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.
Our Origin Story
So, what is GIFF?
Golden Isles Film Festival, Inc. (GIFF), is a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as an incubator to Coastal Georgia’s tourism, educating filmmakers and audiences alike from the local community through a programmatic focus on community engagement, education of the film industry, and economic development to boost local commerce, all while supporting independent filmmaking.
Essentially, we’re dedicated to fostering a vibrant film community that extends beyond independent filmmaking. By collaborating with key partners such as Coastal Entertainment Alliance, the Savannah Regional Film Commission, and Pigmental Studios, we aim to elevate the film industry of Georgia, growing its efforts in being a state-wide sustainable filmmaking hub. Our extended efforts focus on educating both filmmakers and audiences about the state's unique offerings, while also inviting major studios and global creators to explore Georgia as an appealing location for their next film projects— especially in our Coastal region. Together, we strive to create an environment that nurtures creativity and brings diverse cinematic visions to life.
Consider joining us on our mission of ensuring #NoFilmLeavesGeorgia and support independent filmmaking and Georgia’s film industry!
Our diverse programming begins with our Golden Isles Film Society, which offers a myriad of exclusive member benefits such as advanced screenings, perks and VIP events, as well as the upcoming Golden Isles Film Academy, our film production certification program anticipated to launch in 2025.
The Golden Isles Film Festival is our annual program to showcase independent films from filmmakers around the world, all while showing them what Georgia’s coastline has to offer, encouraging them to invest and work on future projects in our community. We have a community that’s ready to support it— we just need you!
What are our focuses?
Join us as we elevate the film industry on the East Coast and check out our annual program for 2024.
When is the next film festival and where will it take place?
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. Anticipate a grander opening night, along with the inauguration of our much-anticipated Fork & Screen event, which will be filling Newcastle Street with a delightful selection of local vendors offering delicious food and unique products.
Stay tuned for updates!
Meet the Team
Founder | Executive Director - Pryce May
Pryce is a dynamic force in the film industry, serving as both the Founder and Executive Director of the esteemed Golden Isles Film Festival, Inc., and as the Creative Director of PM Cinematography. Adopted to the United States from Guatemala in 1999, Pryce found his calling in the enchanting landscapes of the Golden Isles where his lifelong passion for the film industry began to take root.
Program Director - AJ Alston
AJ Alston is an intrapreneur driven by results, thriving in high-impact, cross-functional environments. Today, AJ serves as the Director of Programming for the Golden Isles Film Festival, Inc., where she orchestrates a diverse range of film programming that enriches the community and attracts talent from across the globe.