The Atlanta Film Society marked five decades of championing Georgia filmmakers with a star-studded night at Assembly Atlanta

The Atlanta Film Festival closed out its 50th anniversary weekend in style Friday night, gathering filmmakers, actors and industry leaders at Assembly Atlanta for the IMAGE Film Awards Gala. The evening recognized seven honorees whose work has shaped Georgia's film industry — and the room reflected just how much that industry has grown since the festival began in 1977.

Producer Will Packer received the Ossie Davis Award and became the namesake of the festival's brand-new Will Packer Award, which recognizes excellence in producing. Speaking with 11Alive on the red carpet at the ceremony, Packer said the recognition from his home market meant everything.

Read in full at 11 Alive