Tag: Georgia Film Office

SGFF ’25 Hosts Regional Film Professionals

Jason Brown

March 4, 2025

VALDOSTA, GA – Regional film professionals descend on Valdosta State University’s campus this weekend for the 9th annual South Georgia Film Festival. Along with the many screenings, a collection of regional film professionals will be holding court throughout the week with panels and discussions. Speakers include active film professionals, regional film professors, and local filmmakers. To encourage college and high school students, passes are free with student ID for all screenings and panels.

University of Mississippi professor and filmmaker John Rash (left) and University of Georgia professor and filmmaker Marty Lang (right)

“As the film industry grows across Georgia, it is essential that our community take advantage of the resources of those who have already been making a difference,” said Festival Director Jason Brown. “We are honored every year at the number of film professionals that take their time to join us and share how they can help us grow.”

Beginning Thursday evening at the Turner Arts Center, the 2025 South Georgia Film Festival will hold its free preview night will full trailers and screening of a locally produced documentary. This year, Dr. Willie Housel and director Mark George will present their documentary “Pinevale High: Separate, Unequal, … Undeterred” and then talk with Professor Jason Brown before taking questions from the community. The Annette Howell Turner Center sponsors the free event for the community to meet local filmmakers and learn about the weekend’s events.

Saturday presents a full day of panels and screenings. At 11:30 am, Georgia State University professor Kate Fortmueller will discuss her latest book, “Below the Stars,” along with her previous book “Hollywood Shutdown.” Frotmueller’s work researching film and television labor has served to include her in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The Atlantic, and more. The

At 12:30 pm, Professors Marty Lang of the University of Georgia’s MFA in Film program and John Rash of the University of Mississippi Center for the Study of Southern Culture will discuss both schools graduate and undergraduate programs incorporating filmmaking. The discussion will be moderated by VSU Assistant Professor Joe Culverhouse.

Ebony Blanding, the Emerging Creative in Residence at Trilith Studios, discusses how she has taken such a role at the state’s largest production facility and the feature film it has helped her to produce. Blanding’s work as a writer and filmmaker has screened across the globe, but she continues to work to represent her community and help support other creatives like herself. Professor Brown will talk with her at 3 pm Saturday.

At 1:30 pm Saturday, Allison Hogue of The Salvation Army’s Southern Territory will discuss her work as videographer, especially during times like this past Fall’s Hurricane Helene, where it was her job to document the tragedy and get help to those in need. The Salvation Army will also have their traveling canteen present to share what they do to bring aid.

The South Georgia Film Festival is proud to have Melissa Simpson, Executive Director of Film Impact Georgia (FIG), back again to discuss the amazing resources available to filmmakers throughout the state of Georgia. FIG’s mission to provide voice to those making independent films in Georgia starts with their annual grants. FIG has awarded $35,000 in grants since 2019 to filmmakers across the state. Along with FIG’s grant, Simpson will discuss the many other resources available for filmmakers to make their voice heard.

On Sunday, March 9, the festival’s last panel will be a more intimate conversation with director Joey Travolta about his transformative work with Inclusion Films, the impact of his film camps, and specifically the production of “Lights Camera Friendship on the Spectrum” here in Valdosta as well as Florida and California. VSU professor Melissa Pihos will lead the discussion.

“We work hard to bring people to Valdosta because most aspiring creators won’t run into these professionals on their way down Ashley Street,” 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 and we don’t plan to stop now!”

The festival will provide question and answer sessions after each film block for all visiting filmmakers to discuss their work. Festival passholders can also network with these professionals during our Friday evening reception at the VSU Health Science and Business Administration Building and Saturday night at Downtown Social for the After-Party.

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Council for the Arts, Valdosta State University, the Walmart Community Grant, Georgia Power, the Georgia Film Office, Wild Adventures Theme Park, the Miracle League of Valdosta, Lowndes-Valdosta Tourism, the City of Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Georgia Production Partnership, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, Downtown Social, Inclusion Films and Film Impact Georgia. Please support our sponsors.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com , SGFF25.Eventive.org , or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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Georgia State University professor Kate Fortmueller

University of Mississippi professor and filmmaker John Rash (left) and University of Georgia professor and filmmaker Marty Lang (right)

Trilith Emerging Creative in Residence Ebony Blanding

Allison Hogue, videographer with The Salvation Army’s Southern Territory

Melissa Simpson, Executive Director of Film Impact Georgia

Joey Travolta, director of “Lights Camera Friendship on the Spectrum”


South Georgia Film Festival logos

Cravener Composes for SGFF ’25

Jason Brown

March 3 , 2025

VALDOSTA, GA – Pianist Matthew Cravener will be presenting a panel on Film Composing Friday March 7 during the South Georgia Film Festival. The 30-year-old virtuoso has created the music for numerous films, including a recently Amazon prime mini-series. Cravener will be discussing his work with Valdosta State University professor David Springfield as well as performing during the Friday evening reception for Festival and VIP passholders. Passes are still available for the 2 pm panel and the evening performance.

Cravener began playing music at age 4 and learned to compose by ear. After releasing an album of his own gospel music, he moved to Hollywood to make it big. He was an emerging artist in residency at a label in Culver City, CA for a time. Due in part to the growing film industry in Georgia, Cravener was able to move back and lives outside Tallahassee where he continues to perfect his craft.

“The arts are so important to me,” Cravener said. “I have trouble thinking on my feet, but when I’m doing something that involves music, I am totally distracted from logistics and can be creative.”

Cravener’s scores have been included in audio books, documentaries, feature and short films. His joy for music has him performing at local clubs and assisted living facilities. Music is more than a profession for Cravener.

“Music makes me feel very calm and collected,” Cravener said. “I have Asperger’s and Tourette’s syndrome. For a long time in my adolescent years, it was hard for me to function. Playing piano used to calm the tics down. It relieves a lot of tension and makes my mind go to places.”

Professor Springfield will lead the panel in the VSU Health Science and Business Administration Room 1123. Professor Springfield is the Director of Jazz Studies, where he teaches piano and directs the Jazz Ensemble. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by such artists as Brandford Marsalis, Phil Woods, the Count Basie Orchestra and the Boston Pops.

This year’s South Georgia Film Festival will take place March 6, 7, 8, & 9 on the North Campus of Valdosta State University, with films from across the world with an emphasis on the art and industry growing here in the Southeast. College and high school students can register for free day passes, giving them access to all screenings and panels. Festival and VIP Passes provide access to our Friday and Saturday night receptions, along with other benefits.

“The South Georgia Film Festival is about bringing people to our part of the world to share this industry that is growing right in our backyard,” 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 and we don’t plan to stop now!”

The festival will also provide question and answer sessions after each film block for visiting filmmakers to discuss their work. Along with the film composing panel, look for other visiting artists such as Georgia State professor Kate Fortmueller, UGA professor Marty Lang, Ole Miss professor John Rash, and Allison Hogue with The Salvation Army’s Southern Territory headquarters.

This year’s festival could not happen without the support of our community sponsors, including Georgia Council for the Arts, Valdosta State University, the Walmart Community Grant, Georgia Power, the Georgia Film Office, Wild Adventures Theme Park, the Miracle League of Valdosta, Lowndes-Valdosta Tourism, the City of Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Georgia Production Partnership, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, Downtown Social, Inclusion Films and Film Impact Georgia. Please support our sponsors.

For more information on the South Georgia Film Festival, visit SouthGeorgiaFilm.com , SGFF25.Eventive.org , or contact Prof. Jason Brown at 229-219-1298 or jasonebrown@valdosta.edu.

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Pianist and Film Composer Matthew CravenerValdosta State University Professor David Springfield (provided by VSU)

2025 SGFF Festival Passes Are NOW Available

Jason Brown

January 26, 2025

VALDOSTA, GA – The 2025 South Georgia Film Festival (SGFF) passes are now available. This year’s event will take place March 7, 8, & 9 on the North Campus of Valdosta State University, with films from across the world with an emphasis on the art and industry growing here in the Southeast.

While the festival will screen submissions from around the world, two projects were curated for our local community.

“For the last decade, we’ve built a strong network of filmmakers across the country and the world,” 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 and we don’t plan to stop now!”South Georgia Film Festival 2025

This year’s festival will feature a screening of the LIGHTS, CAMERA, FRIENDSHIP episode produced here in Valdosta. Filmmaker Joey Travolta’s docuseries examines friendship, connection and common ground through the perspective of young adults on the autism spectrum spending a week together. The young people create connections by making friends, shopping, learning to dance, and gathering with those like themselves. Along with Valdosta, the series visited other locations across the country including Lodi, California.

On Friday March 7, the film RATIFIED will screen at Pound Hall on the North Campus of Valdosta State. RATIFIED is a feature documentary about the 100-year struggle for constitutional gender equality, particularly an effort to make Virginia the 38th and final state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Co-director Sabaah Folayan will present the film and discuss some of the current events affecting the film.  

Along with the many films to be screened at this year’s festival, panels and workshops will be held to help our community learn more about the film industry and ways to participate. This year’s panels include Emily Best of SEED & SPARK, who will discuss crowdfunding and how we can build an film industry independent of Hollywood; Allison Hogue with the SALVATION ARMY of Georgia, who will talk about her work specifically during Hurricane Helene to use video to get resources to those in need; Melissa Simpson of FILM IMPACT GEORGIA (FIG), who will discuss FIG’s bi-annual grant for native Georgia Filmmakers along with many resources available across the state for those interested in filmmaking; Marty Lang of the University of Georgia and John Rash of University of Mississippi, who will discuss their respective MFA programs in filmmaking in the South; Kate Fortmueller of Georgia State University, who will take about her recent book BELOW THE STARS; Brooke Sonenreich who is the Head of Marketing and Events with Moonshine Post & Founder of Atl Film Party, and director Ebony Blanding, who will discuss her time as the 2024 Emerging Creative in Residence at Trilith Studios and the production of her film “A Mess of Memories.”

The festival will also provide question and answer sessions after each film block for visiting filmmakers to discuss their work, along with a panel with alumni from the Valdosta State University Mass Media program and contributions from Valdosta State University faculty including Melissa Pihos and Christy Yates.

“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 Council for the Arts, Valdosta State University, the Georgia Film Office, the Walmart Community Grant, Wild Adventures, the City of Valdosta, the Turner Center for the Arts, Georgia Production Partnership, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, 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.

South Georgia Film Festival 2025
South Georgia Film Festival 2025

2025 Submission Deadline extended to Dec. 9

Jason Brown

November 15, 2024

VALDOSTA, GA – The regular submission deadline has been extended for the 9th Annual South Georgia Film Festival to December 9. Professional and amateur filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work through FilmFreeway to participate in the Regional film festival, which includes screenings, networking, educational opportunities, and local entertainment. The 2025 festival will take place March 7, 8, & 9 across Valdosta with a growing number of partner organizations.

Promoting the art and industry of filmmaking here in South Georgia, the festival has been forced limit how it’s accepting submissions this year. Along with high school, college, and graduate student submissions, the festival continues to receive professional film submissions in documentary, animation, and narrative. Filmmakers unaware of the current limitations may have missed earlier deadlines.

“For the last decade, we’ve built a strong network of filmmakers across the country and the world, but one misstep can cause real damage,” 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 and we don’t plan to stop now!”

Winners from last year’s festival were very Georgia focused, including GUACAMOLE YESTERDAYS, feature film shot and produced here in Georgia from writer Hudson Phillips and director Jordan Noel; THE ONLY DOCTOR, a documentary about the healthcare challenges in rural Georgia by native filmmakers Matthew Hashiguchi and producer Anjanette Levert; and THE DAY THAT SHOOK GEORGIA, documenting the 1971 industrial explosion in Southeast Georgia, from director Patrick Longstreth.  

Students from all area high schools and college are encouraged to submit at https://filmfreeway.com/SOUTHGEORGIAFILMFESTIVAL. For submission waivers – high school students should use the code ( 24HighSchool ) and college students ( UnderGrad24Students ).

“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 Council for the Arts, Valdosta State University, the Georgia Film Office, the Walmart Community Grant, the Turner Center for the Arts, the City of Valdosta, 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. Other sponsorship opportunities still exist.

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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Submission Information:

Visit: https://filmfreeway.com/SOUTHGEORGIAFILMFESTIVAL

Use the waiver codes:
            2024VSUMajors                        For VSU Students

            24HighSchool                            For High School Students

            UnderGrad24Students              Non-VSU College Students

            Student 24Grad                        For Graduate Students … from anywhere
Email: SouthGeorgiaFilm@Valdosta.edu  for information on waivers for other categories

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

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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