04/24/2025
Headed to state Awards, scheduled for May 13, 2025, at Taylor County Auditorium in Butler, GA.
Chattco Film Wins Big Again at Georgia Movie Academy Regional Awards
Back-to-Back Best Picture Champions Headed to State Finals with $8,000 in Scholarships
CUSSETA, GA – March 21, 2025 — For the second consecutive year, Chattahoochee County High School's Chattco Film team has claimed top honors at the Georgia Movie Academy Regional Awards, hosted by Chattahoochee-Flint RESA. Held at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, the March 20th ceremony saw Chattco awarded the coveted Best Picture award for their powerful short film, crafted under this year’s statewide theme, "Curiosity Unleashed."
In addition to securing the region’s highest filmmaking honor, Chattco Film earned $8,000 in scholarships to Georgia Southwestern State University—recognition that reflects the students’ exceptional storytelling, technical precision, and creative collaboration.
The Best Picture award recognizes a film that excels in all areas: storytelling, emotional resonance, visual and audio design, and alignment with academic standards. Chattco’s entry stood out for its strong character-driven narrative, imaginative visuals, and authentic student voice—leaving a lasting impression on the judges and audience alike.
The Georgia Movie Academy is a K–12 digital storytelling competition challenging teams to create a 3-minute, standards-based film centered on an annual theme. Students take on industry roles such as writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, actors, and producers, with educators serving as coaches and mentors. The program promotes project-based learning, digital literacy, and 21st-century communication skills, culminating in a red-carpet-style gala and state championship.
Chattco Film is more than just a classroom project—it's a full-scale student production company housed within Chattahoochee County High School's Audio-Video Technology & Film pathway, led by CTAE Instructor Johnathan Woodward. The program has grown to include over 30 active student members, with students participating in SkillsUSA, Georgia Movie Academy, and live event production across the region.
Chattco Film is recognized not only for creative excellence, but for preparing students for college, careers, and industry certifications in broadcast, editing, directing, and audio engineering. The club has also produced state championship work in SkillsUSA categories such as music video, promotional video, and commercial, and continues to earn recognition for community-based film projects and service.
Having captured both the Regional and State Best Picture titles in 2024, the team now advances once again to the State Awards, scheduled for May 13, 2025, at Taylor County Auditorium in Butler, GA. Representing the Chattahoochee-Flint RESA district, they’ll compete against other regional champions from across Georgia.
"This is a tremendous honor and a testament to the passion and dedication our students bring to storytelling through film," said Johnathan Woodward, Chattco Film coach and CTAE Audio Visual Instructor. "To see them win two years in a row, earn scholarships, and gain real-world production experience—it’s a proud moment for our school, our community, and the future of creative arts in Chattahoochee County."
With momentum, pride, and One Heartbeat, Chattco Film continues to shine as a trailblazing force in student media and storytelling across the state of Georgia.
Congratulations!
