Atlanta Documentary Film Festival Showcases "The Tree Economy"

The annual festival returns with a focus on the environmental impact of Atlanta's urban development.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Atlanta Documentary Film Festival is back for its 21st year, featuring a diverse lineup of powerful investigative films, personal stories, and documentaries that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. This year, the festival will include a special presentation of "The Tree Economy", a 102-minute documentary that examines the rapid deforestation happening in Atlanta, known as "The City in the Forest" for its dense tree canopy.

Why it matters

As one of the most heavily forested major cities in the U.S., Atlanta's tree cover has long been a point of civic pride. However, the documentary "The Tree Economy" shines a light on the alarming rate at which the city is losing its trees due to increased growth and development, raising concerns about the environmental impact on the local community.

The details

"The Tree Economy" is directed by James Schroeder and explores how Atlanta's reputation as a "City in the Forest" is being threatened by rapid urbanization. The film investigates the factors driving deforestation, the consequences for the city's ecology, and the efforts by local organizations and residents to preserve Atlanta's iconic tree canopy.

  • The Atlanta Documentary Film Festival runs from March 19 - 22, 2026.
  • "The Tree Economy" will be screened on the third day of the festival, March 22, 2026.
  • For the first time, the festival will also present a selection of films online from March 23 - April 6, 2026.

The players

James Schroeder

The director of the documentary film "The Tree Economy", which examines the environmental impact of urban development on Atlanta's tree canopy.

Synchronicity Theatre

The venue hosting the 21st annual Atlanta Documentary Film Festival in Midtown Atlanta.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The festival organizers encourage audiences to check out the online selection of films from March 23 - April 6, 2026 if they are unable to attend the live event.

The takeaway

The Atlanta Documentary Film Festival's focus on the environmental impact of urban development, as exemplified by the documentary "The Tree Economy", highlights the importance of balancing growth and progress with the preservation of a city's natural resources and iconic features.