Columbus, Georgia Lights Up Local Stories: Film Office Doubles Down on Homegrown Filmmaking for 2026

Written by Carrie Beth Wallace

In a city where artistry meets riverfront grit, Columbus, Georgia continues to rise as a place where stories are not just told—but made. This year, the Columbus Film Office has announced a bold expansion to its Local Filmmaker Grant Program, deepening its investment in the voices and visions emerging from the Chattahoochee Valley.

Now returning for its second year, the Local Filmmaker Grant Program has been redesigned to bring even more support to filmmakers rooted in our community. For 2026, five grants of $10,000 each are now available — an unprecedented boost from last year’s inaugural cycle. These funds are intended to help local creators at every stage of their journey: from first-time directors testing the waters to seasoned storytellers refining their unique cinematic voice.

“We’re committed to nurturing homegrown talent and helping local filmmakers bring their visions to life,” said Columbus Film Commissioner Joel Slocumb, capturing the heart of this initiative. The program’s early success was on full display last year with the invite-only red-carpet premiere of It Wants Nightmares at the National Infantry Museum’s IMAX Theater — a testament to the creative spark that thrives right here at home, with nearly 90% of its cast, crew, and locations sourced locally.

This expansion doesn’t just reflect financial support — it signals a cultural shift. Columbus is investing in its people, empowering them to tell stories that reflect our region’s spirit, diversity, and imagination. From narrative shorts to documentary projects, these grants aim to fuel projects that might otherwise remain unrealized outside major filmmaking hubs.

Alongside this initiative, the Columbus Film Fund continues to offer incentives for larger productions, with up to $300,000 available to help offset production costs and attract outside crews to the Valley. When paired with Georgia’s competitive state incentives, Columbus is becoming a compelling destination for both local and visiting filmmakers — whether they’re telling stories about our own front porch or crafting narratives for a wider audience.

For filmmakers ready to take the next step, applications are open through the end of February, and an upcoming Columbus Creators Mixer on February 19 will provide an opportunity to meet other creatives, learn more about the grant, and gain insight into the application process.

In a moment when independent voices are louder than ever, Columbus, Georgia isn’t just watching — it’s supporting the storytellers who live, breathe, and create here. Whether you’re a director, producer, or writer with a vision waiting to be shared, look to Columbus this year as a place where your story has a chance to take shape on screens big and small.

For more information on the Columbus Film Fund or the Local Filmmaker Grant Program , please visit the Columbus Film Office’s website OR contact Film Commissioner Joel Slocumb at jslocumb@visitcolumbusga.com.

To RSVP to the Columbus Creators Mixer on February 19, click here.