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 2020 as a virtual on-line, or Drive-in festival. 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
Queen City Film Festival - A Virtual Event
October 23 - 25, 2020
Plainfield, NJ
Website
The festival has continued to grow after announcing it would offer a virtual menu of films, shortly after the pandemic left many larger film festivals cancelling and postponing events due to COVID 19 mandates. The festival will maintain its structure by offering a mixed selection of content and cinematic experiences targeted at professional independent filmmakers, movie lovers and students, during the three day virtual fest. Firstly, official selections will screen live on Facebook as scheduled. Films will also be stationed on the festival website for a limited time only. Films crafted locally and internationally by BIPOCLGB filmmakers will wow cinema goers in traditional fashion. Secondly, industry workshop panels will also be offered to filmmakers interested in sharpening their skills but will also be open to public attendance will all be curated by Super Producer Okema T. Moore, Head Writer for TALES ON BET, Patrick Coker and 2 time Emmy winning Producer Courtland Bragg who hosted a panel at last year's festival.
October 23 - 25, 2020
Plainfield, NJ
Website
The festival has continued to grow after announcing it would offer a virtual menu of films, shortly after the pandemic left many larger film festivals cancelling and postponing events due to COVID 19 mandates. The festival will maintain its structure by offering a mixed selection of content and cinematic experiences targeted at professional independent filmmakers, movie lovers and students, during the three day virtual fest. Firstly, official selections will screen live on Facebook as scheduled. Films will also be stationed on the festival website for a limited time only. Films crafted locally and internationally by BIPOCLGB filmmakers will wow cinema goers in traditional fashion. Secondly, industry workshop panels will also be offered to filmmakers interested in sharpening their skills but will also be open to public attendance will all be curated by Super Producer Okema T. Moore, Head Writer for TALES ON BET, Patrick Coker and 2 time Emmy winning Producer Courtland Bragg who hosted a panel at last year's festival.
Annual Princeton Environmental Film Festival
Monday October 12 – Sunday October 18, 2020
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.
Monday October 12 – Sunday October 18, 2020
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.
9th Annual Montclair Film Festival
October 16th - 25th, 2020 (originally scheduled) May 1 - 10, 2020
505 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ
973-783-6433
Website/Tickets
This year's festival will feature a throwback to another era: drive-in movies.
There will be seven nights of "Carpool Theater" – the festival's equivalent of drive-in movies – including a rotation of 12 films. Organizers said 100 cars will be allowed at each screening, which follow approved protocols for social distancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The festival will also be rolling out a lineup of online screenings. The films will be featured on the festival's new online platform, which is powered by Eventive.
Festival organizers said they plan to announce a full list of programs, schedules and venues on Oct. 2. Tickets will go on sale to Montclair Film members on Oct. 5 and to the general public on Oct. 8.
October 16th - 25th, 2020 (originally scheduled) May 1 - 10, 2020
505 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ
973-783-6433
Website/Tickets
This year's festival will feature a throwback to another era: drive-in movies.
There will be seven nights of "Carpool Theater" – the festival's equivalent of drive-in movies – including a rotation of 12 films. Organizers said 100 cars will be allowed at each screening, which follow approved protocols for social distancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The festival will also be rolling out a lineup of online screenings. The films will be featured on the festival's new online platform, which is powered by Eventive.
Festival organizers said they plan to announce a full list of programs, schedules and venues on Oct. 2. Tickets will go on sale to Montclair Film members on Oct. 5 and to the general public on Oct. 8.
The New Jersey Horror Con & Film Festival
March 26, 27, 28, 2021
The Showboat Hotel
Atlantic City, NJ
Website/Tickets
In advance/Day Pass: $30 In advance/ 3-day Pass: $75 Day of show price: $30 Day of show 3-day Pass: $75 Children: 10 and under free with paying adult Ticket sales at the door are cash only
This 3-day event features a showing of amazing Horror films in the indie scene with an opportunity for attendees to mingle with big names in horror. Horror fans can also participate in Q&A sessions get to interact with vendors from around the Horror scene.
March 26, 27, 28, 2021
The Showboat Hotel
Atlantic City, NJ
Website/Tickets
In advance/Day Pass: $30 In advance/ 3-day Pass: $75 Day of show price: $30 Day of show 3-day Pass: $75 Children: 10 and under free with paying adult Ticket sales at the door are cash only
This 3-day event features a showing of amazing Horror films in the indie scene with an opportunity for attendees to mingle with big names in horror. Horror fans can also participate in Q&A sessions get to interact with vendors from around the Horror scene.
