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
Lighthouse International Film Festival - Drive-in
June 16th - 20th, 2020 Drive-in tickets are $45 per film, per car
Film showings at a variety of Long Beach Island Venues
(646) 245-8400
Website/locations/tickets
Drive-in tickets are $45 per film, per car
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.
Face coverings are required when speaking to staff or when outside your vehicle. Plan to arrive at least 30 min before start time. You must stay inside your vehicle at all times
June 16th - 20th, 2020 Drive-in tickets are $45 per film, per car
Film showings at a variety of Long Beach Island Venues
(646) 245-8400
Website/locations/tickets
Drive-in tickets are $45 per film, per car
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.
Face coverings are required when speaking to staff or when outside your vehicle. Plan to arrive at least 30 min before start time. You must stay inside your vehicle at all times
FilmOneFest
July 18, 2020; 7pm - 11pm
Atlantic Highlands Marina
2 Simon Lake Dr
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Website
Contact: Corinna Thuss
718-702-6378
info@filmonefest.org
Cost: Free
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 18, 2020; 7pm - 11pm
Atlantic Highlands Marina
2 Simon Lake Dr
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Website
Contact: Corinna Thuss
718-702-6378
info@filmonefest.org
Cost: Free
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.
Monmouth Film Festival
August 14th - 16th, 2020
Two Rivers Theatre
21 Bridge Ave
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-344-0946
Website
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.
The festival welcomes short films, features, documentary and narrative, as well as student showcases along with a compilation of trailers.
Film submissions accepted until the extended deadline June 13, 2020.
August 14th - 16th, 2020
Two Rivers Theatre
21 Bridge Ave
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-344-0946
Website
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.
The festival welcomes short films, features, documentary and narrative, as well as student showcases along with a compilation of trailers.
Film submissions accepted until the extended deadline June 13, 2020.
The Just Be You Performing Arts Youth Film Festival
August 21, 22, 2020
Rahway Public Library
Auditorium Room
2 City Hall Plaza
Rahway, NJ
Website
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. The dates for submissions: November 2, 2019 Opening Date; January 1, 2020 Regular Deadline; February 1, 2020 Late Deadline; March 1, 2020 Extended Deadline; & May 1, 2020 Notification Date.
August 21, 22, 2020
Rahway Public Library
Auditorium Room
2 City Hall Plaza
Rahway, NJ
Website
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. The dates for submissions: November 2, 2019 Opening Date; January 1, 2020 Regular Deadline; February 1, 2020 Late Deadline; March 1, 2020 Extended Deadline; & May 1, 2020 Notification Date.
Northeast Film Festival
September 11 - 13, 2020
The Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Ln.
Teaneck, NJ
Website
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. Last year, the awards ceremony was hosted by Mary Dimino (Saturday Night Live).
September 11 - 13, 2020
The Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Ln.
Teaneck, NJ
Website
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. Last year, the awards ceremony was hosted by Mary Dimino (Saturday Night Live).
The New Jersey Horror Con & Film Festival
September 25, 26, 27, 2020
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.
September 25, 26, 27, 2020
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.
9th Annual The Golden Door International Film Festival
September 17 - 22, 2020
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.
The Late Extended submission deadline is June 26, 2020
September 17 - 22, 2020
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.
The Late Extended submission deadline is June 26, 2020
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.
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