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 cash prize.

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, 2020.

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.
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tom Elders

    Sozo Bear will always have a special place in my heart. They were the first people to select my movie, and I can’t describe the feeling that gave me because I’m a terrible writer. So it’s surprising I won the Ray Schrader storytelling award. Either I’m a better writer than I think I am, or their audience has terrible taste. What’s even more surprising is that I couldn’t actually attend and they still gave me the top award. I think that speaks volumes about the calibre of this festival. It’s a true meritocracy. I just feel bad for all the film makers that did attend, with their brilliant movies, who lost out to some guy half the world away.

    If I ever make it as a big time film maker, Sozo Bear will always have first dibs to show anything I make (studio lawyers permitting).

    The film was Death and a Salesman btw. Keep an eye out for it.

    September 2022
    Helpful
  • Bree Doehring

    Sozo Bear was a superbly professional and incredibly produced event! Even from the other side of the country, they were communicative and able to make me feel included; they even filmed the audience reaction to my short film - which won the storytelling award! It was an absolute honor to be a part of this festival and I highly recommend it to other filmmakers! Thank you Sozo Bear!!! :)

    September 2021
    Helpful
  • Alessandro Squitti

    Fun Film Festival, warm and professional!

    August 2021
    Helpful
  • Hunter Norris

    What a great festival.
    Communication was top notch as was their social media promotion.
    They did a great job of making the filmmakers who could not attend feel a part of the evening, and followed up with an update of how my specific film went over.
    Good team. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to everyone.
    They even

    August 2021
    Helpful
  • Chandler Thornton

    Had a great time at this one. They communicated well throughout the entire process and put on a good show. Had a lot of fun doing the Q/A with a fellow filmmaker. Excited to go back again next year!

    August 2021
    Helpful