By Al Nigrin
originally published: 06/14/2021
Still from Full Circle
The 2021 New Jersey International Film Festival Competition has just concluded! We had a very good festival this year despite it being done virtually again. I want to thank the thousands of people who attended. We couldn't do what we do without such tremendous support!
All the works that were part of the 2021 New Jersey International Film Festival Competition were selected by a panel of judges including media professionals, journalists, students, and academics. These judges selected the 25 finalists which were publicly screened at our Festival. The finalists were selected from 547 works submitted by filmmakers from around the world. Here are the Winners of the 2021 New Jersey International Film Festival:
Still from Bone Cage
Best of Festival Winners
Best Feature Film: Bone Cage - Taylor Olson (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)
Best Documentary Film: Full Circle - Anne Via McCollough (Norfolk, Virgina)
Best Short Film: Space Case – Zachary T Scott (Austin, Texas)
Best Animated Film: First Light - Amy Lee Ketchum/Ellen Boscov (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Best Experimental Film: S T O P – Marieli Froehlich (Vienna, Austria)
Still from First Light
Honorable Mention Winners
The Heartland – Marquise Mays (Milwaukee, Wisconsin); Just Being Here – Matteo Moretti (Middlebury, Vermont): Stolen Fish - Gosia Juszczak (Madrid, Spain): Who the f... is Roger Rossmeisl? – Luc Quelin (Paris, France); Sweethurt – Tom Danger (Turramurra, NSW, Australia); The Dark Odyssey – Michael Lavine (Germantown, New York); Into the Light – Benjamin Schwartz (New York, New York); Two Little People – Xin Li (Melbourne, Australia); The Process of Recovering – Nora Mandray, Jonathan Bulette (Santa Monica, California)
Still from S T O P
About the author:
Albert Gabriel Nigrin is an award-winning experimental media artist whose work has been screened throughout the world. He is also a Cinema Studies Lecturer at Rutgers University, and the Executive Director/Curator of the Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, Inc.
Sunday Film Series – Rebel Without A Cause In 35mm (1955)
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJJoin us for a 35mm screening of 1955’s iconic film “Rebel Without a Cause” starring James Dean, Natalie Wood (Academy Award Nominee, Best Supporting Actress), and Sal Mineo (Academy Award Nominee, Best Supporting Actor).
Senior Student Movie Day – Hamlet (2018)
Monday, November 16, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJUCPAC invites Seniors (ages 55 and up) to join local students for a digital matinee film screening of 2018’s “Hamlet,” starring Andrew Scott as the troubled Prince of Denmark.
The Exorcist Ii: The Heretic Movies On Mainstreet
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJForget what you’ve heard. This is one of those movies that begs to be seen at our micro cinema. Strange, hypnotic, ambitious and completely unlike the original. A notorious misfire—or a misunderstood cult classic? You decide!
The Karate Kid In 35mm
Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJTravel back to the 80s with one of the decade’s best-loved films, “The Karate Kid” in 35mm!
Kung Fu Panda – Popcorn & Pajamas Film Series
Friday, November 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJDoors: 6 PM – Before the movie, have a seat at our craft table and make something fun to take home!
Film: 7 PM
EVENT PREVIEWS
Teaneck International Film Festival Names Katie Camosy Recipient of 2026 Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award for "Gaslit"
(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) and The Puffin Foundation have selected director Katie Camosy as the recipient of the 2nd Annual Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award for her documentary Gaslit. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and trophy and recognizes emerging filmmakers whose work embodies TIFF's guiding theme, "Activism: Making Change."
James R. Halsey Foundation Student Film Showcase to Take Place November 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts (JRH), a 501c3 non-profit agency dedicated to providing quality arts education and mentoring to youth in the City of Trenton and greater New Jersey area presents the 2026 Student Film Showcase. Taking place on November 12th at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium from 5:00pm - 8:00pm, this event features three films, written, directed, and produced by students, as well as a documentary focused on raising awareness on men's mental health, featuring authentic student voices and professional interviews.
Count Basie Center for the Arts to Celebrate Centennial with an immersive re-enactment of its opening night
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts will cap its Centennial Celebration with an immersive re-enactment of its opening night on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 6:00pm. Patrons can expect an immersive theatrical presentation from the moment they approach the venue – from 'stars' of the era arriving in classic cars, Gatsby-esque fashion and flair, an authentic speakeasy experience with custom, era-specific cocktails and mocktails, 1920s hot jazz and more.
Learn about producing films with "Producing 101: From Script to Set with The Gig Media"
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Interested in filmmaking? You can learn how to produce a film like a pro at "Producing 101: From Script to Set with The Gig Media" on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Miraley Studios in Jersey City.
bergenPAC presents An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story on Satuday, November 14, 2026 at 7:00pm. Celebrate the holiday season with an unforgettable evening featuring a screening of the beloved classic film followed by a moderated interview and audience Q&A from its iconic star Peter Billingsley, a.k.a. Ralphie!
The Clairidge hosts Indie Film Showcase on November 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- On Saturday, November 21, 2026, The Clairidge hosts a film showcase featuring three indie films - Wedding Night, Lady in the Mirror, and End of the Line: Brotherhood. Dive into three epic tales, one screen, and endless vibes at The Official Film Showcase. Showtime is 1:30pm.
