Sozo Bear Presents: A Night at the Movies is an annual showcase of short live action and animated narrative films in Dahlonega, Georgia. Curated and presented by Dahlonega's very own Sozo Bear Films, the festival aims to bring great independent films to the North Georgia area. As the name suggests, A Night At The Movies is a one-night event that includes a red carpet photo-op, live Q&As with actors and filmmakers, and great films shown on the silver screen in the historic Holly Theatre in Downtown Dahlonega, Georgia.

Awards & Prizes

The Schrader Ray Storytelling Award: $500

Presented by singer-songwriter Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) and filmmaker Carrie Schrader (Co-Director of The Founders) will be judging the films based on their storytelling abilities. The winner will receive the coveted "Schrader Ray Storytelling Award" trophy and $500 cash prize.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
Short films submitted must have a minimum runtime of 1 minute and a maximum runtime of 30 minutes, including credits.

All entries must be submitted as a digital submission through FilmFreeway.

Submitted films cannot be tied to a distribution deal.

All submissions must have been completed after January 1st, 2018.

All films must be in English or have English subtitles. Non-subtitled or dubbed foreign language films will not be considered.

Only the Producer, Director, Screenwriter or someone closely connected to the film may complete the application. Schools may submit films on behalf of student filmmakers.

Once selected, the filmmaker must have available a digital "print" (minimum format is QuickTime) for projection.

Participants agree that clips from their film and all other material related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, Sozo Bear social media pages, and Sozo Bear website and for any promotional purposes which Sozo Bear Films deems appropriate.

If selected, all commercial/private property including all trademark/copyrighted materials shown or recorded on the project is the responsibility of the filmmaker. Sozo Bear Films will NOT take responsibility for any infringement of copy-written materials.

Rules are subject to change at any time with or without prior notice.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Seth Ingram

    The one year I make a film happens to be the year of a pandemic when most festivals have had to transition to an online format. That being said, Sozo Bear Presents did a fantastic job of building an audience and compiling a thoughtful collection of films. The smaller curation allows all participating filmmakers to feel their films are treated with diligent attention and beyond adequate promotion. While I would have been delighted to be able to have an in-person experience at the festival, the online format was one of the best I've participated in so far. Very professionally executed and classy all the way around. I highly recommend the festival.

    August 2020
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  • Jason K. Allen

    This was a wonderful festival: an excellent selection of films in a beautiful, historic theater with a big and lively crowd. The Q&A's afterward really added to the experience. It was such a well-organized event, it's hard to believe it's only two years old. Can't wait to see where it goes in the future. As a bonus, Dahlonega is a great setting and a fun town to explore, with lots of history and natural wonders nearby. I learned that two Hallmark Christmas movies were filmed here. I had a fantastic time, couldn't have asked for anything more.

    May 2019
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