originally published: 06/09/2015
(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) -- The 2015 Lighthouse International Film Festival took place June 4-7 in Long Beach Island, NJ. Founded by a collection of filmmakers, film critics and film industry professionals who share a passion for film, the goal was to create an event aimed first and foremost at film enthusiasts. The festival contained feature films, shorts, documentaries and family films, as well as panel discussions with leading film industry professionals.
Here are the winners of the 2015 festival.
Audience Award, Spotlight Film: CALL ME LUCKY, directed by Bobcat Goldthwaite
Audience Award, Short Film: SIMPLER TIMES, directed by Steve Monarque
Audience Award, Documentary Film: ANTARCTIC EDGE: 70 DEGREES SOUTH, directed by Dena Seidel
Audience Award, Narrative Film: WILDLIKE, directed by Frank Hall Green
Special Jury Award for Editing, Student Film: THE HAPPY PLACE, directed by Sara Wojciehowski
Grand Jury Award, Student Film: THE CASE OF RYAN DECANN, director Max Iacovelli
Grand Jury Award, Documentary Short: COMIC BOOK HEAVEN, directed by EJ McLeavey-Fisher
Special Jury Award for Directing, Short Film: UNA MUJER SIN PRECIO, 1961, directed by Alaric Rocha
Grand Jury Award, Narrative Short Film: EVERYTHING ALL AT ONCE, directed by Eleanor Wilson
Grand Jury Award, Documentary Feature Film: LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG DREAMS, directed by Mak CK
Special Jury Award for Directing, Narrative Feature Film: SAFELIGHT, directed by Tony Aloupis
Grand Jury Award, Narrative Feature Film: WILDLIKE, directed by Frank Hall Green
Community Service Award: THINGS A DRIFT/ECHOES OF LBI
Volunteer Award: HOPE GARDINER
The Lighthouse International Film Festival is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to showcasing new and innovative films and fostering the next generation of filmmakers. The festival offers three days of films, panels, Q&A's, networking, parties and surfing, and draws some of the industry's top film critics, producers and distributors. The festival also seeks to serve the community by presenting unique programs that inspire, engage and challenge a diverse audience through the art of film.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Atlantic County Film Club & Eammon Films present a screening of "The Chronology of Water" on May 18th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Atlantic County Film Club & Eammon Films present a screening of The Chronology of Water at Anchor Rock Club on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Based on the beloved memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch, this film is a raw and unflinching portrait of survival, sexuality, and self-invention.
UCPAC presents John Waters' "Pink Flamingos" in 35mm on Thursday
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) presents the film Pink Flamingos in 35mm on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. Join them for John Waters' notorious 1972 cult classic, starring the inimitable Divine as a self-proclaimed queen of filth competing in a grotesque rivalry for the title of "the filthiest person alive."
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Interview with Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms Director Vincent Turturro
Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey International Film Festival, sits down with Vincent Turturro, director and writer of Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms, for a filmmaker interview at EBTV. Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms will be screened on May 29, 2026.
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Middle Life Video Q+A
Here is the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Q+A with Middle Life Writer/Director Pavan Moondi, Lead Actors Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis, and Festival Director Albert Nigrin.
Trenton Filmmaker Phillip McConnell to Premiere New Short Film "Tell Me Where We Stand"
(HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- Independent filmmaker Phillip McConnell will premiere his new short film, Tell Me Where We Stand, at Mill One on Sunday, May 31, 2026, bringing together local artists, performers, and members of the community for an evening celebrating independent film and storytelling.
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Video Interview with What We Dreamed of Then Director Taylor Olson
Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey International Film Festival, interviews What We Dreamed of Then Director, Writer and Actor Taylor Olson. What We Dreamed of Then will be screened on May 31, 2026.
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival to Take Place from May 29th to June 7th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, in association with the Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies, presents the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival which marks their 31st Anniversary. The NJIFF competition will be taking place on the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between May 29 - June 7, 2026 and will be a hybrid one as they will be presenting it online as well as doing in-person screenings at Rutgers University.
Emmy-nominated, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor/director Jason Alexander to Lead Acting Masterclass on Long Beach Island
(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) -- The Lighthouse International Film Festival (LIFF) presents a rare five-day acting masterclass led by acclaimed actor and director Jason Alexander, taking place June 7–11, 2026 on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, just prior to the opening of the Festival's 18th edition, which runs June 10–14.
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival Overview
The New Jersey International Film Festival returns online and to Rutgers University on the weekends between May 29 - June 7, 2026. Professor Al Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator, provides a video overview of the films being showcase at the 31st annual Festival.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sonia and Lisa on Mushrooms, Impivaara, Bottom Feeder & Chemical Meadows – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM!Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 7:00pmNJ International Film Festival New Brunswick, NJ
Shorts Program #1: Godzilla’s Day Off, Paper Crane, 35 Days, I Exist, Pizza Man, Prison and Time, Dustsceawung & Miracle Under 34th Street – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM!Saturday, May 30, 2026 @ 7:00pmNJ International Film Festival New Brunswick, NJ
