2025 SGFF Festival Passes Are NOW Available

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

Film Professionals Add Educational Element to SGFF ‘24

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

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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Filmmakers Links

With everyone online during this social distancing, we reached out to the many filmmakers we have been able screen at @SouthGAFilm Festival to find links to their work you can watch while we’re all inside. Here are some links they’ve shared with us:

Kyle Taubken’s 2020 film Soul Man is on Amazon Prime https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Man-Curtis-C-Jackson/dp/B081S94CVQ

Mariana Gómez’s 2020 film Latino$ + Film + USA at https://vimeo.com/339850322

Also from 2020, Jeff Dolan’s Phase 6 is available at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z0Vp89nfgM

Check out this year’s absconde eos from Nicole Potgeiter at: https://youtu.be/7nR6mCeDZfE

Catch Joe Nowland’s 2019 film WAKE UP on Amazon Prime
https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Up-Scott-Broughton/dp/B07Z5FP15T/

Check out Connor Rentz/Kyanite Pictures shorts on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xiFtQSI6bKusR0dPWo-MA

Sruti Lodhi’s HERMAN
https://vimeo.com/276823208

Kyle Marta’s Can I Play Now
http://rootandbranchfilms.com/films/can-i-play-now

Malik Brice’s 2017 SGFF film If We Had Met
https://vimeo.com/268687160

In 2019, Michael Williams screened the film A Son Inherit http://bit.ly/ASonInheritVOD
His other films available are: Oz Landhttp://bit.ly/OzLandonAmazon
& The Atoning https://www.amazon.com/Atoning-Virginia-Newcomb/dp/B0747GZ8CB/

Patrick Peacock’s 2020 film BACK FOCUS isn’t available yet, but catch the trailer and his shorts (including 2019 festival selection Forever) at http://acondofilms.com

The Bontrager Twins have two films in this year’s 2020 fest. You can see a whole host of things of theirs at
https://www.footprint.tv/channel/bontrager-twins-productions-12859

Radheya Jegatheva is still on the festival circuit, but his other films currently available
The Tyger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUqowAVgZxA
Finding Home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZNhXcKGA1s

Also, Mary Stanton Knight’s 2019 doc Singing Out at https://vimeo.com/303070177
along with her film Dear Hubert Creekmore at 
https://vimeo.com/336614341

Paul Osborne screened #CruelHearts last year – now catch it online @ ITunes & Amazon His previous movie, FAVOR, can be streamed for free on Tubi: Favor (2014)

My personal favorite OFFICIAL REJECTION, is free on Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Official-Rejection-Kevin-Smith/dp/B01BKWULHS/

This year we screened Marty Lang’s film REDRESS. His other film Protesters is online. Check out his Twitter account – and support his current Crowdfunding campaign. https://twitter.com/marty_lang/

From 2019, Jasmine Jewry’s film Daddy’s Girl is up on https://vimeo.com/269527593

Keep up with Chris Filippo’s films – including his 2019 feature Down And Yonder which recently ran free on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=ymAHRwQJZZs

For everyone that made it out for the final day of this year’s festival got to enjoy #FarmingOnTheFlint from Kit Vinsick & @craigmillertv
https://vimeo.com/314585786

The 2019 winner #Peggy from Justin Miller is a part of @Tribeca films “A Short Keeps the Anxiety Away” series. Enjoy it any time of the year!
https://vimeo.com/238233680

You can check out Jude Timothy Harris’ short film Things Left Unsaid from this year’s festival.
https://youtu.be/N1JyqJg7RuE

As filmmakers send us their links, we will try to add them here!