Atlanta, GA — Actor and producer Morris Chestnut joined Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of Indie Night Film Festival, in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, to co-host Indie Night Film Festival in Atlanta, at the Tara Theater.
Indie Night’s returned to Atlanta continuing the festival’s mission to provide a consistent platform for both established and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work, gain visibility, connect with audiences, and access new opportunities for growth.
Founded by Brown in 2012, Indie Night has featured short films, web series, trailers, commercials, and meaningful independent content, helping elevate some of the industry’s most talented artists.
Celebrated actor Morris Chestnut, a two-time NAACP Image Award winner known for his remarkable contributions to film and television, returned to support Indie Night’s continuing expansion and its commitment to independent filmmakers. His long-standing friendship with Dave Brown dates back to their time in Atlanta, where Brown attended Morehouse College and Chestnut offered early guidance, industry insight, and support as their brotherhood grew.
This year’s Atlanta showcase featured a lineup of independent films, including Schooling Life, directed by Jasmine Burke; Standing Ovation, directed by Chase Gutzmore; and Code Switch, directed by Niyi Odumosu, and two young recent graduates of Spelman & Morehouse College.
Jasmine Burke, director of Schooling Life, is an accomplished actress, writer, producer, and filmmaker whose body of work reflects her commitment to telling authentic, culturally grounded stories. As an Atlanta-based creative force, Burke continues to build meaningful work across film and television including two celebrated shows filmed in Atlanta, Beauty in Black and Beyond the Gates while using her platform to uplift complex, human-centered narratives.
Chase Gutzmore, director of Standing Ovation, is an actor, filmmaker, writer, and director originally from Miami, Florida, and currently based in Atlanta. His acting credits include Sony Pictures’ Vietnam War film Point Man, TV One’s ATL Homicide, and Netflix’s Beyond the Gates, he continues to expand his creative voice through award-winning work as both a performer and filmmaker.
Also screening was Code Switch, directed by Niyi Odumosu, a timely and compelling directoral debut and proof of concept for an upcoming services. This short film and the films of 2 young students of Morehouse and Spelman adds to Indie Night’s mission of showcasing fresh perspectives and bold independent storytelling.
“I started this festival to bring attention to the lack of diversity in film,” said Brown.
“This event is a chance to spotlight all types of talent, regardless of tax bracket. I’m excited to bring Indie Night back to Atlanta, the home of my alma mater, Morehouse College, and continue building opportunities for filmmakers to be seen, supported, and celebrated.”
As Indie Night set out its activities in the ATL, the festival strive to widen its reach by taking films into key cities, amplifying regional filmmakers, and bringing those stories back to Hollywood for greater exposure. Indie Night’s platform is designed not only to showcase independent films, but also to help filmmakers monetize their work through strategic partners, such as the SHARE Platform founded by Erin Norman.
Indie Night also works with local agencies, community partners, and sponsors to amplify this message and strengthen support for independent filmmakers in each city it visits.
This year’s Atlanta sponsors, strategic partners, and community partners included Terri J. Vaughn’s TJV Enterprise, Larond Sutton & Lily Black Entertainment, The SHARE Platform, PRIVELEGE, and Fulton Films County, all of whom share Indie Night’s commitment to supporting filmmakers, artists, and the broader creative community.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER – DAVE BROWN
Dave Brown is known to the creative community as an actor, visionary, and champion of independent creators. He has made it his mission to reach back and give the underdog a platform to showcase their art.
Brown was raised by his parents in San Francisco, California. His father is respected civil rights activist and San Francisco pastor Dr. Amos C. Brown.
His lineage instilled in him the importance of servant leadership and helping others.
Brown’s passion for acting grew after graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992. While in Atlanta, he became friends with future Hollywood staple Morris Chestnut, who offered him advice, industry insight, and support. Their friendship grew into a lasting brotherhood.
Dave turned his life experiences as an entertainer into a project that uplifts other entertainers when he created Indie Night Film Festival in 2012. What started as a small gathering has grown into a weekly showcase of projects from filmmakers around the country. The Los Angeles festival is currently held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Dave’s incredible knack for networking has helped him build not only business connections, but genuine relationships with industry heavyweights including casting director Robi Reed, actor Jamie Foxx, and producer Datari Turner.
These titans have become long-standing supporters of Dave and Indie Night Film Festival.
For more information on Dave Brown’s Indie Night Film Festival, to purchase tickets for upcoming festivals, or to submit projects for consideration, visit indienightff.com.
Stay updated on the latest news via social media at @davebrownusa and @indienightff
Dave Brown is the man behind the vision of the Indie Night Film Festival; Photo Credit: Sheen
