Atlanta Documentary Film Festival 2026 to Feature "Velvet Vision - The Story of James Bidgood (and the Making of Pink Narcissus)"

The festival will also present a separate online collection of films from March 23 to April 6.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:00pm

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The 2026 Atlanta Documentary Film Festival will include a screening of "Velvet Vision - The Story of James Bidgood (and the Making of Pink Narcissus)", a documentary about the photographer and director James Bidgood, whose 1960s beefcake photographs and the making of his film "Pink Narcissus" were shrouded in mystery for years. The festival will also offer an online collection of films from March 23 to April 6, giving audiences another way to discover documentaries beyond the theater.

Why it matters

The Atlanta Documentary Film Festival is a premier event that showcases powerful investigative films, personal stories, and documentaries that challenge audiences and provide new perspectives. The inclusion of "Velvet Vision" highlights the festival's commitment to highlighting the work of underappreciated artists and uncovering hidden stories.

The details

"Velvet Vision" follows the process of James Bidgood trying to shoot again after a 40-year hiatus, while also delving into his past as a window dresser, drag artist, and costume designer. The film explores how Bidgood's fantasy life became a mechanism to keep him tethered to reality as he traversed the fine line between genius and insanity.

  • The Atlanta Documentary Film Festival 2026 will take place from March 21 to April 6.
  • "Velvet Vision - The Story of James Bidgood (and the Making of Pink Narcissus)" will be screened on March 21.
  • The online collection of films will be available from March 23 to April 6.

The players

James Bidgood

A photographer and director whose 1960s beefcake photographs and the making of his film "Pink Narcissus" were shrouded in mystery for years.

Bart Everly

The director of "Velvet Vision - The Story of James Bidgood (and the Making of Pink Narcissus)".

Synchronicity Theatre

The venue hosting the Atlanta Documentary Film Festival 2026.

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What’s next

The festival will also present a separate collection of films online from March 23 to April 6, giving audiences another way to discover documentaries beyond the theater.

The takeaway

The Atlanta Documentary Film Festival continues to be a premier event that showcases a diverse range of documentary films, from powerful investigative works to personal stories that challenge and inspire audiences. The inclusion of "Velvet Vision" highlights the festival's commitment to uncovering hidden histories and celebrating the work of underappreciated artists.