The 2019 South Georgia Film Festival again looks to celebrate the art and industry of film across the region. Along with three days of films and panels, we are hosting a celebration of the creative spirit here in Valdosta.

We are proud to have continuing sponsor Georgia Power, along with Georgia Beer Company and Valdosta’s local Coca-Cola bottler, to support the hard work and contribution of film to our community. Along with our host institution, Valdosta State University, their contribution allows us to be able to host a series of educational and informative panels during the festival.

Thursday Feb. 28

Student Union Theater

The Georgia Production Partnership has re-scheduled their South Region meeting for Feb. 28 to coincide with the South Georgia Film Festival. While GPP works hard to lobby for film in the state of Georgia, they actively educate both filmmakers and communities. Starting with private meetings in the morning with members of the Camera Ready programs across South Georgia, GPP will be hosting a public event to discuss how our communities can attract and support film business.

Along with Craig Dominey, manager of the Camera Ready program, the presentation will include noted Savannah producer, Stratton Leopold, and Jeffrey Stepakoff, Executive Director of the Georgia Film Academy. Tickets are $10 for the general public. Admission is free for GPP members and those with an All-Access VIP Pass. For more information, visit GeorgiaProduction.org

Turner Center for the Arts

That evening, the Turner Center for the Arts is hosting a VIP Event for members of GPP, attending filmmakers, and All-Access passholders to preview the weekend’s films.

Friday, March 1

We’ve expanded this year to include two separate screening locations – the Valdosta State University Student Union Theater and the VSU Mass Media Building. We will have panels and workshops in both locations as well. College and High School students can show their ID to pick a complimentary student pass for screenings and panels that begin before 5:30 pm. Day passes are available for all events on any particular day.

Student Union Theater

The day starts off at 11 am with our first block of Foreign Films
Followed at 1 pm with a block of High School Films.
At 3 pm, we have a block of short films submitted from around the world.
At 5 pm, we will be hosting the Georgia Premiere of the feature documentary “MY LIFE WITH ROSIE,” about the fight to preserve the legacy of civil rights icon, Rosa Parks.

Student Union Conference Room 1 & 2

At Noon, we will be hosting a conversation with filmmaker Dr. Angela Williamson, to discuss her film MY LIFE WITH ROSIE. The presentation will be moderated by Dr. Leah Hunter from Florida A&M University. The session is sponsored by the VSU AFAM program as part of their celebration of Black History Month.

At 2 pm, we are hosting a panel discussion entitled WOMEN IN MEDIA, moderated by VSU’s own Dr. Nicole Cox. She will be talking with film producer Tara Ansley, animator Molly Coffee, media maker Tris Sicigano, and VSU alum Brantly Jackson Watts.

At 4 pm, we have returning VSU alums attending to discuss what they’ve been doing in the media world since they graduated. This year’s alums include Beth Tate, Reed Burkett, and Damian Grey.

Mass Media Building Room 1204

This year, we are excited to include a number of hands-on workshops. While the seating is limited, the experience will be worthwhile. At 2 pm, Dr. Colin Walker and Damian Grey will be presenting a workshop on video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. Seating is limited to the first 20 participants.

Mass Media Building Room 1001

Our second screening location this year is in the Mass Media Building.
Beginning at 2:30 pm, we will be presenting a block of foreign films.
At 4:30 pm, we will be screening the feature film DOWN AND YONDER.

Mass Media Building Room

Throughout the Mass Media Building, we will be holding our second annual Networking event for students, filmmakers and local businesses beginning at 3 pm.

Georgia Beer Company

The South Georgia Film Festival’s Kickoff Event begins at 6 pm behind the newly opened Georgia Beer Company. Passholders will receive a commemorative glass (while supplies last) and a free drink, either beer or soft drink. Food trucks will be available as well. Sponsors have also created a VIP section for All-Access pass holders.

Saturday, March 2

Student Union Theater

The VSU Admissions Ambassadors will be hosting tours of campus for prospective students at 9 am.
At 11:30 am, we begin with our block of High School films.
Followed at 1:30 pm with the feature documentary film, HOW THEY GOT OVER.
At 3:30 pm, we have a block of short college films.
At 5:30 pm, we will have another block of short films including animation.
At 7:30 pm, we will host a screening of the feature film CRUEL HEARTS.

Student Union Conference Room 1 & 2

Beginning at 11 am, we have a panel on Crowdfunding with Brandi Nicole Payne of Seed & Spark.
At 1 pm, we have a panel entitled “What’s Next? Film School, Grad School or the Industry?” featuring VSU’s Dr. Nicole Cox, University of North Georgia’s Dr. Jeff Marker, and VSU alum Frank Amorosa.
At 3:30 pm, the City of Valdosta has sponsored a panel looking at the impact of film production on local communities. Kathy Oxford and Niki Sappington from Barnesville, GA discuss their experience with the recent HBO production, SHARP OBJECTS.
At 5:30 pm, we will host a panel featuring attending filmmakers to discuss their experience making their films.

Mass Media Building Room 1204/1104

Starting off in Studio B, VSU Professor Ian Anderson will be holding our second workshop. This one is Acting for the Camera. Seating is limited to the first 20 participants.
At 2:30 pm back in room 1204, Producer Tara Ansley will discuss what you need to get your movie made.
At 4:30 pm, the team of Brad Kennedy and Luke Pilgrim at Sozo Bear Films will talk about how they make an industrial in Deconstructing a Media Project. Seating is limited to the first 20 participants.

Mass Media Building Room 1001

The day begins at 11 am with a block of films from all over the world.
At 1 pm, we present another block of college films.
At 3 pm, we have a block of films including animation and documentary.
Ending the day here, we will host a panel with the filmmakers from HOW THEY GOT OVER to discuss the history and impact of Southern music.

Holiday Inn & Conference Center

The South Georgia Film Festival’s After-Pary event at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center will begin at 9 pm following the final screening of the day. All festival and VIP pass holders are invited.

Sunday, March 3

We wrap up the weekends events on Sunday.

Student Union Conference Room 1 & 2

Beginning at 11:30 am, filmmaker Brantly Jackson Watts will discuss shooting on 16 mm film instead of digital for her upcoming short SPOON.

Student Union Theater

At 11 am, we have a block of college films including those from Valdosta State University.
The Awards Ceremony will begin at 1 pm with announcement of winners, award of prizes and screening of some of the films.

At 3:30 pm, we will be screening the Valdosta premiere of the local horror film WAKE UP.
At 5:30 pm, we have our film block of short films.

Ashley Street Station

At 7 pm, we hold be hosting our Closing Party at Ashley Street Stations, with some highlights and clips of films.

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