Tag: Valdosta State University

SGFF Announces 2024 Winners

Jason Brown


SouthGeorgiaFilm.com

March 5, 2024

VALDOSTA, GA – The South Georgia Film Festival announced its 2024 winners and additional screenings. Georgia filmmakers had a big night, with Best of Fest winner going to Hudson Phillips’ GUACAMOLE YESTERDAYS and Best of Georgia going to THE DAY THAT SHOOK GEORGIA by Patrick Longstreth. The South Georgia Film Festival has partnered with Wiregrass Technical College for two screenings Wednesday, March 6 at 2 pm and 6 pm of the winning films.

Along with the two top awards, recognition was given to films across the categories. GUACAMOLE YESTERDAYS also won for Best Feature Film. Matthew Hashiguchi’s THE ONLY DOCTOR captured the award for Best Feature Documentary. Georgia based Vanishing Angle captured Best Narrative Short with SHADOW BROTHER SUNDAY directed by Alden Ehrenreich. Sunflower County Film Academy, along with Florida State professor Brian Graves and Pablo Correa, captured the Documentary Short category with the film AN ARMY RISING UP. Recognized in the Best Animation category, Ryotaro Sawada and Agatha Tiara Christa of Savannah College of Art & Design won for GORO GORO. Florida State student Raven Carter won for Best Graduate Narrative with the film WHITEWASHED. Georgia native and current University of Southern California student Shannon Morrall won for Best Graduate Documentary for SPEAR.SPATULA.SUBMARINE. Keith Cohen’s documentary about service animals, HEALING PAWS, recognized for Undergraduate Student Fillm. DEAN’S LIST by Kennedy Reid of Savannah recognized for High School Student Film. Due to the number of International films, JUST… from Kazikstan by Amir Kaken recognized for International Short Film. Danielle Beverly’s film QATAR STARS was recognized for International Feature Film. The judges also recognized William H. Capps for his Set Design for the film IN THE PINES, and Safiya Songhai for Social Impact with her film INTERCEPTION – JAYNE KENNEDY AMERICAN SPORTSCASTER.

“We are lucky to be able to partner with Wiregrass Technical College and have them screen a collection of these winning films on their campus,” said Jason Brown, Festival Director of the South Georgia Film Festival. “With two screenings, Wednesday March 6, folks that were unable to attend the weekend will have another opportunity to see the films.

This year’s winners were determined by a wide variety of judges – both nationally recognized professionals and local community members. Along with screening their films and participating in panels, this year’s judges included director Dan Mirvish, Nic LaRue of Film Snobbery, Betsy Kaplin of University of Central Florida, author Heather Hale, Georgia Film Academy instructor Nicole Kemper, screenwriter Marti King Young, set designer Segrio Sanchez Selva, and previous SGFF winners Kyle Taubken and Costas Karalis.

Local judges include Kendrick King of Lowndes High School, Tim Drexler and John Patten of Wiregrass Technical College, and Jessica Ganas of the Lowndes County Courthouse.

This year’s festival included over forty visiting filmmakers from as far as California and as near as a student from Cook County. The festival added to the local economy with hotel stays, gasoline purchases, and food.

“The growth of the film industry in South Georgia is about how it can help feed the other parts of our economy as well,” Brown said.

Promoting the art and industry of filmmaking, the South Georgia Film Festival will begin accepting submissions starting in April 2024. Next year’s festival will take place March 7, 8, & 9, 2025.

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, the Wal-Mart Community Grant, the Georgia Film Office, Wild Adventures, the Turner Center for the Arts, Georgia Production Partnership, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Association, Creative Vein Studios, Downtown Social, Lowndes County, and Film Impact Georgia.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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Photos from the 2024 South Georgia Film Festival


(l to r) Filmmakers T.L Westgate, Daniel Woods, Keri Maletto, Danielle Beverly, Drew Youngblood, and Allegra Novikov (Photo by Jason Brown)

(l to r) Jessica Ganas of the Lowndes County Courthouse and coach Tony Pierce representing the film INTERCEPTION (photo submitted)
(l to r) Hank Bagwell, director of OPERATION SONG, and Herb Harbaugh

(l to r) Student Festival Director Genesis Greenlee, GUACAMOLE YESTERDAYS’ Director of Photography Trisha Solyn and Producer Michelle Moreland, and Festival Director Jason Brown (Photo by Caleb Davis)

SGFF Announces 2024 Schedule & Official Selections

Jason Brown


SouthGeorgiaFilm.com
https://southgeorgiafilm.com/?p=1200

Feb. 13, 2024

VALDOSTA, GA – The South Georgia Film Festival announced its 2024 Schedule and official selections. Taking place March 1, 2, & 3, the 8th Annual South Georgia Film Festival will screen 77 films, including “18 ½” with special guest Dan Mirvish. With 24 Georgia made films, the festival will screen some prominent films including The Only Doctor, The Day That Shook Georgia, Wokman and Interception – Jayne Kennedy American Sportscaster. The festival includes full length feature films and shorts, from professionals and students from around the world.

“This year has been one of the most competitive yet,” Festival Director Jason Brown said. “With more submissions than ever from more places than ever, we are so excited to share this schedule with our community.”

Along with panels from industry professionals and networking events across town, this year’s screenings will take place at the Valdosta State University Student Union, beginning March 1. Link to the schedule and how to buy tickets are on the website SouthGeorgiaFilm.com

“The Only Doctor” tells the story of Clay County, GA Dr. Karen Kinsell struggle to maintain her medical clinic in the poor, rural community along the Georgia-Alabama border. The feature film will screen March 2 at 11:30 am with director Matthew Hashiguchi in attendance.

“The Day That Shook Georgia” recounts one of the worst industrial tragedies in US History that took place in Southeast Georgia in 1971. The film has already won the 2023 Better Angels Lavine Fellowship as part of the Ken Burns Prize for Film. The short will screen in a block Friday, March 1 at 3:30 pm with director Patrick Longstreth and survivors in attendance.

During last year’s Film Impact Georgia presentation, Jeremy Thao discussed his upcoming film “Wokman” which won a FIG filmmaker grant. This year, he is back to screen the film about one Chinese family’s pursuit of the American Dream.

Featured in the NFL Films documentary “You Are Looking Live,” which aired prior to the 2024 Super Bowl, Jayne Kennedy’s place as an NFL sportscaster has not received the recognition she deserves, according to Brent Musburger. In “Interception: Jayne Kennedy – American Sportscaster,” learn more about the groundbreaking reporter at the screening Friday, March 1 at 3:30 pm with director Safiya Songhai in attendance.

Nearly half of all the films are expected to have someone from the production present during the festival to talk with attendees.

“Film professionals continue to connect at the South Georgia Film Festival,” said Jason Brown SGFF Festival Director. “Bringing filmmakers from across the country to Valdosta to engage our community has been our driving force for all of these years.”

Along with the film screenings and networking opportunities, the South Georgia Film Festival also provides opportunities to learn about the fastest growing industry in Georgia. Every year showcases different elements. This year’s panels showcase different ways to be a part of the film industry. This year’s presenters include author and consultant Heather Hale, Marti King Young from ABC’s “Will Trent,” Betsy Kalin of the University of Central Florida, Elon University’s Nicole Triche, and VSU’s Chalise Ludlow and Madison Grant.

Promoting the art and industry of filmmaking, the South Georgia Film Festival has received a record number of submissions from across the globe for the 2024 festival. Along with high school, college, and graduate student submissions, the festival showcases professional film submissions in documentary, animation, and narrative. This year’s judges will include many of the visiting professionals as well as important members of the Valdosta community.

“We are putting on a party for the community,” Jason Brown, Festival Director said. “Showcasing films from across the country and the world, we want to introduce Valdosta to great films, some great filmmakers to Valdosta, and let everyone have a good time. Be a part of the party and show the world what you can do.”

Passes are available now at SouthGeorgiaFilm.com. Festival passes ($45) give access to all of the films and panels, along with admission to the Friday opening night kickoff at the renovated Lowndes County Courthouse and the Saturday night celebration at Downtown Social. Our VIP Passes ($125) also includes daily access backstage into the Festival Green room for snacks and where you can meet visiting filmmakers, a festival t-shirt, and special access at each night’s party. Limited Day Passes will be available the week of the festival, for access to screenings and panels. All college and high school students can attend screenings and panels for free, and receive a discounted Festival pass for inclusion to the night parties.

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, the Wal-Mart Community Grant, the Georgia Film Office, Wild Adventures, the Turner Center for the Arts, Georgia Production Partnership, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Association, Creative Vein Studios, Downtown Social, Lowndes County, and Film Impact Georgia.

The South Georgia Film Festival continues to promote the regional film industry with panelists discussing both the art and industrial impact of film for local businesses. For more information about tickets and the upcoming schedule, visit 24SGFF.Eventive.org

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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Posters for the featured films

The Only DoctorInterception
The Day That Shook GeorgiaWokman

Film Professionals Add Educational Element to SGFF ‘24

Jason Brown

January 30, 2024

VALDOSTA, GA – Providing an educational element to the 2024 South Georgia Film Festival, numerous film professionals attend and host panels for the community. Educational opportunities this year include author Heather Hale, Marti King Young from ABC’s “Will Trent,” University of Central Florida assistant professor Betsy Kalin, documentary filmmaker Nicole Triche, and Valdosta State University assistant professor Chalise Ludlow. Tickets are on-sale now for the 8th Annual SGFF on March 1, 2, & 3.

“Film professionals continue to connect at the South Georgia Film Festival,” said Jason Brown SGFF Festival Director. “Bringing filmmakers from across the country to Valdosta to engage our community has been our driving force for all of these years. Providing an inside look at the industry from professionals can only help grow film for our young people and those looking to take advantage of the opportunities that currently exist.”

Along with the film screenings and networking opportunities, the South Georgia Film Festival also provides opportunities to learn about the fastest growing industry in Georgia. Every year showcases different elements. This year’s panels showcase different ways to be a part of the film industry. Heather Hale, author of “How to Work the Film & TV Markets” and “Story Selling,” will lead a panel on preparing a Pitch Deck for projects raising funds, including working with visiting filmmakers on ways to improve the quality and reach of their presentation document. Participating in the panel will be Georgia filmmakers Chris Flippo, director of “Edge of Town” and “Down and Yonder,” along with Leanna Adams and Kristina Arjona, co-directors of “Christmas with Jerks.”

Marti King Young has been a mulit-hyphenate of a different sort. Along with being a screenwriter and developing her own projects, such as the award winning film “The Adventures of Wonderboy,” she has taken on many other roles to be a part of the film and television industry. Currently the Assistant to the Producer for ABC’s “Will Trent,” Young has served as a PA (“The Circus”), Production Coordinator (“Patsy & Loretta”), Assistant to the Line Producer (“Genius”), and much more. She will be presenting a panel on the unsung role of Assistants in film production careers.

Besty Kalin, Assistant Professor in the Film & Mass Media Department at the University of Central Florida, will be showcasing her work-in-progress “Dreaming in Somali” as part of a presentation on Documentary Ethics. Kalin was nominated for an Emmy for her documentary “Vision 2030” Future of SoCal.”

Documentary filmmaker Nicole Triche will be screening her film “Curtsy” as well as talking about the challenges and opportunities for student filmmakers. Triche, Associate Professor of Cinema and Television Arts at Elon University, has overseen numerous award winning student projects screened at RiverRun, Full Frame, and a student Academy Award winner.

Valdosta State University assistant professor Chalise Ludlow has been recognized nationally for her work in costume design beyond her work with the Peach State Summer Theater. She and Madison Grant will be presenting on the value of quality costuming and props on productions. Ludlow began her work at Brigham Young University, but completed her MFA in Costume Design at the University of Alabama.

Promoting the art and industry of filmmaking, the South Georgia Film Festival has received a record number of submissions from across the globe since April for the 2024 festival. Along with high school, college, and graduate student submissions, the festival showcases professional film submissions in documentary, animation, and narrative. Along with special guest Dan Mirvish, the festival features film professionals from the Southeast and networking events for visiting filmmakers and attendees.

Winners from last year’s festival include OPAL, the animated feature from France; STAY WITH ME, the narrative feature film from University of Memphis professor Marty Lang; and JACK HAS A PLAN, a documentary feature about assisted suicide from director Bradley Berman and producer Chris Metzler.

“We are putting on a party for the community,” Jason Brown, Festival Director said. “Showcasing films from across the country and the world, we want to introduce Valdosta to great films, some great filmmakers to Valdosta, and let everyone have a good time. Be a part of the party and show the world what you can do.”

Discounted tickets are on-sale now before going full price on Feb. 1. Early VIP Passes are $99, while early Festival Passes are $29. Day passes will be available during the festival for $19.99 and include all screenings and panels. All college and high school students can attend screenings and panels for free, and receive a discounted Festival pass for inclusion to the night parties.

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, the Wal-Mart Community Grant, the Georgia Film Office, Wild Adventures, the Turner Center for the Arts, Georgia Production Partnership, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Association, Creative Vein Studios and Film Impact Georgia.

The South Georgia Film Festival continues to promote the regional film industry with panelists discussing both the art and industrial impact of film for local businesses. For more information about tickets and the upcoming schedule, visit 24SGFF.Eventive.org

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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Documentary Filmmaker Nicole Triche

http://www.nicoletriche.com/

Screenwriter Marti King Young

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3861885/

Author Heather Hale

www.HeatherHale.com

Assistant Professor Betsy Kalin

https://communication.ucf.edu/person/betsy-kalin/

Assistant Professor Chalise Ludlow

www.chaliseludlow.com

Submission Deadline Approaches for 8th Annual SGFF

Jason Brown

December 6, 2022

VALDOSTA, GA – The submission deadline for the 8th Annual South Georgia Film Festival is December 18. Professional and amateur filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work through FilmFreeway to participate in the Regional film festival, which includes screenings, networking and educational opportunities, and local entertainment. The 2024 festival will take place March 1, 2, & 3 across Valdosta with a growing number of partner organizations.

Promoting the art and industry of filmmaking here in South Georgia, the festival has been accepting submissions from across the globe since April. The festival has already received a record number of films across all categories. Along with high school, college, and graduate student submissions, the festival continues to receive professional film submissions in documentary, animation, and narrative.

“Film is growing across South Georgia and we continue to be proud to be a part of it,” said Jason Brown Festival Director. “Bringing filmmakers from across the country to Valdosta to engage our community has been our driving force for all of these years.

Winners from last year’s festival include OPAL, the animated feature from France; STAY WITH ME, the narrative feature film from University of Memphis professor Marty Lang; and JACK HAS A PLAN, a documentary feature about assisted suicide from director Bradley Berman and producer Chris Metzler.

To encourage submissions from local high school students, students who register for the Feb. 12, Valdosta State University Student Experience will receive a fee waiver. Registration is available on the SouthGeorgiaFilm.com website.

“We are putting on a party for the community,” Jason Brown, Festival Director said. “Showcasing films from across the country and the world, we want to introduce Valdosta to great films, some great filmmakers to Valdosta, and let everyone have a good time. Be a part of party and show the world what you can do.”

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, the Georgia Film Office, the Turner Center for the Arts, Georgia Production Partnership, and Film Impact Georgia.

The South Georgia Film Festival continues to promote the regional film industry with panelists discussing both the art and industrial impact of film for local businesses. Panelists and guest speakers will be announced soon. For more information about tickets, visit 24SGFF.Eventive.org

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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Looking for 2024 SGFF Screeners

Jason Brown

We have a great joy this year that we have more submissions than ever before – just shy of 600! And our deadline isn’t until Dec. 18.

Oh wait – we need people to help watch all of these films!

We would really appreciate your help going through all of these amazing films to get down to the approximately 100 films that will screen at the South Georgia Film Festival.

What does this mean

As a screener, you’ll watch a bunch of films from professional and student filmmakers. You’ll rate them. From there, we’ll make our decisions on which films will get into the festival. Your opinions help us make the final decision – so if you love something tell us! And if you don’t like something – tell us that, too!

We aren’t expecting you to be the Valdosta version of Roger Ebert. Just tell us what you think.

What do you get

For being a screener, we are happy to reward you for your hard work.

I personally will give you:

  • My undying gratitude
  • A Day pass to one day during the festival.

If you watch over 8 hours of films

  • My undying appreciation
  • A Festival Pass for the whole weekend

If you watch over 20 hours of films

  • My Undead Gratitude & Appreciation
  • Uncomfortable fawning on the social platform of your choosing
  • A Festival Pass and a t-shirt from a previous year’s festival

If you watch over 40 hours of film

  • This is your present to me for my 50th birthday. Bless you!
  • Uncomfortable fawning on ALL social platforms that SGFF is currently on – even if you couldn’t get a code to that BluSky thing people are talking about
  • A VIP Passes for you with a t-shirt from this year’s festival

Keeping Track

As a screener, you’ll create a free account on FilmFreeway.com. It makes it easy for you to see the films from home – and keeps track of all the wonderful work you do for us.

If you’ve done this before, you know the drill.

  • Go to Film Freeway & Log-in
  • Watch a film (if you see two other people have watched a film, pick another one)
  • Rate a film
  • Note if there is sex, drugs, language or violence
  • Repeat

Our rules ask for ONLY PG-13 type films.

Very Very FAQ

We screen approximately 100 films every year during the South Georgia Film Festival. And while we received a lot of great films, the difference between the top 25 films that everyone is talking about during the festival and that 250th film that was submitted isn’t as close as you think. We’re not Sundance (which by the way received 10,000 short films this last year – and screened 64).

If you like a film – tell us. In the rating section, there are 10 categories – tell us why you like the film.

And if you don’t know why – you just do …. GREAT! You’ve watched tons of stuff, you know when you like something.

But … and I hate to say this … you’re not going to like them all. Even if you have a heart of gold like my wife, sometimes you’ll know – that’s not what we want.

And don’t worry – if you only kinda like films, the ones folks LOVE will rise to the top. Math is like that.

So, Now what?

If you’re ready to go – sign-up below

https://mailchi.mp/3b06af2ce848/zxzfqvwnk5

Submissions Opening for 2024 South Georgia Film Festival

Jason Brown

April 5, 2023

VALDOSTA, GA – Filmmakers can begin submitting for the 2024 South Georgia Film Festival April 17. In preparation for the 8th Annual event, the festival will begin accepting submission via FilmFreeway for feature films, short films from professionals and students.

“Our festival depends on the amazing films and filmmakers sharing their work,” said Jason Brown, South Georgia Film Festival Director. “As the industry continues to grow here in Georgia, we are working to nurture those native and independent voices along with shining a light on how those in our community can be involved.”

To encourage more early submissions, feature films (anything over 50 minutes) are only $5 until August 4, and all shorts (professional, student, narrative, documentary) are free for the same period. Submission costs go up as the festival approaches, with the Early Deadline being September 30 and Regular Deadline Dec. 18, 2023. The submission page is https://filmfreeway.com/SOUTHGEORGIAFILMFESTIVAL

The festival has eight defined categories: Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Animated Short, Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student, and High School Aged Student. Along with awards in all of these categories, the South Georgia Film Festival also distributes other awards to recognize filmmakers’ hard work.

The 2023 festival concluded this past March with Costa Karalis’s film CHIPPED winning the award for Best in Fest. Karalis was part of a large contingent of filmmakers who graduated from Florida State University but now live in the Atlanta area. Filmmakers from as far as Nashville, TN and as near as Bemiss participated in the festival. Attendees discussed enjoying the variety of films, as well as the educational opportunities of the panels and the many networking opportunities.

After the festival, public voting determined the winner of the Best Poster competition, which went to Trinity Ansah and her film OVERCOME. Winners from around the world were recognized at the end of the festival. The festival maintains a presence on IMDB where the public can view a list past and present winners. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0026797/2023/1/?ref_=evov_eh

The 2024 South Georgia Film Festival will be held March 1, 2, & 3 in Valdosta, GA. Details will be released regarding participating panelists and filmmakers at www.SouthGeorgiaFilm.com.

The South Georgia Film Festival is proudly sponsored by Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, South Georgia Studios, the Georgia Film Office, the Valdosta Mall, Wild Adventures Theme Park, Workhorse Cinema, VLPRA, VisitValdosta.org, the City of Valdosta, and Film Impact Georgia.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or https://filmfreeway.com/SOUTHGEORGIAFILMFESTIVAL . Contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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SGFF Announces 2023 Films

Jason Brown

February 2, 2023

VALDOSTA, GA – The South Georgia Film Festival announces the films selected for the 2023 event – with 95 totally films, with three locally produced films, including The Holiday Dating Guide, which will be screened free to the public at the Valdosta Mall.

Don’t miss THE SIM RACER by Brock Drury, THE HOLIDAY DATING GUIDE w/ Maria Menounos, or THE WINTERING GROUNDS about world class kayakers from Columbus, GA.

“These are some of the best films we’ve ever had in the South Georgia Film Festival,” said Festival Director Jason Brown. “We can’t wait for people to see them.

The festival kicks off March 3 on the campus of Valdosta State University with panels and screening before ending the day at the Valdosta Mall plaza watching The Holiday Dating Guide  for a touch of the holidays. The event is free to the public. Produced by Workhorse Cinema, the film starring Maria Menounos premiered on Lifetime television in December 2022. Alexander Kane of Workhorse Cinema expects to be producing films regularly across our Region, from Fitzgerald to Valdosta to Tifton and the border. The free Mall screening will also include the films: The Buick Special, from South Georgia Studios and director Levi Johnson; the animated film A King I Once Knew from Joshua Myers and Grayson Durham of Thomasville; and The Curse directed by Jae Yoo from Ringling College. Festival and VIP passholders will also be able to participate in the evenings party at the mall.

Attendees can spend the entire day attending panels, watching films, and meeting filmmakers. Saturday March 4 will be bursting at the seams with feature films, shorts, student films, and animated films, along with amazing panels from visiting filmmakers. Two Georgia made feature films, The Lost Cause and The Long Way Up will screen, along with panels from Chris Paris of Fieldstein | Paris Casting and Melissa Simpson of Film Impact Georgia.

After starting their day at the Mayor & Chairman’s Paddle, attendees can end the evening with The Wintering Grounds, about the world class kayakers who spend their time in Columbus, GA when it’s too cold to be anywhere else. Because the freestyle kayake world championships will be taking place this spring in Columbus, we hope to have some of these professionals visiting us as well. After screening the feature documentary Jack Has a Plan, festival and VIP passholders can join us at the Rainwater Conference Center for our Saturday night party.

Sunday March 5 will wrap up with our awards ceremony followed by a few remaining blocks and a re-cap of the winners from the weekend. Don’t miss our two other out-of-competition screenings – The Sim Racer from VSU’s Brock Drury and The Middle Child: The Story of Tevin King  by Wiregrass’s Demiven Knighton. Both are local graduates telling very different but uniquely local stories.

You don’t want to miss this!

Celebrating the art and industry of film, the South Georgia Film Festival is celebrating its seventh annual event March 3, 4 & 5, 2023. Hosted on the campus of Valdosta State University, the festival has received thousands of entries and brought hundreds of filmmakers and filmgoers to town over the last decade.

“We are putting on a party for the community,” Brown said. “Showcasing films from across the country and the world, we want to introduce Valdosta to great films, some great filmmakers to Valdosta, and let everyone have a good time.”

The three day South Georgia Film Festival includes screenings of 95 films from around the world, the country and the region. Along with categories for high school, college and graduate students, the festival features shorts and feature length films. Films are screened in the VSU Student Union, at the corner of Oak St and Baytree, an outdoor screening at the Valdosta Mall, along with being available online through the Eventive platform. The festival presents filmgoers with the opportunities to see documentaries, animation and much more that they would not be able to see anywhere else.

Visit http://SGFF23.Eventive.Org to purchase your pass and see the full film guide.

Passes for the festival are $40, which includes access to all the virtual films, the in-person screenings, and the parties. If you’re not able to attend all weekend, you will be able to purchase a Daily Pass for $15, which gives you access to all the in-person screenings and panels for that day. The Eventive platform allows you to rent any individual film for only $5. All college and high school students can get in to the screenings and panels for free by providing their school ID.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or https://filmfreeway.com/SOUTHGEORGIAFILMFESTIVAL . Contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

For more information about The Wintering Grounds, visit https://www.facebook.com/thewinteringgrounds and https://aziliafilms.com/

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SGFF Extends Deadline, Announces First Film

Jason Brown

December 9, 2022

VALDOSTA, GA – The South Georgia Film Festival is extending its Regular Submission deadline until Dec. 16 to better accommodate filmmakers. Along with announcing this extension, the festival is announcing the first selected film of this year’s festival “The Wintering Grounds.”

“We are excited for our seventh annual festival coming back this Spring. We have received so many more films this year as people have returned from COVID,” said Festival Director Jason Brown. “But we know everyone could use a little more time at the last minute.” 

Celebrating the art and industry of film, the South Georgia Film Festival will be celebrating its seventh annual festival this March 3, 4 & 5, 2023. Hosted on the campus of Valdosta State University, the festival has received thousands of entries and brought hundreds of filmmakers and filmgoers to town over the last decade.

“We are putting on a party for the community,” Brown said. “Showcasing films from across the country and the world, we want to introduce Valdosta to great films, some great filmmakers to Valdosta, and let everyone have a good time.”

“The Wintering Grounds,” a short documentary about the growing international significance of freestyle kayakers from Columbus, GA, will be screening at the South Georgia Film Festival. Producer Paige Swift, along with kayakers from the film, will be participating in Mayor Scott Matheson’s annual “Mayor’s Row” on March 4. “Wintering Grounds” director Jeff Springer is an alum of the festival, having attended and screened the film “Rodents of Unusual Size” previously. The film has previously screened at the 2022 Sidewalk Film Festival. The 2023 ICF World Championship Freestyle Canoe event will be held June 27 – July 2 in Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL with over 300 participants from more than 20 countries.

The three day South Georgia Film Festival includes screenings of films from around the world, the country and the region. Along with categories for high school, college and graduate students, the festival features shorts and feature length films. Films are screened in the VSU Student Union, at the corner of Oak St and Baytree, an outdoor screening, along with being available online through the Eventive platform. With over 100 films on display, the festival presents filmgoers with the opportunities to see documentaries, animation and much more that they would not be able to see anywhere else.

Submissions can only be made through FilmFreeway.com. Students from VSU, Wiregrass, VHS, and Lowndes are eligible for discounted rates. Passes to the festival will be available beginning February 1.

Passes for the festival are $40, which includes access to all the virtual films, the in-person screenings, and the parties. If you’re not able to attend all weekend, you can purchase a Daily Pass for $15, which gives you access to all the in-person screenings and panels for that day. The Eventive platform allows you to rent any individual film for only $5. All college and high school students can get in to the screenings and panels for free by providing their school ID.

The South Georgia Film Festival continues to promote the regional film industry with panelists discussing both the art and industrial impact of film for local businesses. Panelists and guest speakers will be announced in February.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or https://filmfreeway.com/SOUTHGEORGIAFILMFESTIVAL . Contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

For more information about The Wintering Grounds, visit https://www.facebook.com/thewinteringgrounds and https://aziliafilms.com/

Downloadable images below

2023 South Georgia Film Festival
The Wintering Grounds director Jeff Springer (photo by Pete Holcombe)

The South Georgia Film Festival Returns For Year 6

Jason Brown

January 21, 2022

VALDOSTA, GA – Back again, the Sixth Annual South Georgia Film Festival returns in-person, online, and outside! Featuring some amazing guests and attending filmmakers, the area’s top event for the film industry is back March 4, 5, & 6 to celebrate the art and industry in South Georgia.

After last year’s hybrid festival, this year expects to incorporate what people liked and bring back what people loved. Films and filmmaker interviews will return on the Eventive platform so that people can enjoy the festival from anywhere. Returning are the in-person screenings on the campus of Valdosta State University, along with panels by top professionals from across the region. We will again be recognizing the best in competition in various award categories.

“We are putting on a party for the community,” Jason Brown, Festival Director said. “Showcasing films from across the country and the world, we want to introduce Valdosta to great films, some great filmmakers to Valdosta, and let everyone have a good time.”

Thursday night will kickoff with our introductory event for passholders and the community at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, introducing a community project from Steven Heddon and Angela Ward. Friday will conclude with our annual kickoff party at Georgia Beer Company. Saturday night will feature an outdoor screening on the lawn behind the VSU College of the Arts. Films will be screened in the Valdosta State University Student Union Friday through Sunday, while the virtual platform will be available March 1 through March 10.

Passes for the festival are $40, which includes access to all the virtual films, the in-person screenings, and the parties. If you’re not able to attend all weekend, you can purchase a Daily Pass for $15, which gives you access to all the in-person screenings and panels for that day. The Eventive platform allows you to rent any individual film for only $5. All college and high school students can get in to the screenings and panels for free by providing their school ID.

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, the City of Valdosta, the Georgia Film Office, Georgia Beer Company, the Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority, the Turner Center for the Arts, Valdosta Main Street, the Valdosta Daily Times, Georgia Production Partnership, Fairway Outdoor, and MUBI.

The South Georgia Film Festival continues to promote the regional film industry with panelists discussing both the art and industrial impact of film for local businesses. Panelists and guest speakers will be announced soon. For more information about tickets, visit SGFF22.Eventive.org.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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SGFF Draws Judges From Across the Country

Jason Brown


SouthGeorgiaFilm.com

SGFF Draws Judges From Across the Country

March 1, 2021

VALDOSTA, GA – The fifth Annual South Georgia Film Festival will features judges from across the country this year, including previous winners, feature filmmakers, comedians, Oscar nominees, and much more. With 109 films in this year’s festival, awards will be given for each of the following categories: Feature Film, Short, College, High School, Family Friendly, Poster, and Best in Fest.

“Celebrating the hard work of filmmakers is important to us,” Jason Brown, Festival Director said. “Along with showcasing films from across the country and the world, we strive to work with recognizable film professionals to judge our work.”

Previous South Georgia Film Festival winners top the list of judges for this year’s festival. Liz Manshil’s SPEED OF LIFE won Best in Fest at the 2020 South Georgia Film Festival. The feature film starring Ann Dowd and Allison Tolman about a woman being ripped through time when dealing with the death of David Bowie currently is available on Showtime.

Along with winning the College award in 2018 for FIRST MONTH, Laura Holliday has had her film GIRLFRIEND play the 2019 festival. Holliday’s work has appeared at many festivals and on Funny or Die. Along with being a director and actress, Holliday has been working recently as a musician. This will be her first year as a judge at the festival.

Professor Dave Brock joins the South Georgia Film Festival for the first time this year. His short film THE ROAD VIRUS HEADS NORTH, adapted from a Stephen King short story, was nominated for a Student Academy Award. Brock currently teaches at WV State University, where he made THE WOMAN IN THE ROOM, another King adaptation.

Another Student Academy Award nominee is cinematographer Justin Litton. Litton, COO of Mountain Craft Productions, proudly creates content all over Appalachia. His work on BORDER PATROL was nominated in 2013 for a Student Academy Award. Mountain Craft continues to produce quality industrials, shorts, and PSAs for business and civic groups.

Stand-up comedian and podcaster Michael Shea joins as a judge this year. Hailing from Dayton, OH, Shea has performed as a stand-up for over 15 years. His podcast, The Ultimate Schmoedown Aftershow can be heard nationwide through The Outlaw Nation podcasting network.

J.T. Arbogast is a Los Angeles-based writer/producer and actor. Prior to arriving in Los Angeles, J.T. spent four years as the Associate Director of the critically acclaimed National Comedy Theatre in New York. He produced the films Angel’s Perch and Auld Lang Syne while successfully crowdfunding both of them. He might be best known as an actor in the film WHEN IN ROME or the TV show 30 ROCK. He holds a B.A. from Penn State University and an M.F.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. 

AFC Indie Filmmaking podcast Chuck Thomas will participate as a judge for this year’s festival along recording his podcast on Saturday March 6. Returning as festival judges this year include Community Board President and Channel 17 host Marcus McConico, Turner Center for the Art’s Jessica Ganas, University of Findlay professor Chris Medjesky, and former SGFF Student Director, Jennifer Rainer. Due to COVID all of our judges will participate virtually to view the films and discuss the eventual winners.

Along with our nightly open-air screenings, over 100 films will be available virtually through our partnership with Eventive. Like hundreds of other festival around the country, the South Georgia Film Festival will be available through your computer and over your smart TV. Passes for $40 includes all the virtual films, virtual panels and preferred seating to the in-person events. Students of all ages can get a discounted pass for $25. You can get a ticket to any screening (in-person or virtual) for only $5.

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Power, Valdosta State University, the Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority, Wild Adventures, the Turner Center for the Arts, Valdosta Main Street, the Valdosta Daily Times, the City of Valdosta, Georgia Production Partnership, Fairway Outdoor, the Georgia Film Office, Georgia Beer Company, and MUBI.

The South Georgia Film Festival continues to promote the regional film industry with panelists discussing both the craft and industrial impact of film for local businesses. For more information about tickets, visit SGFF21.Eventive.org. Passes for all open-air and virtual events are $40, $25 for students. You can purchase a ticket for any single screening for $5.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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Director Liz Manshil
Filmmaker/Actress/Musician Laura Holliday
Writer/Producer J.T. Arbogast
Cinematographer Justin Litton
Podcaster Chuck Thomas
Comedian/Podcaster Mike Shea