(Asbury Park, NJ) -- The Asbury Park Music in Film Festival (APMFF), returns in April 2016 for its second year.  The festival, which will take place April 8-10, 2016, has issued a global “call for entries” to all independent filmmakers. Instructions and deadlines for submissions can be found on the Festival’s website at apmff.com.

After a successful launch event in 2015, the APMFF returns for it’s second year. Sony Pictures Classics will be awarding winning film submissions with experiences that will include: One-On-One critique with Co-President and Co-Founder of Sony Pictures Classics, two-week internship at Sony Pictures Classics, two seats to a Sony Pictures Classics film event and music courtesy of Legacy Sony Recordings.

Tom Bernard, Co-President and Co-Founder of Sony Pictures Classics: “I grew up and worked on the Asbury Park boardwalk and know it was the center of cinema in New Jersey in the early 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. Theaters like The St. James, The Lyric, The Mayfair, The Paramount and The Baronet showed all the best movies from around the world. New Jersey, film and music are such big parts of my life and when I heard Asbury was aligning movies and music, I didn’t have to think twice about getting involved with the Festival. I am looking forward to seeing the new generation follow in the footsteps of what once was the greatest cinema center in the state.”

Last year, Jaco: A Documentary Film, received the Foundation Award, the Festival’s most prestigious award.  Take Me To The River was awarded the Barnabas Health Award, which was presented to the film that had made the greatest impact on social change.  In addition, Made In Japan won the APP Award, given to the film that received the most critical acclaim.

The wide variety of musical performances throughout the weekend concluded with an epic “Funk That Bass” finale at The Stone Pony with artists including Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Melvin Gibbs, Bernie Worrell, Corey Glover, JT Bowen and Neptune NJ’s own, Nicole Atkins.

"After growing up down at the shore and having the chance to attend countless shows at The Stone Pony - hoping to just get a glimpse of 'The Boss' - I began to consume as many music documentaries as possible before making some of my own," said Photographer & Film Maker Danny Clinch. "Due to today's powerful technology, film makers now have the chance to tell stories at any budget. Music and film are tightly aligned as subject matter and Asbury Park's rich history in both of these respective crafts provide the perfect setting to celebrate this Festival." 

The APMFF has assembled an impressive panel of judges which includes some of the most powerful figures in the film and music industries today; Tom Bernard (Sony Pictures Classics), Danny Clinch (Photographer & Film Maker), Adam Block  (Legacy Recordings Sony Music Entertainment), Josh Braun (Submarine Entertainment), Eric Eisner (L+E Productions), Vinnie Favale (CBS Late Night Programming), Tom Jones (Halo Group), Jeff Rosen (Bob Dylan) and Sheryl Zelikson (Late Show With Stephen Colbert).

About Asbury Park Music In Film Festival

Founded in 2014, the APMFF’s mission is to preserve, exhibit and promote the City of Asbury Park’s rich musical heritage – past, present and future – and to contribute to the City’s revitalization by securing Asbury Park as a musical destination. The Festival will benefit the Asbury Park Music Foundation (APMF) and the underserved children in Asbury Park; one the most challenged youth communities in the country by providing music education, lessons, instruments, programs and social connection opportunities.