Cherokee Student Film Summit Prepares Next Generation for Georgia’s Booming Film Industry
ACWORTH, GA – A groundbreaking partnership between the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) and the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) is paving the way for local students to break into Georgia’s thriving film industry.
Through the seventh annual Cherokee Student Film Summit, upper-level Audio/Visual Technology and Film (AVTF) students from across all CCSD high schools gained practical tools, industry knowledge and networking opportunities to jumpstart their careers in one of the state’s most dynamic fields.
This five-hour, in-county field trip brought together education and industry, demonstrating the power of collaboration in workforce development. Students participated in expert-led workshops and panels, explored post-secondary opportunities, and engaged in hands-on challenges—all designed to prepare them for success in Cherokee and Georgia’s thriving film industry.
“The partnership between COED and CCSD ensures we’re not only investing in our students but also in Cherokee County’s economic future,” said Molly Mercer, Film Project Manager at COED. “By equipping students with the skills and connections they need to thrive in the film industry, we’re cultivating a local talent pipeline that will support the continued growth of this booming sector.”
Highlights of the summit included:
- Industry-Led Workshops & Panels: Featuring Georgia-based film professionals who provided actionable insights into various career pathways, covering topics like the business of screenwriting, motion capture, camera equipment and careers in live sports production.
- Networking Opportunities: Students connected with regional post-secondary film and media programs to explore educational and professional paths after high school, including representatives from Chattahoochee Technical College, Reinhardt University, Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the Georgia Film Academy, Georgia State University and Berry College.
- Hands-On Learning: Creative challenges prepared students for the Cherokee Student Film Festival and real-world industry scenarios.
The event also served as a launchpad for the upcoming Cherokee Student Film Festival, where AVTF students will debut their original short films. This free, public event celebrates the creativity and hard work of local students while highlighting Cherokee County’s growing role in Georgia’s film industry.
The Cherokee Student Film Festival will take place on March 25 at 6 p.m. at Woodstock Arts. For more information about the festival or the Student Film Summit, please contact Molly Mercer at mmercer@cherokeega.org.