Where Independent Film Meets Coastal Charm.

  • The Golden Isles Film Festival (GIFF) is a premier destination festival celebrating independent cinema in the heart of Georgia’s stunning Golden Isles. Each year, filmmakers and cinephiles gather to experience a curated selection of groundbreaking films, from compelling narratives to thought-provoking innovative shorts. With engaging panels, networking events, and filmmaker Q&As, GIFF is more than just a festival—it’s a coastal cinematic experience.

    Additionally, GIFF is a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as an incubator to Coastal Georgia’s tourism, educating filmmakers and audiences alike through a programmatic focus on community engagement, education of the film industry, and economic development to boost local commerce, all while supporting independent filmmaking. Partnering with organizations like the Coastal Entertainment Alliance and the Savannah Regional Film Commission, we aim to enhance Georgia's film industry as a sustainable hub.

  • Set along Georgia’s breathtaking coastline, GIFF takes place across St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick, Georgia, three of the region’s most iconic locations. This area—recently named the #1 Best U.S. Islands by Travel + Leisure for a second year in a row—offers pristine beaches, historic charm, and a vibrant arts scene, providing the perfect setting for both film screenings and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re watching a movie under the stars or exploring the charming streets of downtown Brunswick, GIFF blends world-class cinema with the magic of the Golden Isles.

    Learn more about the Golden Isles here.

  • The Golden Isles isn’t just a destination—it’s an inspiration. With its cinematic landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming community, it’s an ideal backdrop for storytelling, networking, and creative discovery. The festival offers a laid-back, yet upscale atmosphere, where filmmakers can connect with audiences, industry professionals, and fellow creatives in a once-in-a-lifetime coastal retreat. Whether you're here to showcase your work, discover emerging talent, or simply enjoy an immersive film experience, GIFF is your destination where independent cinema meets the beauty of the Georgia coast.

The second annual Golden Isles Film Festival is happening October 16-18, 2024 in Historic Downtown Brunswick, GA.

What you can expect

GIFF is BACK and better than ever! This time around, we’re aiming to double the number of films showcased, double the variety of venues featured, and yes, you guessed it, double the attendance, as well— so please help us spread the word far and wide!

You can also look forward to an exciting mix of shorts, features, and our all-time favorite horror short films, not to mention some new categories that we’ve added to the mix, that will thrill festival attendees and filmmakers alike.

Allow us to introduce ourselves.

Pryce May
Founder and Executive Director

Pryce is a dynamic force in the film industry, serving as both the Founder and Executive Director of the esteemed Golden Isles Film Society (GIFS), and as the Creative Director of PM Cinematography. As a Guatemalan Adoptee, Pryce found his true calling in independent filmmaking and storytelling, where his lifelong passion for being part of Georgia’s revered film industry began to take root in the Golden Isles of Georgia.

AJ Alston
Program Director

AJ serves as the Program Director of the Golden Isles Film Festival (GIFF), curating a dynamic lineup of independent films that celebrate diverse voices and compelling storytelling. With a passion for fostering creative connections, AJ oversees programming, filmmaker engagement, and event planning, ensuring GIFF delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience in Georgia’s stunning coastal setting.

Our Origin Story

In 2023, our Founder and Executive Director, Pryce May, was approaching graduation, and the question, “What’s next?” kept coming up. Pryce had always dreamed of entering the film industry but was unsure where to start. The Golden Isles was his home, but there was no local infrastructure to sustain a career in the film industry and keep him rooted in the area. This moment of realization sparked the creation of the Golden Isles Film Festival (GIFF).

While working as a student assistant at the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship, Pryce participated in one of their globally recognized and award-winning programs, the Idea Bootcamp. Directed by the esteemed Executive Director, Dr. Ande Noktes, the program challenges participants to start the day with a business idea and end it with a startup plan. This experience was crucial in shaping the foundation for GIFF. Along the way, Pryce met AJ Alston at another Lucas Center event, the Lucas Forum, a community platform for entrepreneurs to share their stories and ask questions of the community, where the two talked about their passion for film and creative arts.

Since its establishment, GIFF has hosted over seven events, including its inaugural film festival on October 11 & 12, 2024, in Historic Downtown Brunswick. GIFF is a key part of the Golden Isles Film Society’s mission to build infrastructure along Georgia’s coast, strengthening the state’s film industry and positioning Georgia as a primary hub for filmmaking, all while growing the creative economy.

Learn more about the Golden Isles Film Society here. Learn about the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship here.