"This wonderful honor coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Garden State Film Festival," notes Festival Co-Founder and Executive Director, Diane Raver. "We are thrilled our ten years of hard work and community involvement are being recognized in this fashion. It means so much to the hundreds of volunteers and filmmakers who are part of our growing festival family." This year's Festival will take place March 22-25, 2012 and include enhanced anniversary-related festivities. Asbury Park's historic boardwalk attractions The Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall remain the hub of Festival activities along with a number of other area venues.
The Silver Gull Tourism Achievement Award recognizes the significant impact GSFF has had on Asbury Park and the greater shore region. Over 30,000 people attend Festival related events annually; and according to Asbury Park officials $400,000 is driven into the local economy by the Festival each year.
"We had a large number of nominations this year and the competition was very keen. We are delighted that the Garden State Film Festival has been chosen to receive the coveted Silver Gull Award," explains MODC Executive Director Benjamin J. Waldron. The MODC is a consortium of business and civic leaders committed to the economic health and growth of the bi-county region. Members serve on a number committees dedicated to the betterment of the area including: business growth and development; economic development; government relations; energy and the environment; and marketing.