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

High School Filmmaker Competition

This award highlights exceptional emerging high school filmmakers. The lucky winner will have their narrative short announced live on stage and showcased during the festival alongside a lineup of professional, independent short films. The winner will receive the prestigious “High School Spotlight Award” trophy and a cash prize, honoring standout storytelling and creative vision.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
Short films submitted must have a minimum runtime of 1 minute and a maximum runtime of 25 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, 2024.

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.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Toby Cochran

    Grateful to have been accepted to Sozo Bear fest for LUKi & the Lights. The team did a great job communicating with us since we couldn't attend in person and shared that everyone resonated with our film. They didn't have to do that so that was really nice and above and beyond.

    February 2025
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  • Alex Lugo

    I had an incredible experience at Sozo Bear Presents: A Night at The Movies! The event was packed with an enthusiastic audience, showcasing top-notch films. The festival team, led by Luke and Brad, was exceptionally organized and communicative throughout the entire process. The Q&A session at the end was a fantastic way to bring everything together, fostering insightful discussions. I’m definitely looking forward to returning next year!

    January 2025
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  • Walker Whited

    We had such a great time screening our short “Sakazuki” at Night at the Movies. The crew who brought it together were great and made sure to introduce themselves to all the filmmakers as they arrived and make sure they were taken care which was great. At larger festivals, shorts filmmakers can easily get lost in the crowd and forgotten.
    The screening itself was such a blast. So many locals came out and it was so great to hear genuine reactions from viewers that maybe are not filmmakers. The audio was the only real issue. It could have been much louder for all films, often it was hard to hear dialogue. Seems to be a common theme at many screenings for some reason. Other than that, great experience!

    I highly recommend submitting to A Night at the Movies, especially for Georgia filmmakers. Its a great opportunity to screen with filmmakers and film lovers alike.

    January 2025
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  • Jason Sheedy

    We had an awesome time screening our short with Sozo Bear - the event is put together by filmmakers for filmmakers and they did a wonderful job curating an entertaining and moving night at the cinema. Grateful to have been a part of it, and looking forward to submitting future films!

    January 2025
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  • Collin Black

    Loved it! Thanks Soza Bear for featuring Sleeping with Clouds!

    September 2023
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