Tag: Georgia Power

VSU Represents During SGFF ‘25

Jason Brown

March 6, 2025

VALDOSTA, GA – The 2025 South Georgia Film Festival features a strong number of faculty and alumni from Valdosta State University. Along with the annual Alumni Panel, featuring three graduates from the Mass Media program returning to celebrate their achievements, this year you’ll see more VSU faculty throughout the weekend’s events. Passes are still available for all weekend events on North Campus across from the South Georgia Medical Center. The public is invited.

With so many visiting filmmakers, Valdosta State University faculty have stepped up to help moderate some amazing conversations. Festival Director Jason Brown gets things started Thursday night at the Turner Arts Center, discussing PINEVALE HIGH: SEPARATE UNEQUAL … UNDETERRED with filmmakers Mark Patrick George and Willie Housel. You’ll see Professor Brown all weekend talking to filmmakers Ebony Blanding, Joey Travolta, and many more.

Friday, Music Professor David Springfield will lead a conversation with visiting film composer Matthew Cravener. Prof. Springfield is the Director of Jazz Studies and leads the Jazz Ensemble. He has published books on jazz and musical composition. Earlier in the day Friday, Professor Christy Yates leads a panel called “Once You See It, You Can’t Unlearn it – an Academic Panel,” featuring techniques incorporating film to benefit teaching and learning. Professor Yates has returned to the classroom full time after spending the last few years as the Deputy CHRO of VSU’s Office of Human Resources. Instructor Rafiah Jenkins will be leading question and answer sessions Friday with visiting filmmakers, including German Lopez Tirado, James Faucett and Karlyn Hoon.

This year’s returning alumni panel will be held Saturday at 5 pm at the Health Science and Business Administration building. It includes Brandi Moore, Class of 2015; Ray Hannah and Ryan Bryant (both Class of 2019). Moore went got her start in TV News at Fox 5 Atlanta, which she says VSU’s Mass Media program prepared her to work in a Top 10 market. She’s currently a Producer on the Portia Show. Hannah grew up around Atlanta, attended school in Valdosta, and has worked in Jacksonville since graduation. He currently is a Videographer/Editor with the Haskell Company, a global Architecture, Engineering, and Construction company. Bryant graduated Hart County High School on the Audio/Video Technology pathway before attending VSU’s Mass Media program. Ryan’s passion for movies and writing sprung from the 2nd Grade and has continued as he has won Young Georgia Authors’ Writing Competitions, film festival acting awards, and produced his own films. Ryan currently resides in Atlanta where he is still pursuing work both in-front and behind the camera.

Saturday’s schedule is jam packed. Moderating question and answer sessions with visiting filmmakers will be VSU Professors Dennis Conway, Joe Culverhouse, and Jonmichael Siebert, along with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s 2025 Instuctor of the Year John Patten, an alum of VSU’s Mass Media program. Greg Brown, faculty advisor with the award-winning VSU Spectator, will be leading a conversation with Georgia State professor Kate Fortmueller about her book “Below the Stars,” about the impact of labor in Hollywood.

Professor Melissa Pihos will be leading a workshop with Joey Travolta on Sunday at 1 pm at Pound Hall to take a behind-the-scenese look at “Lights Camera Friendship … On the Spectrum.” Pihos was involved both in-front and behind the camera of the production that took place here in 2024.

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.

–  20  –

Valdosta State University alumni Brandi Moore, Ray Hannah, and Ryan Bryant.

SGFF ’25 Kicks Off With ‘Pinevale’ Documentary

Jason Brown

March 6, 2025

VALDOSTA, GA – The 2025 South Georgia Film Festival (SGFF) kicks off Thursday night at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts with the local documentary “Pinevale High: Separate, Unequal … Undeterred” with filmmakers Mark George and Willie Housel in attendance. Attendance is free for all to learn about the festival and watch the screening.

The South Georgia Film Festival previews their festival at the Turner Center with trailers for many of the weekend’s films before presenting a locally produced film. This year, that film is the documentary about the struggles of Pinevale High alumni. Dr. Housel with the Pinevale Alumni Association helped organize this documentary along with Dr. George.

Pinevale High School was located on the southside of Valdosta and last graduated students in 1969 when the school was forced to integrate. In the over fifty years since, alumni such as Housel have worked to keep the spirit of Pinevale alive in the community.

“We celebrate both the art and industry of filmmaking,” said Festival Director Jason Brown. “It’s hard work to tell such a powerful story visually. We applaud the hard work of Dr. George and Dr. Housel and want to share this film with the community.”

While the film has been screened previously at the Copeland African American Museum, long time SGFF supporter Sementha Mathews advocated for the film to be included in this year’s film festival to draw greater attention to the work.

“I just think we need to shine a light on the work being done in our community,” said Mathews, the Director of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. “We have to support our local artists and filmmaking is art.”

The community is encouraged to come out for the screening and to learn more about the weekend’s events. The festival has moved to Valdosta State’s North Campus across from the South Georgia Medical Center. With screenings and visiting filmmaker panels, there’s a full schedule of activities all weekend long. Saturday night will feature another locally produced film, Lights Camera Friendship … On the Spectrum with visiting filmmaker Joey Travolta. Taking place at the Dosta Playhouse, seating is limited, but free to the public. Festival passholder will be seated first.

Passes are currently on sale for $29.99, giving access to all screenings and panels along with a reception Friday night at the Health Science and Business Administration building and an after-party Saturday night at Downtown Social. VIP Passes for $99 also include a festival t-shirt, access to the filmmaker Green Room during the festival, and special access during both parties.

Students of all ages can get a free pass to all screenings and panels.

Celebrating their ninth year, the festival holding a raffle for a quilt made of t-shirts from pass seasons. Tickets are $5 and the winner will be drawn Sunday at noon during the Awards Ceremony in Pound Hall.

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, Lux Lighting, 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.

–  20  –

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.

–  20  –

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.

–  20  –

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

‘Spiegelman’ to Screen at SGFF ’25

Jason Brown

‘Spiegelman’ to Screen at SGFF ‘25

February 27, 2025

VALDOSTA, GA – The new documentary about author Art Spiegelman will screen March 7 and 9 as part of the 2025 South Georgia Film Festival. Spiegelman, a renowned artist with the New Yorker, TOPPS, and many 1960’s underground comics, is the only graphic novelist to receive the Pulitzer Prize. His work, MAUS: A SUVIVOR’S TALE, retells his father’s time as a Jewish prisoner during the Holocaust with the characters depicted as animals, particularly mice, cats and dogs.

Author Art Spiegelman (provided by Cargo Films)

“We are so lucky to be able to show this timely film during this year’s South Georgia Film Festival,” said Festival Director, Jason Brown. “The power of MAUS is not only in its story of survival but by using the comics medium it helped millions of people connect with a story better than through words alone.”

Spiegelman has returned to notoriety due outcries of book censorship when libraries in Tennessee banned his books due to the coarse language and not being “age-appropriate.” Spiegelman’s early work with MAD Magazine as well as experimental and transgressive comics of the late 1960’s and 70’s appears to some as contrast to his work with TOPPS bubble gum cards, but Spiegelman also famously created the parody series “Garbage Pail Kids.” Parental discretion is advised.

The Spiegelman documentary will be paired with the short film “Watching Walter,” about the true story of Wladyslaw “Walter” Wojnas, who became a master watchmaker during World War II’s Nazi occupied Poland. Both screenings will be at Pound Hall. See schedule for times.

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.

“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!”

Along with the many films to be screened at this year’s festival, panels and networking opportunities will be held to help our community learn more about the film industry and ways to participate. This year’s panels include 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 with Moonshine Post, 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.

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.

–  20  –

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.

–  20  –


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.

–  20  –

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

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.

–  20  –

South Georgia Studios Brings Pitchfest to 2023 SGFF

Jason Brown


SouthGeorgiaFilm.com
https://southgeorgiafilm.com/?p=975

South Georgia Studios Brings Pitchfest to 2023 SGFF

February 15, 2023

VALDOSTA, GA – South Georgia Studios is looking for your best movie pitches. Saturday March 4, during this year’s South Georgia Film Festival, participants will be able to spend 3 minutes pitching their film and television ideas to producers who can help turn their films into reality as part of the 2023 SGFF Pitchfest.

“As we grow the film industry in South Georgia, we are thrilled to be able to support local filmmakers in telling their own unique and inspiring stories,” Honnie Korngold of South Georgia Studios said. “This is only the beginning and we want South Georgians interested in working in film to know just what is possible for them here in their own backyard.”

The Pitchfest will be limited to 20 participants who will buy their spot for $25. A winner will receive a $250 cash prize and a one-hour consulting session with the panel of judges with advice on strategy to move their project forward. Participants will be contacted by Feb. 25 to give them enough time to put together their three-minute pitch. Festival passholders will be able to sit-in on the pitches. At the beginning of the two-and-a-half hour event, producers will give the audience some quick pointers on how to present their ideas. After each pitch the producers will be giving participants feedback.

Along with Korngold, Alexander Kane of Workhorse Cinema and Tamara Bell of the distribution company Koan will be evaluating the participants’ ideas for the best project within narrative film, television, and documentary.

Korngold and South Georgia Studios are in the process of building a film production campus with soundstages and an educational program in partnership with PhilanthroFilms in Quitman, GA. She’s currently producing NORTHERN LIGHTS, the story of how Valdosta’s Cathy Parker was instrumental in transforming a small Alaskan town with football. The movie is proposed to film in South Georgia in 2023.

Along with working as an actor, Kane has produced $61 million dollars worth of films in South Georgia during the last four years.

“At Workhorse Cinema, we have a big slate of films planned for 2023 that continues to prove to the film industry is not only viable but thriving here in South Georgia. Our company and team is largely built on a foundation of local talent from the area and our door is always open as we constantly survey the community to find passionate and talented locals that want to join the film industry, pursue their dreams, goals, or just find a more fulfilling career.”

Koan has 30 years experience in entertainment distribution, reaching every corner of the world. Founded in 1990, it continues to be one of the longest running worldwide sales, film finance and production companies. Their diverse catalog of award winning projects have broad appeal to worldwide audiences.

The festival kicks off March 3 on the campus of Valdosta State University with screenings and panels on documentary photography and with casting director Chase Paris of Fieldstein | Paris Casting before concluding 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.  The free Mall screening will also include the films: The Buick Special, from PhilanthroFilms 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 evening’s party at the mall.

Saturday, attendees can spend the entire day attending panels, watching films, meeting filmmakers and attending the Pitchfest. 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 with visiting filmmakers, VSU alums, and Melissa Simpson of Film Impact Georgia with grant recipients Jeremy Thao and Shandrea Evans.

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 kayak 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. Our family friendly block on Sunday showcases the feature film RINGO, along with a group of animal friendly documentaries.

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 Pitchfest ticket, your festival pass and see the full film guide.

Pitchfest tickets are $25 and guarantee a three-minute opportunity in front of professional movie producers and distributors. 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.

–  20  –

Join the Pitchfest – Buy your ticket today

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/

–  20  –