The ninth annual Georgia Film Festival is just days away, bringing a weekend of screenings, panels and community to the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus.

The festival opens Thursday, Oct. 16, at The Hawk Cinema with the premiere of Waking State, a 58 minute thriller directed by Andrew Salerno. The film follows a small town law clerk who stumbles into a deeper conspiracy after viewing a top secret videotape. The screening will also include the premiere of Time, Pt. 1, a music video directed by Robyn Hicks featuring Wiregrass with Sofia Marietta.

In addition to independent films from across Georgia and the Southeast, this year’s festival introduces a new Game Room. Students and guests can learn tabletop games such as Betrayal, Marvel Zombies and Picture Perfect: The Sherlock Expansion. There will be a free library of board games for people to pick up, play and try out in the area. Attendees can also take part in mini painting sessions.

“It’s really inspiring to have a festival of this size right here on campus. You get to watch independent films on the big screen, meet filmmakers who are actually working in the industry and even network with peers from other schools. It feels like a preview of what our own futures in film could look like.” – Alex Jameson, junior film major 

Discounted student passes are available. An all-access weekend pass is $20 with the code NIGHTHAWK25AA. A one day pass for Friday or Saturday is $15 with the code NIGHTHAWK25DP. The discount also applies to students from other colleges and universities. The festival events will run all the way through Oct.18 bringing film and fun to all in attendance.

If you have an interest in film and media, volunteer opportunities still remain open. Students interested in helping can contact Alicia Marker at [email protected]. 

The full schedule and ticket information is available at georgiafilmfestival.org.