As Georgia’s filmmaking landscape evolves, earning the state the nickname “The Hollywood of the South,” much of the spotlight has previously fallen on high-budget productions. However, many believe it’s Georgia’s independent film scene that truly showcases local talent and storytelling passion.
Among those leading this creative charge is Matthew Perkins, an award-winning filmmaker based in Athens, co-founder of Play to Win Entertainment and a determined force behind expanding Georgia’s film ecosystem.
In March 2025, Perkins received the Backlight Student Film Festival‘s Luminary Alumni Award, recognizing his achievements in storytelling. Backlight highlights student filmmaking across the state, offering opportunities for Georgia’s young talent to foster industry relationships close to home.
Growing up in Athens, Perkins’ journey into filmmaking began before the industry thrived locally. As an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, he created his own major in film production instead of transferring elsewhere. His time as UGA’s mascot, Hairy Dawg, taught him how to engage with large audiences — a skill serving him well in both narrative and documentary filmmaking.
After graduating from UGA in 2006, Perkins moved to New York City, working there for 12 years. On his first day living in NYC, a chance encounter landed him a job as a production assistant on Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster.” He later made his debut feature, “The Little Tin Man,” which won awards at film festivals and received nationwide distribution. Perkins also partnered with organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Children’s Defense Fund on documentary projects.
When he returned to Georgia in 2018, Perkins brought what he calls his “New York eyes” — a perspective allowing him to see opportunities for innovation, while his Southern roots kept him connected to local culture.
Encouraged by Georgia’s booming production industry, Perkins returned to Athens to help build a local ecosystem that could operate independently, beyond serving as a backdrop for outside productions. He envisioned a creative infrastructure where Georgia voices developed stories for global audiences.
That vision materializes with Perkins’ latest project, “Fortune.” Initially developed as a proof-of-concept short film — shot around Athens with UGA students — “Fortune” has won multiple awards on the film festival circuit and will be produced as a feature film later this year.
Through Play to Win Entertainment, Perkins works to make Athens a magnet for creative talent, reinforcing the city’s status as the state’s creative capital. His goal is to build a sustainable environment where filmmakers can thrive without leaving for larger markets.
Perkins emphasizes kindness, collaboration and mentorship. As he told the Backlight Student Film Festival audience: “New Hollywood is sitting in this room tonight, and you have an opportunity to treat people with respect and kindness, and help them learn from what you’re doing.”
Watch Perkins discuss his thoughts on filmmaking
Watch Perkins’ acceptance speech
