Christopher Escobar
• – • The Plaza Theatre
About the speaker
Christopher Escobar has served as Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) since 2011, becoming its longest-serving and first minority leader. Under his leadership, ATLFS—producer of the Academy Award-qualifying Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF)—has grown to serve thousands of filmmakers and attendees annually, trained over 7,500 through education programs, and earned national acclaim, including recognition by USA TODAY, MovieMaker Magazine, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Escobar has been recognized as “Most Admired CEO,” “CFO of the Year,” and a “40 Under 40” professional by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, as well as receiving awards from Emory University, Georgia Entertainment, WABE, and Atlanta Magazine. His work and commentary have been featured in TIME, The New York Times, Variety, Vice, NPR, PBS, CNN, and others.
In 2012, ATLFS helped save Atlanta’s historic Plaza Theatre, which Escobar later purchased in 2017, quadrupling its business and launching a $4M restoration. In 2023, he led the reopening of the Tara Theatre—making both cinemas the largest ATLFF sponsors.
Returning to filmmaking, Escobar has produced four feature films, including HOW TO RUIN THE HOLIDAYS, CARTERLAND, COLOR BOOK (Tribeca premiere, NAACP-nominated), and WITHDRAWL.
He holds a B.A. and M.A. in film from Georgia State University and serves on several arts boards and the Atlanta Mayor’s Arts Taskforce. He lives in the Atlanta area with his wife, Nicole, and their three children.
Local partners
Local Partner — MPB
MPB transforms the way that people buy, sell and trade photo and video gear. As the largest global platform for used photography and videography equipment, MPB is a destination for everyone, whether you’ve just discovered your passion for visual storytelling or you’re already a pro.
Founded by Matt Barker in 2011, MPB has always been committed to making gear more accessible and affordable, and helping to visualize a more sustainable future. MPB recirculates more than 485,000 used products every year, extending the life and creative potential of photo and video equipment for creators around the world.
Headquartered in the creative communities of Brooklyn, Brighton and Berlin, the MPB team includes trained camera experts and seasoned photographers and videographers who bring their passion to work every day to deliver outstanding service.
Wripple is an on-demand talent platform focused on finding marketing and creative freelancers opportunities at top brands and agencies. Set your own rates, negotiate based on the merits of each project and take home 100% of your pay. Work with top-quality clients that value your expertise, and become part of their trusted freelance pool for repeat work. Learn more at “Wripple.com”
Additional details
Join us for Halloween morning as we explore SOFT with owner of The Plaza Theatre and The Tara Theatre and Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS), Christopher Escobar at The Plaza Theatre. Free coffee and free breakfast at 8am, event starts at 9am. Wear a costume if you’d like. See you there!
Location
