July in Georgia will be even hotter when the Macon Film Festival opens with a new media film screening by Savannah film maker Diana Reichenbach on the city's Museum of Arts & Sciences Mark Smith Planetarium dome, Thursday, July 20, 2017.

Following the opening night's festivities, movies programmed expressly for the festival's 12th annual audience will be screened daily in four historic venues in downtown Macon over the 4-day festival, with special screenings and guest appearances by nationally recognized celebrities each evening. Additionally, dozens of films from numerous countries will compete in categories including Music, Documentary, LGBT, Narrative Feature, Narrative Shorts, Southern Documentary and Student Shorts.

Daily filmmaking workshops will be held for festival pass holders and those interested in the film industry.

A Media Room, VIP/Filmmaker Lounge and Festival Headquarters will be open daily during the festival. Catered after parties with open bars will pop up at a variety of hip venues each night for All Access pass holders.

Passes are on sale, with special discounts for Festie Bestie combo passes offering admission to both the Macon Film Festival and Bragg Jam Music and Arts Festival the following weekend (plus special events throughout the week between the two).

The Macon Film Festival is July 20-23, 2017. For more information about tickets and the schedule, please visit MaconFilmFestival.com.