New Jersey Film Festivals
Popular Independent, Non Studio Film Makers
The NJ Film Festivals showcase quality production and content from independent, non-studio film makers.
The festivals are a popular attraction for students, emerging film producers, directors, performers and film buffs.
They are typically themed and cover a wide range of creative arts on Super 8mm/8mm film, Digital video, and 8mm video formats on a variety of themes including: educational, cultural, documentary, non-mainstream, spiritual, animation, music video, local, national, and international.
Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
Upcoming New Jersey Film Festivals
New Jersey Film Festival - Fall 2023
On select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between September 8 - October 8, 2023. @7pm
Rutgers University
Voorhees Hall #105
71 Hamilton Street
New Brunswick, NJ
(848)932-8482
Schedule/Tickets
Cost: Tickets: $15 Per Program; Festival All Access Pass=$100
The Festival will be a hybrid one as they will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University.
All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date.
Each ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person screenings. The in-person screenings will be held in Voorhees Hall beginning.
On select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between September 8 - October 8, 2023. @7pm
Rutgers University
Voorhees Hall #105
71 Hamilton Street
New Brunswick, NJ
(848)932-8482
Schedule/Tickets
Cost: Tickets: $15 Per Program; Festival All Access Pass=$100
The Festival will be a hybrid one as they will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University.
All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date.
Each ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person screenings. The in-person screenings will be held in Voorhees Hall beginning.
Northeast Film Festival
September 9 - 10, 2023
The Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Ln.
Teaneck, NJ
Website/Tickets
201-591-5160
[email protected]
The Northeast Film Festival (NEFF) showcases top independent films from celebrated filmmakers, as well as new talent. The diverse array of films, selected by a committee, includes features and shorts from all genres, as well as documentaries. Our awards ceremony will be held on closing night. They will have guest presenters. In past, we have had guest presenters including: David Harris (The Warriors, A Soldier's Story), Lloyd Kaufman (Troma Films), Fatima Ptacek (Dora the Explorer), Vinny Pastore (Sopranos), Brian O'Halloran (Clerks), and Donna McKenna (Casting Director).
September 9 - 10, 2023
The Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Ln.
Teaneck, NJ
Website/Tickets
201-591-5160
[email protected]
The Northeast Film Festival (NEFF) showcases top independent films from celebrated filmmakers, as well as new talent. The diverse array of films, selected by a committee, includes features and shorts from all genres, as well as documentaries. Our awards ceremony will be held on closing night. They will have guest presenters. In past, we have had guest presenters including: David Harris (The Warriors, A Soldier's Story), Lloyd Kaufman (Troma Films), Fatima Ptacek (Dora the Explorer), Vinny Pastore (Sopranos), Brian O'Halloran (Clerks), and Donna McKenna (Casting Director).
Indie Street Film Festival
September 13 - 17, 2023
The festival screens films at Bow Tie Cinemas, Two River Theater, and Detour Art Gallery,
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 747-0333
Website/Tickets
Submissions
Indie Street Film Festival is a regional film and arts festival that combines its curated film selections with connective community events in order to celebrate human creativity and storytelling. ISFF is searching for films that voice high impact human stories from across all genres. Throughout the 5 day interactive festival, both filmmakers and attendees enjoy panel discussions, live art, music, education and networking events sponsored by local breweries and restaurants that provide artisanal food and drink for festival goers
September 13 - 17, 2023
The festival screens films at Bow Tie Cinemas, Two River Theater, and Detour Art Gallery,
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 747-0333
Website/Tickets
Submissions
Indie Street Film Festival is a regional film and arts festival that combines its curated film selections with connective community events in order to celebrate human creativity and storytelling. ISFF is searching for films that voice high impact human stories from across all genres. Throughout the 5 day interactive festival, both filmmakers and attendees enjoy panel discussions, live art, music, education and networking events sponsored by local breweries and restaurants that provide artisanal food and drink for festival goers
The Downbeach Film Festival/Atlantic City Cinefest
October 13th - 15th, 2023
Stockton University
Dante Hall Theater
14 N. Mississippi Avenue
Website/Tickets
Submissions
Tickets can be purchased at the door!
The Downbeach Film Festival, is rooted in the celebration of film and the creation of a forum where independent filmmakers can exhibit their work. They plan to devote a day to screening films that appeal to audiences over 50, as well. They are planning to bring at least one person from Hollywood/New York as an honoree. Past guests have included Kevin Smith, Robert Downey, Sr. Terry Winter, William Forsythe, Chris Mulkey, Tom Malloy, Louis Mandylor and Dominique Swain. Awards & Prizes. Deadline for 2023 submission is August 10, 2023.
October 13th - 15th, 2023
Stockton University
Dante Hall Theater
14 N. Mississippi Avenue
Website/Tickets
Submissions
Tickets can be purchased at the door!
The Downbeach Film Festival, is rooted in the celebration of film and the creation of a forum where independent filmmakers can exhibit their work. They plan to devote a day to screening films that appeal to audiences over 50, as well. They are planning to bring at least one person from Hollywood/New York as an honoree. Past guests have included Kevin Smith, Robert Downey, Sr. Terry Winter, William Forsythe, Chris Mulkey, Tom Malloy, Louis Mandylor and Dominique Swain. Awards & Prizes. Deadline for 2023 submission is August 10, 2023.
12th Annual Montclair Film Festival
October 20th - 29th, 2023
486 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ
973-783-6433
Website
The annual Montclair Film Festival will entertain film lovers and professionals from across the region and country with ten days of compelling independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events and work by emerging artists. The festival will provide a platform for talented filmmakers from around the world and give special recognition to New Jersey artists.
October 20th - 29th, 2023
486 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ
973-783-6433
Website
The annual Montclair Film Festival will entertain film lovers and professionals from across the region and country with ten days of compelling independent films, comedies, documentaries, panels, family events and work by emerging artists. The festival will provide a platform for talented filmmakers from around the world and give special recognition to New Jersey artists.
Lambertville Halloween Film Festival
October 27 - 29, 2023
25 South Union Street
Lambertville, NJ
Website
(609) 483-5237
[email protected]
Welcome to the first annual Lambertville Halloween Film Festival! In addition to showcasing filmmakers and other talented artists, the goal of this year's festival is to give you an unforgettable Halloween experience. This year's festival spans 4 days of events, including a masquerade party, a selection of creepy thrillers and horror films, a demonstration of Hollywood monster makeup by SFX artist Bec Johnson, and a Ghost Tour. At the film festival, the best of the best will be awarded a Golden Pumpkin. As an audience member, you have the power to make sure your favorite receives the Audience Selection Award! Regular Submission deadline August 16, 2023
October 27 - 29, 2023
25 South Union Street
Lambertville, NJ
Website
(609) 483-5237
[email protected]
Welcome to the first annual Lambertville Halloween Film Festival! In addition to showcasing filmmakers and other talented artists, the goal of this year's festival is to give you an unforgettable Halloween experience. This year's festival spans 4 days of events, including a masquerade party, a selection of creepy thrillers and horror films, a demonstration of Hollywood monster makeup by SFX artist Bec Johnson, and a Ghost Tour. At the film festival, the best of the best will be awarded a Golden Pumpkin. As an audience member, you have the power to make sure your favorite receives the Audience Selection Award! Regular Submission deadline August 16, 2023
Queen City Film Festival
October 20th - 22nd, 2023
Plainfield, NJ
Website
Submissions
VIP Festival Pass " ALL ACCESS" PRICE $60.00
With tree-lined streets and Victorian homes set against a unique urban landscape, the city is a perfect location for the festival, which attracts cinephiles from all around for two days of movies, workshops, networking, vendor opportunities, parties and an awards ceremony. Community partners include restaurants, shops, air b&b stewards and other local businesses. This year they are planning ring the best independent short and feature length films, series, animation, horror, music video, documentary and screenplays. New Jersey's fastest growing film festival for underrepresented artists.
They are seeking films from a wide variety of independent filmmakers from every walks of life. We are filmmakers and enjoy watching well made, crafted productions that open our minds to worlds previously unimagined. Entries are being accepted on FilmFreeway
October 20th - 22nd, 2023
Plainfield, NJ
Website
Submissions
VIP Festival Pass " ALL ACCESS" PRICE $60.00
With tree-lined streets and Victorian homes set against a unique urban landscape, the city is a perfect location for the festival, which attracts cinephiles from all around for two days of movies, workshops, networking, vendor opportunities, parties and an awards ceremony. Community partners include restaurants, shops, air b&b stewards and other local businesses. This year they are planning ring the best independent short and feature length films, series, animation, horror, music video, documentary and screenplays. New Jersey's fastest growing film festival for underrepresented artists.
They are seeking films from a wide variety of independent filmmakers from every walks of life. We are filmmakers and enjoy watching well made, crafted productions that open our minds to worlds previously unimagined. Entries are being accepted on FilmFreeway
Annual Teaneck International Film Festival
Sunday, November 5th to Sunday, November 12th, 2023; 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
at Five venues in Teaneck, NJ
201-203-1723
Website/Tickets
The film festival has developed a niche in the film festival circuit by establishing Activism/Making Change as a permanent theme. Presently, the Teaneck International Film Festival draws over 3,000 filmgoersآeach year. Films and talkbacks illustrate what TIFF is about making untouchable topics part of everyday conversation by addressing racism, oppression, the environment, the LGBTQ community, womens concerns, immigration -- stories of the little guy whose story is not often heard. With the theme, Activism: Making Change, the festival is an excellent starting point for fostering appreciation of differences, understanding all that we share, and encouraging efforts to help make the world a better place.
Sunday, November 5th to Sunday, November 12th, 2023; 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
at Five venues in Teaneck, NJ
201-203-1723
Website/Tickets
The film festival has developed a niche in the film festival circuit by establishing Activism/Making Change as a permanent theme. Presently, the Teaneck International Film Festival draws over 3,000 filmgoersآeach year. Films and talkbacks illustrate what TIFF is about making untouchable topics part of everyday conversation by addressing racism, oppression, the environment, the LGBTQ community, womens concerns, immigration -- stories of the little guy whose story is not often heard. With the theme, Activism: Making Change, the festival is an excellent starting point for fostering appreciation of differences, understanding all that we share, and encouraging efforts to help make the world a better place.
