Georgia Film Festival · Est. 2015

Southern Shorts
Awards

In Recognition of Quality Filmcraft

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Recognition

Earned. Not handed out.

Every film is scored on 10 criteria by industry professionals. Awards follow from the score, not from categories or quotas.

70–79

Award of Merit

Solid craft demonstrated across the scoring criteria.

80–89

Award of Excellence

Exceptional work with clear command of the medium.

90–95

Award of Distinction

Near-flawless filmmaking. A rare score.

96–100

The Orson Award

Our highest honor. Reserved for films that change how a judge sees the craft.

Who are you?

I'm a filmmaker.

Submit through FilmFreeway. Our judges watch every film, score all 10 criteria, and send you detailed written feedback alongside your certificate.

  • Professional judges with IMDB credits
  • Scored on 10 specific criteria
  • Written feedback on every submission
  • Certificates for all award levels
  • No completion deadline — enter any film
Submit on FilmFreeway

I'm a film lover.

Browse our archive of past festivals and discover award-winning short films from filmmakers around the world. Festivals run three times a year.

  • Complete archive since 2015
  • Spring, Summer, and Fall festivals
  • Award winners in 16 categories
  • Film screenings and livestreams
  • Judge profiles and scoring breakdowns
Browse Festivals

Festival Highlights

See what we celebrate.

16 submission categories

Action / Adventure Animation Comedy Documentary Drama Fan Films Horror Mystery / Thriller Musicals Puppetry Science Fiction / Fantasy Student Web Series Western Made in Georgia Review Only

Our goal is to recognize filmmakers whose short films demonstrate their ability to produce well-crafted motion pictures.

About the festival