50th ATL film festival; Voting law uncertainty; Backlash against Trump's posts

This episode of Georgia Today covers a range of critical state and national issues, beginning with the 50th anniversary of the Atlanta Film Festival, a celebration of cinematic legacy and emerging talent. The podcast highlights the festival's role in launching careers for iconic filmmakers and showcasing socially conscious works, including a restored Oscar-nominated documentary and a union-focused doc by Mark Mori. Amid cultural milestones, the episode turns to pressing political and social concerns: a rare conservative rebuke of President Trump’s inflammatory Easter Sunday social media posts, which drew criticism from Georgia Congressman Austin Scott for their religious and apocalyptic tone. The state election board’s ongoing uncertainty around QR code ballot use and the potential need for paper ballots by November is also examined, with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger emphasizing voter confidence. Public health takes center stage with a report on HIV treatment, showing that antiretroviral therapy prevented over 55,000 new infections and 36,000 deaths in Georgia since 1987, yielding a $3.40 return for every dollar invested. Meanwhile, hundreds of families relying on emergency rental vouchers face displacement as the program ends early due to rising rents. In a personal and poignant segment, journalist Tom Junot discusses his new memoir, which explores his complex relationship with his charismatic but deeply flawed father, offering a raw reflection on masculinity, trauma, and legacy. The episode closes with a vibrant roundup of spring festivals across Georgia, underscoring the state’s cultural energy.