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 NJ film festivals are a popular attraction for students, emerging film producers, directors, performers and film buffs.
These film festivals are 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: This information is provided by event sponsors as a free service to our viewers. 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
Select evenings between September 13 and October 13, 2019
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
(848)932-8482
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.
DEADLINE for the RECEIPT of entries is Monday, July 22, 2019 at Noon Eastern!
Select evenings between September 13 and October 13, 2019
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
(848)932-8482
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.
DEADLINE for the RECEIPT of entries is Monday, July 22, 2019 at Noon Eastern!
Westfield International Film Festival
October 3 - 6, 2019
The James Ward Mansion
169 East Broad Street
Westfield, NJ
Website
The mission of the film festival is to promote equality and understanding in the community. As a women-led festival in a primarily male-dominated industry, they are dedicated to showcasing an equal ratio of films by female and male filmmakers in keeping with equality. The program is for independent filmmakers and fans of film in New Jersey and the surrounding area. They annually showcase short films, feature films and music videos while offering seminars
October 3 - 6, 2019
The James Ward Mansion
169 East Broad Street
Westfield, NJ
Website
The mission of the film festival is to promote equality and understanding in the community. As a women-led festival in a primarily male-dominated industry, they are dedicated to showcasing an equal ratio of films by female and male filmmakers in keeping with equality. The program is for independent filmmakers and fans of film in New Jersey and the surrounding area. They annually showcase short films, feature films and music videos while offering seminars
The Downbeach Film Festival/Atlantic City Cinefest
October 4 - 6, 2019
Dante Hall Theater
14 N. Mississippi Avenue
Website/Tickets
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.
October 4 - 6, 2019
Dante Hall Theater
14 N. Mississippi Avenue
Website/Tickets
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.
Black Maria Film Festival
Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 7:30PM
The Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morristown, NJ
Website/Tickets
(973) 971-3706
An international juried competition that has been celebrating and preserving the diversity, invention, and vitality of the short film. The Festival is named after Thomas Edison's original West Orange film studio dubbed the "Black Maria" because of its resemblance to the black-box police paddy wagons of the same name. The Festival focuses on short films which shine a light on issues and struggles within contemporary society. It advances and exhibits the work of diverse filmmakers from across the US and around the world. These artists often represent an under-served constituency who might not otherwise have the opportunity for live public exhibition nationwide or abroad.
Join in as they present a selection of the 2019 award-winning films!
Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 7:30PM
The Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morristown, NJ
Website/Tickets
(973) 971-3706
An international juried competition that has been celebrating and preserving the diversity, invention, and vitality of the short film. The Festival is named after Thomas Edison's original West Orange film studio dubbed the "Black Maria" because of its resemblance to the black-box police paddy wagons of the same name. The Festival focuses on short films which shine a light on issues and struggles within contemporary society. It advances and exhibits the work of diverse filmmakers from across the US and around the world. These artists often represent an under-served constituency who might not otherwise have the opportunity for live public exhibition nationwide or abroad.
Join in as they present a selection of the 2019 award-winning films!
Annual Teaneck International Film Festival (Activism: Making Change)
Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, November 17, 2019
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.
The festival features compelling and imaginative feature-length films, documentaries and shorts -- from a variety of cultures; foster cross-cultural connections; and to honor talented young Bergen County filmmakers. Held in venues throughout the Teaneck area.
Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, November 17, 2019
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.
The festival features compelling and imaginative feature-length films, documentaries and shorts -- from a variety of cultures; foster cross-cultural connections; and to honor talented young Bergen County filmmakers. Held in venues throughout the Teaneck area.
Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival's
Hudson County Movie Tour
Thursday, December 12, 2019; 7:30 PM
Hoboken Historical Museum
1301 Hudson Street
Hoboken, NJ
Website
Selected shorts from the Thomas Edison Black Maria 2019 touring collection.
Hudson County Movie Tour
Hoboken Historical Museum
1301 Hudson Street
Hoboken, NJ
Website
Selected shorts from the Thomas Edison Black Maria 2019 touring collection.
New Jersey Film Festival Spring
On select evenings between January 24 – February 23, 2020
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
(848)932-8482
Website (for information and screenings)
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 l showcasing new international films, American independent features, experimental and short subjects, classic revivals, and cutting-edge documentaries. The festival provides meet and greet opportunities and Q & A sessions with filmmakers and producers, actors, and screen writers. DEADLINE for the RECEIPT of entries is Friday, November 8, 2019 at Noon Eastern!
On select evenings between January 24 – February 23, 2020
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
(848)932-8482
Website (for information and screenings)
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 l showcasing new international films, American independent features, experimental and short subjects, classic revivals, and cutting-edge documentaries. The festival provides meet and greet opportunities and Q & A sessions with filmmakers and producers, actors, and screen writers. DEADLINE for the RECEIPT of entries is Friday, November 8, 2019 at Noon Eastern!
20th Annual New Jersey Jewish Film Festival
March 19 - March 29, 2020
New Jersey Jewish Film Festival
Maurice Levin Theater
760 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ
973-530-3417
Website
These are films you cannot see anywhere else in our area! They will also offer a mix of other Jewish films, the best speakers and commentators available, and several out-of-festival events. The Festival is one gateway for people to explore what it means to be Jewish through a cultural experience that enriches the lives of thousands. For a list of films and venues, please visit the website above.
March 19 - March 29, 2020
New Jersey Jewish Film Festival
Maurice Levin Theater
760 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ
973-530-3417
Website
These are films you cannot see anywhere else in our area! They will also offer a mix of other Jewish films, the best speakers and commentators available, and several out-of-festival events. The Festival is one gateway for people to explore what it means to be Jewish through a cultural experience that enriches the lives of thousands. For a list of films and venues, please visit the website above.
18th Annual Garden State Film Festival
March 25 - 29, 2020
Multiple venues (Paramount Theatre, The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, The Asbury Hotel & The House of Independents, Jersey Shore Arts Center)
Asbury Park, NJ
877-908-7050
Website & Tickets
The artistic philosophy of the Garden State Film Festival is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and the creation of a forum where local and other independent filmmakers can exhibit their work. In addition, our event provides novice and aspiring filmmakers, actors, and others interested in a career in the film business, the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and mentoring. Past attendees include Glenn Close, Paul Sorvino, Budd Schulberg, Kurtwood Smith, James Gandolfini, Celeste Holm and Clarence Clemons.
Seating is on a first come, first serve basis with online pre-sale ticket holders for each individual block entering the theater first. Weekend passes enter next and then, if any seats are available, tickets will be sold for the remaining seats. Screenings are general admission only. It's always best to buy your tickets online a head of time!** *** Print at Home tickets can be purchased up to an hour prior to the screening and ALL VENUES SELL TICKETS AT THE DOOR!!
Entries accepted until December 1, 2019
March 25 - 29, 2020
Multiple venues (Paramount Theatre, The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, The Asbury Hotel & The House of Independents, Jersey Shore Arts Center)
Asbury Park, NJ
877-908-7050
Website & Tickets
The artistic philosophy of the Garden State Film Festival is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and the creation of a forum where local and other independent filmmakers can exhibit their work. In addition, our event provides novice and aspiring filmmakers, actors, and others interested in a career in the film business, the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and mentoring. Past attendees include Glenn Close, Paul Sorvino, Budd Schulberg, Kurtwood Smith, James Gandolfini, Celeste Holm and Clarence Clemons.
Seating is on a first come, first serve basis with online pre-sale ticket holders for each individual block entering the theater first. Weekend passes enter next and then, if any seats are available, tickets will be sold for the remaining seats. Screenings are general admission only. It's always best to buy your tickets online a head of time!** *** Print at Home tickets can be purchased up to an hour prior to the screening and ALL VENUES SELL TICKETS AT THE DOOR!!
Entries accepted until December 1, 2019
The Trenton Film Festival
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 26, 27, 28, 29, 2020
Mill Hill Playhouse
205 East Front Street (at Montgomery St.)
Trenton NJ
Website
This event is a juried festival that showcases 55 films from 16 countries with submissions by independent filmmakers, including student and local filmmakers. Submission categories include narrative, documentary, animation, and a new category which includes experimental, music video, spoken word and new media. Submissions accepted until December 2, 2019.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 26, 27, 28, 29, 2020
Mill Hill Playhouse
205 East Front Street (at Montgomery St.)
Trenton NJ
Website
This event is a juried festival that showcases 55 films from 16 countries with submissions by independent filmmakers, including student and local filmmakers. Submission categories include narrative, documentary, animation, and a new category which includes experimental, music video, spoken word and new media. Submissions accepted until December 2, 2019.
Annual Princeton Environmental Film Festival
April 13 - 19, 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. Environmental Film Festival entries accepted until January 15, 2020
April 13 - 19, 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. Environmental Film Festival entries accepted until January 15, 2020
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