Where Film Meets Coastal Charm
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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.
GIFF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as an incubator to Coastal Georgia’s tourism.
We educate filmmakers, municipalities, and audiences through a programmatic focus on entertainment tourism, workforce development, and the economic impact through community engagement, all while supporting independent filmmaking. Partnering with organizations like the Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia and the Savannah Regional Film Commission, we aim to enhance Georgia's film industry as a sustainable hub.
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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.
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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 third annual Golden Isles Film Festival is happening October 22-25, 2026 in Historic Downtown Brunswick, GA.
What you can expect
Expect thought-provoking films you won't find in traditional theaters, engaging Q&As with directors and creators, and the chance to connect with fellow film lovers in an intimate festival atmosphere. Whether you're discovering emerging talent, exploring diverse perspectives from around the world, or simply enjoying a weekend immersed in great storytelling, GIFF offers a genuine film festival experience with Southern hospitality.
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 Festival (GIFF), 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) and Coastal Film Academy (CFA), curating a dynamic lineup of compelling stories and cultivating new indie filmmakers. With a passion for fostering connections, AJ oversees programming, engagement, and event planning, ensuring GIFF delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience. From childhood to university, AJ was a stage performer, writer, drama club and theatre guild member, and more. In 2017, AJ fell in love with film in ATLwood and has since championed to developing the untapped film market in the Golden Isles.
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 several industry 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 Golden Isles Film here. Learn about the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship here.