The Ultimate Guide to New Jersey Film Festivals: 2026 & 2027

Updated: September 17, 2026

New Jersey is home to a vibrant film scene, with festivals that celebrate independent voices, international cinema, and local storytelling. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking for a Jersey film festival submission, or a movie lover eager to grab Jersey film festival tickets, the Garden State offers unforgettable experiences year-round.

From red-carpet premieres to community screenings, these festivals bring together artists, audiences, and industry professionals in one creative space.

New Jersey offers film festivals for independent cinema, documentaries, international films, short films, horror, experimental work, and Super 8 productions.
The Montclair Film Festival, Garden State Film Festival, and Teaneck International Film Festival provide broad programming for film lovers and independent filmmakers.
Genre-focused options include the Lambertville Halloween Film Festival, Northeast Film Festival Horror Fest, and CUT International Short Film Festival.
Festival dates, ticket prices, submission deadlines, and venues vary, so readers should confirm current details through each festival's official website.

Top New Jersey Film Festivals

Discover the best New Jersey film festivals in 2026 & 2027, showcasing independent films, emerging filmmakers, documentaries, and cinematic events across the Garden State.

Fall 2025 New Jersey Film Festival

September 4 - October 4, 2026
Voorhees Hall #105, Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ
This event features a vibrant mix of cutting edge indie films, documentaries, and experimental works. Each screening offers a chance to experience bold new voices in cinema, often paired with filmmaker Q&As and discussions that deepen the connection between audience and artist. It’s a month long celebration of creativity and storytelling, set in one of Rutgers’ most intimate and historic viewing spaces.
Cost: General Admission $15 Per Program; In-Person Only Student Ticket $10 Per Program.

CUT International Short Film Festival

September 18, 19, 2026
Levoy Theatre, 19 E Main St., Millville, NJ
Short Films For Quick Minds.
The film Watershed: The Story of CU Maurice River, presented by CU Maurice River, is dedicated to protecting the watershed of the Maurice River and the region known as Down Jersey,
The documentary will tell that story with insightful interviews, new footage, historical photos, and graphics
Cost: $23

Queen City Film Festival

October 15th - 18th, 2026
Cinemark Watchung and XD, 1670 US-22, Watchung, NJ
This film festival dedicated to uplifting underrepresented filmmakers and communities through high quality screening events, continuing education, professional development and audience cultivation opportunities for filmmakers regardless of experience level? The festival also offers youth mentoring and internships for college level youth and area high school students.
Cost: All access pass, $85.00

Lambertville Halloween Film Festival

October 16th - 18th, 2026
25 South Union Street , Lambertville, NJ
Features three days of indie horror, supernatural shorts, and imaginative genre filmmaking to one of New Jersey's most atmospheric river towns. The event blends screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and community friendly Halloween flair, creating a lively autumn gathering for cinephiles and creatives. It's a compact, walkable festival with plenty of charm, offering an easy way to dive into spooky season while supporting emerging voices in horror and fantasy.
Cost: $35.00 GA

Annual Montclair Film Festival

October 16th - 25th, 2026
486 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ
The Montclair Film Festival is an annual celebration of film that brings together audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals for a week of exceptional cinema and meaningful conversation.

Featuring international and independent films, panel discussions, special guest appearances, and community engagement events, the festival transforms Montclair into a destination for film lovers from across the region. Hosted across multiple cinema venues and partner locations throughout Montclair, the festival creates an immersive experience that celebrates the power of storytelling and the art of filmmaking.
Cost: Varies, depends on event. Membership receives discount on admission

Annual Teaneck International Film Festival

November 5th to 12th, 2026
at multiple venues in Teaneck, NJ
The film festival has developed a niche in the film festival circuit present a collection of compelling and imaginative feature-length films, documentaries, and shorts from a variety of cultures that would lead audiences to question, debate, and become caring and involved citizens who recognize the need to institute positive change.
Cost: As of August 17, 2026, ticket prices not yet posted. Expect 2026 tickets to be $12–$13 per ticket.

Darkside Art Presents: Friday 13th, Dark Market

Friday, November 13, 2026
NJ Convention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ
This moody, immersive twist transforms the NJ Convention and Expo Center into a one night showcase of eerie art, oddities, and handcrafted curiosities. Expect a lively mix of alternative makers, spooky merch, and atmospheric entertainment that leans into the date's supernatural charm, making it a fun pick for horror fans, collectors, and anyone who loves a little edge in their weekend plans.
Cost: advance $20, at the door $25

Northeast Film Festival - Horror Fest

December 5, 2026
Teaneck Cinemas, 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ
This one night horror showcase brings together filmmakers, fans, and industry professionals for a spine-tingling celebration of the genre. From terrifying indie premieres to cult classics, the festival highlights the best in horror storytelling, special effects, and suspenseful artistry.
Cost: 2026 prices not yet published. Expect Single-Day Pass $30 each

United States Super 8mm Film & Digital Video Festival

February 20-21, 2027
Voorhees Hall #105, 71 Hamilton Street, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
The Festival encourages any genre (animation, documentary, experimental, fiction, personal, etc.), but the work must have predominantly originated on Super 8mm/8mm film, Digital video or 8mm video formats. The event offers audiences a chance to experience bold storytelling, meet creators, and celebrate the art of film in an intimate, university setting. Whether you're a devoted cinephile or simply looking for a memorable cultural outing, the festival promises a month of inspiring and thought-provoking screenings.

Annual Garden State Film Festival

March 18-21, 2027
Multiple venues In Asbury Park and Cranford, NJ
The Garden State Film Festival's artistic philosophy centers on celebrating independent films and creating a platform for local and other independent filmmakers to showcase their work. Additionally, the event offers novice and aspiring filmmakers, actors, and those interested in a film career the chance to network with industry professionals in a supportive, educational environment.
Cost: Note: 2026 prices. Saturday screening $58.21, Sunday screening $32.33

New Jersey Indian & International Film Festival (NJIIFF)

March 26, 27, 2027
Regal Cinemas Hadley Theatre, 1000 Corporate Court , South Plainfield, NJ
Its about bridging cultures and communities through the powerful medium of cinema. Their mission is to connect American, Indian, and South Asian audiences by showcasing compelling stories from around the world.
NJIIFF provides a dynamic platform for both local and international filmmakers to present their work to a diverse and engaged audience.
Deadline: Late deadline December 31, 2027
Cost: VIP Festival Pass $45.00, Opening Night Pass $35.00, Screening Pass Day2 $25.00, Student/Seniors/Special Needs Free

Frequently Asked Questions About
New Jersey Film Festivals

What are the best film festivals in New Jersey?

The best choice depends on the type of film or event you want to attend. The Montclair Film Festival, Garden State Film Festival, and Teaneck International Film Festival offer broad programming, while other events focus on horror, short films, international cinema, or experimental work.

Which New Jersey film festivals are best for independent filmmakers?

The Garden State Film Festival, Queen City Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, and New Jersey Film Festival feature independent films and provide opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences and industry professionals. Submission deadlines and eligibility rules vary by festival.

Are there horror film festivals in New Jersey?

Yes. The Lambertville Halloween Film Festival focuses on indie horror, supernatural shorts, and genre filmmaking. The Northeast Film Festival Horror Fest presents horror films, indie premieres, and genre programming in Teaneck.

Which New Jersey film festivals feature international films?

The Teaneck International Film Festival presents feature films, documentaries, and shorts from different cultures. The New Jersey Indian & International Film Festival focuses on American, Indian, South Asian, and international cinema.

How much do tickets to New Jersey film festivals cost?

Ticket prices vary by festival and admission type. The article lists prices ranging from $15 for individual programs at the New Jersey Film Festival to $85 for a Queen City Film Festival all-access pass, although readers should confirm current prices before attending.