The Georgia Film Festival that was planned to be held on the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville Campus will now be held virtually on Nov. 5 and 6. All are welcome to attend the free online festival here.

“We have decided to shift the festival to a virtual event in response to the level in COVID-19 cases in Georgia and at UNG specifically.” -James Mackenzie, co-Executive Director of GFF.

The festival team hoped to be able to showcase the films in person, but the current climate of the world forced their hand. “Since we aren’t permitted to take any mitigation measures like most large events are doing right now, we felt we had no choice but to host the festival virtually again.” Mackenzie said.

GFF received 85 submissions, more than 30 of which will be shown during the festival. Short films as well as feature length ones will be showcased. There will be one timeslot dedicated solely to UNG made content. This will allow faculty and students to see what their peers have created. The event is not limited to just UNG Nighthawks, but the festival takes pride in showing films from the community.

“Other films were made by students at other colleges in the region, and all other films were made by filmmakers in Georgia or the southeast. We hear a lot about productions that come from elsewhere and film in Georgia, but our festival shows films made by people who live here and create here.” Said Mackenzie.

The festival is a great way for aspiring young filmmakers to have their work shown to large audiences and gain important feedback. GFF Board Member Robyn Hicks said, “Festivals have the power to bring your stories to an audience, so students should be eager to learn all they can about the festival experience, which in a regular year involves workshops, panels and a ton of networking.”

The pandemic initially created stress amongst those preparing the festival, but the amount of support has the team anticipating a great event. “I was worried early on in the process about our submissions, given the pandemic, but was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of content submitted. Students should be eager to have their work screened at the festival, as well as participating as audience members themselves.” Hicks said.

The staff is encouraging all UNG students to participate in the festival because it will allow the community to feel connected even in these still stressful times. Hicks said, “It’s been a hard, isolating time, however films have the power to connect us in our united humanity. I feel certain our lineup this year will do just that. They will make you cry, laugh and spark important conversations.”