SEA Cares, Inc. & Onyx Theory Arts
Southern Entertainment Awards Expands with Inaugural One-Day Film Festival Celebrating Southern Filmmakers
​
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, GA — March 2026 — The Southern Entertainment Awards (SEAs), widely recognized as a premier platform highlighting the best in Southern music, culture, and artistry, proudly announces an exciting new expansion of its annual weekend of events: the launch of SEA Reel Fest, a one-day independent film festival dedicated exclusively to Southern filmmakers.
Presented in partnership with Producer, Writer & Director Nina Stakz (Onyx Theory Arts), SEA Reel Fest will spotlight the unique voices, stories, and perspectives emerging from the South’s growing film community. The festival marks a strategic collaboration aimed at bridging music, film, and visual storytelling while creating new opportunities for independent creatives.
Launching as part of the SEAs’ 23rd Annual celebration, SEA Reel Fest will feature screenings of short films, panel discussions with industry professionals, and curated networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and career growth for filmmakers passionate about advancing Southern cinema.
“For more than two decades, the SEAs have championed Southern artistry across music and entertainment. Adding a film festival—especially in partnership with Nina Stakz, is a natural next step in our mission to amplify and elevate creative voices from our region,” said Janiro Hawkins II, Co-Founder of the Southern Entertainment Awards. “SEA Reel Fest creates a new platform for independent filmmakers to be seen, celebrated, and connected within a larger cultural ecosystem.”
Nina Stakz (Angel and Demon, Fatal Lust, South Side Hero, THREE, 12 Baes & more), a creative entrepreneur known for her commitment to authentic storytelling, brings her passion for visual expression and independent culture to the festival, while Onyx Theory Arts, a multidisciplinary creative company focused on film, music supervision, and arts development, will support programming and creative direction.
SEA Reel Fest will take place on Thursday, May 21st 2026, officially kicking off the SEAs weekend and setting the tone for the awards ceremony, social events and industry panels that follow. Film submissions will be open to creators with roots in—or meaningful connections to—the Southern region, across all genres and formats.
With this expansion, the Southern Entertainment Awards continue to evolve as a cultural cornerstone, offering a multi-day experience that celebrates not only the music that has shaped Southern entertainment, but also the bold and diverse filmmakers shaping its future.