Four filmmakers. Four perspectives. One powerful celebration of storytelling at Filmer on April 9–10.
At The Fulton Institute, Filmer is more than a screening; it is a platform. It is a space where artists are not only seen, but supported. Where storytelling becomes both cultural expression and economic opportunity. And where audiences are invited into the creative process in ways that are intimate, immersive, and deeply human.
This year’s Filmer program, taking place April 9th and 10th, brings together four filmmakers whose work reflects the depth, diversity, and creative energy of Metro Atlanta’s film community. Each artist offers a distinct perspective, shaped by their background, experiences, and commitment to storytelling.
Together, they represent the future of film.
Ethan Payne: Rich Now
Ethan Payne’s work lives at the intersection of memory, music, and place. A documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Atlanta, Payne has built a reputation for capturing stories that might otherwise go unnoticed, stories rooted in the overlooked corners of the South.
His work has been featured in publications such as Pitchfork, Stereogum, Oxford American, ArtsATL, and The Bitter Southerner, reflecting a deep commitment to documenting culture with both sensitivity and authenticity. Payne’s storytelling is grounded in observation, often exploring themes of identity, nostalgia, and the quiet complexities of Southern life.
His documentary, Rich Now, premieres at this year’s Filmer, highlighting the work of Atlanta-based artist and educator Anon The Griot.
Camilo Diaz: Work of Becoming 
For Camilo Diaz, storytelling begins with connection.
Originally from Cartagena, Colombia, Diaz brings a global perspective to his work, grounded in a deep curiosity about people and their experiences. Since moving to the United States in 2005, he has established himself as a filmmaker committed to uncovering the emotional core of every story he tells.
A graduate of Georgia State University, Diaz co-founded CineAstra, a film and video production company focused on collaborative storytelling. His work as cinematographer on Level 34—a short sci-fi thriller created in partnership with Make-A-Wish Georgia—demonstrates both his technical skill and his commitment to meaningful, community-centered projects.
His documentary, Work of Becoming, premieres at this year’s Filmer, highlighting the beauty of transformation through an in-depth look at the work of playwright Dalyla McGee.
Mya-Breyana Morton: Legacy of a Playwright
Mya-Breyana Morton represents a new generation of filmmakers redefining storytelling.
An Atlanta-based director and cinematographer with an MFA from SCAD, Morton has earned a Webby Award, an Emmy nomination, and multiple festival honors. Her films—including What Remains of Emily, Proud, and The Traveler—have screened nationally and internationally, earning critical acclaim.
Her work has been featured on WABE/PBS’s Atlanta on Film, and she has collaborated with brands such as Canva, Target, Always, iHeartMedia, and Paramount. In 2024, she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and received the Independent Film Trailblazer Award at the Black LGBT Film Festival.
Mya’s documentary, Legacy of a Playwright, centers on legendary Atlanta playwright Valetta Anderson and her trailblazing contributions to the international theater ecosystem.
Miles Freed: In Search of Self 
Miles Freed brings a dynamic and versatile approach to filmmaking.
Based in Atlanta, Freed has directed, shot, produced, and edited narrative films, documentaries, branded content, and music videos. Born in Panama City, Panama, and raised in Mississippi and Alaska, his work reflects a diverse range of influences and perspectives.
A graduate of SCAD, Freed approaches filmmaking as both a technical craft and a collaborative art form, creating work that is visually compelling and emotionally grounded.
His feature, In Search of Self, centers on printmaker Chloe Alexander as she explores identity and belonging through her distinctive artistic medium.
More Than a Screening
Filmer is not just about showcasing finished work. It’s about building a sustainable ecosystem for filmmakers and the next generation of artists.
As The Fulton Institute’s annual fundraiser, each ticket purchased directly supports youth participating in the BOOST! program, which brings professional artists and musicians into public schools to provide high-quality arts education and mentorship. In this way, Filmer creates a powerful bridge between today’s working artists and tomorrow’s creative leaders.
By attending Filmer, audiences are not only experiencing exceptional storytelling, but they are investing in young people who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities, helping to ensure that talent is nurtured regardless of zip code.
Each film screened, each ticket purchased, and each conversation sparked contributes to a larger vision: a thriving creative ecosystem where artists are supported, stories are elevated, and future generations are empowered.
Because when we invest in storytellers, we invest in how a community sees itself, and what it believes is possible.
Purchase your tickets today – Filmer 2026