best Actor in a Local Film (The Disconnect).