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.
In response to this unprecedented crisis that is affecting our health concerns, all aspects of lives, and in particular with all New Jersey Leisure events and activities, we have removed film festival that we know have been cancelled. However, some of the annual film festivals have chosen to continue in 2021 as in-person, virtual on-line, or Drive-in festivals. Our viewers are advised to check in with each of the venues, activities, and events that are listed in our webpages to ensure that they have not closed or postponed.
Please visit our coronavius update web page for the latest information on New Jersey venue and activity closings
Upcoming New Jersey Film Festivals
Lighthouse International Film Festival
June 3, 2021 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences
120 Long Beach Blvd
Beach Haven, NJ
(646) 245-8400
Website/locations/tickets
The festival will present feature films, shorts, documentaries and family films, as well as panel discussions with leading film industry professionals. Taking place on Long Beach Island, NJ -- one of the East Coast's most popular surfing destinations -- the festival celebrates new, exciting and challenging films in honor of Long Beach Island's historic Barnegat Lighthouse. See above website for information on films, times, and venues.
June 3, 2021 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences
120 Long Beach Blvd
Beach Haven, NJ
(646) 245-8400
Website/locations/tickets
The festival will present feature films, shorts, documentaries and family films, as well as panel discussions with leading film industry professionals. Taking place on Long Beach Island, NJ -- one of the East Coast's most popular surfing destinations -- the festival celebrates new, exciting and challenging films in honor of Long Beach Island's historic Barnegat Lighthouse. See above website for information on films, times, and venues.
FilmOneFest
July 17, 2021; 7pm - 11pm
SeaStreak Parking Lot
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Website
Contact: Corinna Thuss
718-702-6378
info@filmonefest.org
Cost: Free
This year the festival will be a drive-in event!
FilmOneFest takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting with the majestic Manhattan skyline as the backdrop. FilmOneFest (a production of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council) is the Jersey Shore's preeminent showcase for all forms of short films under two minutes in length. FilmOneFest also promotes local and international filmmaking through the use of new media and technology, educational activities and screenings, and supports its local food bank. The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers who include professional artists, educators, business leaders and community organizers. We are a volunteer, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to strengthen community through the arts. Our primary function is to develop and execute events and arts related activities for the benefit of our community.
July 17, 2021; 7pm - 11pm
SeaStreak Parking Lot
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Website
Contact: Corinna Thuss
718-702-6378
info@filmonefest.org
Cost: Free
This year the festival will be a drive-in event!
FilmOneFest takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting with the majestic Manhattan skyline as the backdrop. FilmOneFest (a production of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council) is the Jersey Shore's preeminent showcase for all forms of short films under two minutes in length. FilmOneFest also promotes local and international filmmaking through the use of new media and technology, educational activities and screenings, and supports its local food bank. The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers who include professional artists, educators, business leaders and community organizers. We are a volunteer, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to strengthen community through the arts. Our primary function is to develop and execute events and arts related activities for the benefit of our community.
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.
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.
