A new short film explores Augusta’s spooky side.
“Every small town has its secrets, and every town has its scary stories,” said Luke Pilgrim who along with Brad Kennedy led the Sozo Bear Films’ production of “UNKNOWN GEORGIA: UFOs, Hatman, & Ghosts from Macon to Augusta,” which dropped to YouTube on Oct. 3. Go here to see it.
The film focuses on two Georgia cities on the state’s fall line.
It was born out of a connection the filmmakers had with Destination Augusta, the city’s tourism bureau. The two filmmakers had produced a documentary about Elijay, Georgia.
“The whole concept is to help promote the cities in the best light possible while exploring these creepy stories,” he said.
The producers shot the film in Augusta in July and highlighted several stories at locations such as Magnolia and Cedar Grove cemeteries, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art and the Partridge Inn.
Michael Wolff of Augusta Adventures Tours and Events was one of the area’s residents featured in the documentary.
“He not only gets into the spooky side of Augusta but the history as well,” said Pilgrim.
In producing the “UNKNOWN GEORGIA,” the filmmakers said they had tons of information that ended up on the cutting room floor, so if the opportunity arises they could make another film.
Kennedy said they often know a few stories before coming into an area, but as they talk to people they learn so many more.
They are also considering other spooky spots along the fall line.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named best local writer by readers of Augusta Magazine in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here
