Film Festival at The Southern Show

The Mobile Hunter Film Festival is back with a unique spin on traditional film festivals. Come enjoy FREE Pizza, FREE Beer (21 and over with a valid ID), High Quality Hunting Films, and a multitude of giveaways at the Dalton Convention Center on Saturday August 15th from 6pm-8pm. FREE admission to the Film Festival with ticket purchase to the Expo.

Public

Open Class Requirements

  • 8 Minute Maximum short film
  • Preferred aspect ratios of 16:9 and 1.85:1
  • Preferred formats of .mov and.mp4
  • Films must focus around the theme of "mobile hunting", such as run and gun setups, saddles, hang and hunt, stalking, etc.
  • Submission Deadline is July 1st, 2026
  • Email Christopherleppert@themobilehuntersexpo.com for submission information

Open Class

Judging Criteria

  • All films will be judged on the following criteria:
  1. The ability to tell a well structured story
  2. Tempo and pacing
  3. Cinematography
  4. Audio
  5. Originality/Creativity
  • Preliminary round of judging will be done in private by independent panel of judges
  • Four (4) films will advance to the Final Round of judging, all being played at the Film Festival
  • The Final round of judging will be done in person by a panel of judges after all films are viewed.
  • Announcement of the winner will be done live at the film festival

Entry and Winnings

  • Online submission of films must be complete by July 1, 2026
  • Announcement of the four (4) finalists will be no later than July 24, 2026.
  • Each film will be submitted with a $250 entry fee
  • All films not chosen as a finalist will be refunded their entry fee
  • The entry fee of the finalists will be used as cash payout to the winner
  • The first place winner, as selected by the panel of judges, will recevie a $1,000 cash payout and merchandise from supporting brands of the film festival.
  • The winner will also be placed on the film festival page, with links to their platform, and be featured in advertising for the 2027 Film Festival.

Professional Class

  • Films will be produced by brands featured at the Mobile Hunters Expo
  • The intent is to feature brands and creators that help make the Mobile Hunters Expo a possibility; and to inspire the creativity of up and coming brands and creatives in the hunting space.
  • 8 Minute Maximum short film
  • Preferred aspect ratios of 16:9 and 1.85:1
  • Preferred formats of .mov and.mp4
  • Films must focus around the theme of "mobile hunting", such as run and gun setups, saddles, hang and hunt, stalking, etc.
  • Films will be presented after the Open Class
  • A representative of each brand will introduce the film. After each film, that brand will randomly draw a name of someone in attendance for a prize package offered by that brand.
  • After all of the Professional Class has been viewed, those in attendance will vote on the "Fan Favorite"
  • The "Fan Favorite" will received a trophy from the Mobile Hunters Expo
  • Email Christopherleppert@themobilehuntersexpo.com for submission information