The Atlanta Film Forum wants to bring together people who are passionate about cinema.

Organizers Paula Martinez and Gabe Waddell, who between them have almost 20 years of experience organizing festivals and other film-related events, launched the organization's first series, "DecaturDocs" in January of this year.

The subscription-based series treats audiences to monthly screenings of documentaries, each screening followed by a question-and-answer session with a filmmaker.

When I spoke to Martinez this week, she said the goal of the Atlanta Film Forum is to provide the existing community of film lovers in and around Decatur venues, and North Georgia, to see great movies and enjoy film as a communal experience.

Asked why the organization chose to "DecaturDocs" as their first program, Martinez said, "Documentary is a medium that gets people talking, and it's evolving so rapidly," offering new ways to tell stories and imagery we've never seen.

"DecaturDocs" has already contributed to Georgia's growing film culture.

Previous films in the series include a personal documentary called "Kati With An I" about an Alabama teen trying to transition from her relatively carefree high school life into some very adult issues.

Last month, respected Harper Lee scholar and director Mary Murphy presented her film, "Hey Boo: Harper Lee & To Kill A Mockingbird," which featured interviews with and readings by the likes of Ambassador Andrew Young, author James Patterson and Oprah Winfrey.

This week's film, "Into the Cold: A Journey of the Soul," follows extreme adventurer Keith Heger as he attempts to recreate Robert Peary and Matthew Henson's journey to the North Pole. Peary and Henson made the trek 100 years ago. Heger discovers that climate change has made the same journey impossible.

Martinez said that while "Into the Cold" does offer topical subject matter, it's really an art film packed with stunning imagery of arctic landscapes.

Director Peter Gilbert, whose previous work includes the Oscar-nominated "Hoop Dreams," will attend the screening to talk about the difficulties of filming in inclement weather.

Another series, "DecaturDocs 1.2" is scheduled to begin April 30.

All "DecaturDocs" events are held at the Decatur High School Performing Arts Center. "Into the Cold" will start at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets can be purchased individually for $15 or as a four-film pass for $40.