Coastal Georgia gets its close-up with the Golden Isles Film Festival

by Jude Binkley

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WTOC) - In a part of Georgia better known for its coastline than its cinema, the Golden Isles Film Festival is working to change the picture.

The annual festival is now accepting submissions for its upcoming event, scheduled for Oct. 22-25 across multiple venues on the islands.

The festival was founded in 2023 to create a platform for filmmakers along the Georgia coast. It showcases short films and feature in multiple categories.

“I always say that if you look on a map [for filmmaking] - you’ve got Savannah, Macon and Valdosta. But there was just nothing in between that,” said Pryce May, founder of the Golden Isles Film Festival. “So I wanted a way to create a platform for filmmakers in our region to give them a spotlight to shine and showcase their work.”

Advocating for coastal creators

Festival Director Rebecca Newman said the festival is meant to uplift filmmakers who don’t have the resources available in major markets.

“We have sections that are made in Georgia to sort of platform filmmakers,” Newman said. “We are surrounded by so many diverse, talented, passionate individuals that don’t quite have the same platform as larger cities would have. So what we’re aiming at is to advocate for these creators and to allow them a platform to diversify their audiences.”

Brunswick’s growing film presence

Brunswick has served as a filming location for productions including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Anchorman 2.

The Golden Isles Film Festival also hosts networking events and panels, and is in the process of transitioning into a physical location in downtown Brunswick.

Newman said the response has been a highlight of the festival’s growth and presence in the local filmmaking community.

“Smaller areas that maybe aren’t necessarily on the map are still filled with such passionate individuals,” Newman said. “Whether or that is filmmakers themselves or film enthusiasts - to see the community come together and share perspectives, network and explore these new opportunities was really cool to see.”