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
The Trenton Film Festival
August 4 through August 31, 2021
Trenton NJ
Website/Schedule/Tickets
The Trenton Film Society is pleased to launch its first Virtual screening of its annual Trenton Film Festival. Tickets are on sale now.
This event is a juried festival that showcases 55 films from 16 countries with submissions by independent filmmakers, including student and local filmmakers. Audience members are encouraged to vote for their favorites, and a prize will be awarded to the winning film. For a list of films in competition.
August 4 through August 31, 2021
Trenton NJ
Website/Schedule/Tickets
The Trenton Film Society is pleased to launch its first Virtual screening of its annual Trenton Film Festival. Tickets are on sale now.
This event is a juried festival that showcases 55 films from 16 countries with submissions by independent filmmakers, including student and local filmmakers. Audience members are encouraged to vote for their favorites, and a prize will be awarded to the winning film. For a list of films in competition.
The Just Be You Performing Arts Youth Film Festival
August 27 – 28, 2021
Rahway Public Library
Auditorium Room
2 City Hall Plaza
Rahway, NJ
Website
The festival will again be FREE for kids and teens to attend, in all THREE locations in 2021.
Their mission is to bring filmmakers, playwrights, artists, and industry professionals together, to celebrate works that are relevant to today's youth. They are making a bold statement, that children deserve to be heard, and uninterrupted! The Just Be You Festival has proven to be what we call, "champions for children".
There is no submission fee for youth filmmakers (age 5 to 17 year's-old) to submit a body of work to the festival! They accept submissions from filmmakers as young as 5 year's old, because even a kindergartner deserves a voice, and has something profound to say. Female filmmakers, African-American, and Filmmakers of color, are especially encouraged to submit.
August 27 – 28, 2021
Rahway Public Library
Auditorium Room
2 City Hall Plaza
Rahway, NJ
Website
The festival will again be FREE for kids and teens to attend, in all THREE locations in 2021.
Their mission is to bring filmmakers, playwrights, artists, and industry professionals together, to celebrate works that are relevant to today's youth. They are making a bold statement, that children deserve to be heard, and uninterrupted! The Just Be You Festival has proven to be what we call, "champions for children".
There is no submission fee for youth filmmakers (age 5 to 17 year's-old) to submit a body of work to the festival! They accept submissions from filmmakers as young as 5 year's old, because even a kindergartner deserves a voice, and has something profound to say. Female filmmakers, African-American, and Filmmakers of color, are especially encouraged to submit.
New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival
Two Dates: September 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2021
November 12, 13, 14, 2021
Showboat Casino/Hotel
Atlantic City, NJ
Website/tickets
This event features amazing Horror films in the indie scene and also an opportunity to mingle with big names in horror. Horror fans can also participate in Q&A sessions, see the amazing vendors from around the Horror scene and watch the best indie films around. The event will include over 20 well known celebrities, many Indie Horror films, Film Awards, Exclusive Q and A panels, 200 vendors, Cosplay, Trivia Contest, Photo Ops and more!
Two Dates: September 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2021
November 12, 13, 14, 2021
Showboat Casino/Hotel
Atlantic City, NJ
Website/tickets
This event features amazing Horror films in the indie scene and also an opportunity to mingle with big names in horror. Horror fans can also participate in Q&A sessions, see the amazing vendors from around the Horror scene and watch the best indie films around. The event will include over 20 well known celebrities, many Indie Horror films, Film Awards, Exclusive Q and A panels, 200 vendors, Cosplay, Trivia Contest, Photo Ops and more!
Indie Street Film Festival
September, 2021
Red Bank, NJ
In person: September 8th thru 12th, 2021
Virtural: September 13th thru 19th, 2021
Website/Schedule/Tickets
This year there will be a hybrid film festival that will offer world-class films, filmmaker discussions, and arts events; but also include the COVID-safe venues of Drive-Ins at Fort Monmouth and virtual screenings.
The in person events will take place on selected dates at Fort Monmouth Drive-in on Sept 5th & 10th; At the Basie Center Cinema on Sept 9th, and at Two River Theater on Sept 11tth
September, 2021
Red Bank, NJ
In person: September 8th thru 12th, 2021
Virtural: September 13th thru 19th, 2021
Website/Schedule/Tickets
This year there will be a hybrid film festival that will offer world-class films, filmmaker discussions, and arts events; but also include the COVID-safe venues of Drive-Ins at Fort Monmouth and virtual screenings.
The in person events will take place on selected dates at Fort Monmouth Drive-in on Sept 5th & 10th; At the Basie Center Cinema on Sept 9th, and at Two River Theater on Sept 11tth
New Jersey Film Festival - Fall
Fridays and Sundays between September 10 and October 10, 2021
Rutgers University
Voorhees Hall (adjacent to the Zimmerli Art Museum)
Free parking in Lot 9
71 Hamilton Street/College Avenue Campus
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Website/Tickets
(848)932-8482
This years event will be a hybrid one this Fall as we will be presenting the Festival online as well as doing live screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date.
The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, in association with the Rutgers University Program In Cinema Studies present the New Jersey Film Festival Fall showcasing new international films, American independent features, experimental and short subjects, classic revivals, and cutting-edge documentaries. nj film
Fridays and Sundays between September 10 and October 10, 2021
Rutgers University
Voorhees Hall (adjacent to the Zimmerli Art Museum)
Free parking in Lot 9
71 Hamilton Street/College Avenue Campus
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Website/Tickets
(848)932-8482
This years event will be a hybrid one this Fall as we will be presenting the Festival online as well as doing live screenings at Rutgers University. All the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date.
The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, in association with the Rutgers University Program In Cinema Studies present the New Jersey Film Festival Fall showcasing new international films, American independent features, experimental and short subjects, classic revivals, and cutting-edge documentaries. nj film
Northeast Film Festival
September 11-12, 2021
The Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Ln.
Teaneck, NJ
Website/Tickets
201-591-5160
info@nefilmfestival.com
The Festival is very Jersey-centric with Festival Directors The Festival showcases top independent films and TV pilots 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. Their awards ceremony will be held on closing night. In past, they 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 11-12, 2021
The Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Ln.
Teaneck, NJ
Website/Tickets
201-591-5160
info@nefilmfestival.com
The Festival is very Jersey-centric with Festival Directors The Festival showcases top independent films and TV pilots 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. Their awards ceremony will be held on closing night. In past, they 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).
10th Annual The Golden Door International Film Festival
September 22 - 26 2021
The Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre
54 Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ
Website
These films are not Capra-esque platitudes. Nor are they antagonistic cant. They reflect the process of creativity and the striving that shapes our wonderful reality. They are as varied as our community, one of the most densely populated cities in the world and one of the most diverse. The showings will be held in venues within the ultra-hip downtown area of Jersey City as well as uptown at the Loew's Landmark Theater. Set amidst the backdrop of the beautiful NYC Manhattan skyline, Golden Door Film Festival is recognized as being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established filmmakers and directors. In our first 3 years, the festival has screened over 200 films from over 40 countries and has attracted more than 10,000 attendees and generated renewed interest in Jersey City. The Selection Committee is comprised of a distinguished panel of officers of the Board of Directors of the Golden Door International Film Festival some of whom are actors and filmmakers. Each and every film is evaluated by a selection committee and evaluated for possible competition in the Festival.
Entries are accepted via FilmFreeway.com, the world's best online submission platform. FilmFreeway offers free HD online screeners, unlimited video storage, digital press kits, and more. Click to submit with FilmFreeway
September 22 - 26 2021
The Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre
54 Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ
Website
These films are not Capra-esque platitudes. Nor are they antagonistic cant. They reflect the process of creativity and the striving that shapes our wonderful reality. They are as varied as our community, one of the most densely populated cities in the world and one of the most diverse. The showings will be held in venues within the ultra-hip downtown area of Jersey City as well as uptown at the Loew's Landmark Theater. Set amidst the backdrop of the beautiful NYC Manhattan skyline, Golden Door Film Festival is recognized as being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established filmmakers and directors. In our first 3 years, the festival has screened over 200 films from over 40 countries and has attracted more than 10,000 attendees and generated renewed interest in Jersey City. The Selection Committee is comprised of a distinguished panel of officers of the Board of Directors of the Golden Door International Film Festival some of whom are actors and filmmakers. Each and every film is evaluated by a selection committee and evaluated for possible competition in the Festival.
Entries are accepted via FilmFreeway.com, the world's best online submission platform. FilmFreeway offers free HD online screeners, unlimited video storage, digital press kits, and more. Click to submit with FilmFreeway
Annual Princeton Environmental Film Festival
October 12 - 17, 2021
Princeton Public Library
Princeton, NJ
Website
The mission is to share exceptional documentary films and engage our community in exploring environmental sustainability from a wide range of angles and perspectives. Most of our screenings are accompanied by a Q&A with film directors and producers, as well as other talks by invited speakers who visit for the festival or live here in our local community.
Entry Submission Form
October 12 - 17, 2021
Princeton Public Library
Princeton, NJ
Website
The mission is to share exceptional documentary films and engage our community in exploring environmental sustainability from a wide range of angles and perspectives. Most of our screenings are accompanied by a Q&A with film directors and producers, as well as other talks by invited speakers who visit for the festival or live here in our local community.
Entry Submission Form
10th Annual Montclair Film Festival
October 21 - 30, 2021
486 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ
973-783-6433
Website
The tenth 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. Submit Entries
October 21 - 30, 2021
486 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ
973-783-6433
Website
The tenth 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. Submit Entries
Queen City Film Festival
October 22 - 24, 2021
Plainfield, NJ
Website
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 now accepting film entries for the 2021 Festival. 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 22 - 24, 2021
Plainfield, NJ
Website
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 now accepting film entries for the 2021 Festival. 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
Thursday, November 11 to Sunday, November 21, 2021
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 filmgoers each 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, women’s 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.
Thursday, November 11 to Sunday, November 21, 2021
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 filmgoers each 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, women’s 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.
Monmouth Film Festival
November 15 – 21, 2021
Two Rivers Theatre
21 Bridge Ave
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-344-0946
Website
This year the festival will be a virtusl event
Monmouth Film Festival is an international film festival with a commitment to educate and inspire young and aspiring filmmakers. It is geared to promoting and connecting filmmakers from all over the state and country.
The festival is more than an opportunity for artists to have their work showcased, it is a forum for educational opportunities through workshops, networking, Q&As and special panels with industry guests; that provide insight, growth and inspiration. Their unique platform strives to create an atmosphere where filmmakers of all levels, including high and low budget works, can be seen, heard and interact with movie-goers, promoters and other artists. The festival offers internship opportunities for High school and college students interested in many areas including programming, marketing and production.
November 15 – 21, 2021
Two Rivers Theatre
21 Bridge Ave
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-344-0946
Website
This year the festival will be a virtusl event
Monmouth Film Festival is an international film festival with a commitment to educate and inspire young and aspiring filmmakers. It is geared to promoting and connecting filmmakers from all over the state and country.
The festival is more than an opportunity for artists to have their work showcased, it is a forum for educational opportunities through workshops, networking, Q&As and special panels with industry guests; that provide insight, growth and inspiration. Their unique platform strives to create an atmosphere where filmmakers of all levels, including high and low budget works, can be seen, heard and interact with movie-goers, promoters and other artists. The festival offers internship opportunities for High school and college students interested in many areas including programming, marketing and production.
