Northwest Georgia Filmmaker earns People’s Choice Award for ‘Set Free’ trailer
NORTHWEST, Ga. (WDEF) – Northwest Georgia is quickly becoming a hub for local filmmakers, and one director is gaining national recognition for his latest project.
Brandon Cannon, director of Soul Purpose Entertainment, recently received a People’s Choice Award at the Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival for the trailer of his upcoming film, Set Free.
The movie, which was filmed locally, draws inspiration from Cannon’s experiences working in criminal justice, a field he has been involved in since 2004.
“You’ve known me for a while now, and from day one, it has never been about fame, accolades, or money,” Cannon said. “It’s about sharing my heart and the heart God gave me to help others. I love people, and I want to help them as best I can. This is my way of giving back.”
Cannon told News 12 he entered the film’s trailer into the festival competition without expecting much attention.
“I entered a competition about a month ago,” Cannon explained. “They were looking for trailers, so I submitted ours. Then my PR manager, Tony Garcia, called me and said somebody needed to go to Pittsburgh to represent us.”
According to Cannon, Garcia later informed him that Set Free had been nominated for the festival’s People’s Choice Award.
“He called me and said, ‘Man, we’re up for People’s Choice Award,’ and I couldn’t believe it,” Cannon recalled.
Cannon said he was especially surprised because the faith-based film was competing against a largely secular field of entries.
“The people spoke,” he said. “Our Facebook family and everyone who has been following Set Free for the last year and a half got behind us. There were probably 30 or 40 different trailers entered by some talented filmmakers and directors, and our faith-based film won the People’s Choice Award.”
The film’s message focuses on the dangers of drug use and the power of faith and redemption.
Brady Cannon, Brandon Cannon’s son, hopes audiences take that message to heart.
“I want people not to do drugs and all that,” Brady said. “Just don’t do that. Follow Jesus.”
The premiere of Set Free is scheduled for Friday at the Ringgold Colonnade.
