For seven years now, the Macon Film Festival has been well received by independent filmmakers from across the country. “It isn’t the biggest festival in the world, but it certainly is the friendliest,” says British actor/director Nick Moran. Its reputation as “the Friendliest Little Film Festival in the County” is just one reason so many filmmakers from around the world come to the festival.

As it continues to grow, a few thousand people flock downtown to watch films, dine out at restaurants, and experience the indigenous arts and culture of our city. Each day independent films are screened in back-to-back blocks, typically starting at 10 a.m. and going until 10 p.m. Each evening there is a special screening followed by Q & A session with the special guests. Here’s everything you need to know to attend this year’s celebration.

What: The Seventh Annual Macon Film Festival, “The Friendliest Little Film Festival in the Country”

When: Feb. 16 – 19

Where: Historic downtown Macon. The festival runs through Sunday with screenings, workshops, special guests and raucous after parties.

Why: The Macon Film Festival was created to celebrate the art of the moving image and to give up-and-coming filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work in Central Georgia. One hundred twenty-five films from 15 countries were selected to screen, including one film directed by an 11-year-old, which will mark the youngest director ever screened at the festival.

Who: The 2012 Macon Film Festival special guests include actor Beth Grant (The Artist, Donnie Darko, No Country for Old Men, Speed, Sordid Lives), who is referred to as the most recognizable face in Hollywood. Plus, Macon native and political strategist Jay Carson, who was the inspiration for the Ryan Gosling character in the highly acclaimed The Ides of March will also be in attendance among many other guests.

Daily workshops are free and open to the public.

More info: maconfilmfestival.com