Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/12/2018
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Bickford Theatre’s popular Film Series continues with the Black Maria Film Festival on Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30pm with the screening of the recently announced winners in this year’s juried competition.
Since its founding in 1981, the Black Maria Film Festival has been celebrating the diversity, invention, and vitality of short films through an international juried film competition. The films encompass four major genres including narrative, experimental, animation, and documentary. Unlike other film festivals such as Sundance which bring filmmakers and their films to one location for recognition, the Black Maria Film Festival takes the winning films to venues all over the world from Morristown, New Jersey to Rome, Italy.
The Film Festival’s Executive Director Jane Steuerwald will emcee the program and introduce nine of this year’s winning films. The selection includes short films representing all four genres, ranging from animation, comedy, and drama to cutting edge experimental film.
The evening will begin with “Game,” a narrative film centered on high school basketball tryouts where a new kid in town makes an impression on the coach, but has talent that threatens some of the players. The new boy clearly has talent, heart and drive, but he also has a big secret which gives the film a fascinating twist.
In another film, “The Driver is Red,” the filmmaker uses animation to follow the story of a secret agent searching for a mysterious man and then makes a shocking discovery in the remote outskirts of Buenos Aires.
The documentary “Little Potato,” tells the story of a boy growing up gay in the Soviet Union and the adventurous escape to America by his mother and him. Saving its most unexpected revelation until the end, the film depicts the inspiring and timely story of two immigrants taking on the American Dream.
The other films slated for screening on April 18 include the first-person documentary “Lion in a Box,” a film by a talented Spanish filmmaker entitled “Mama,” the animated Bourée dance “Dandelion,” the touching narrative “Happy Birthday, Mango!,” and two experimental films, “Analog Orange” and “Sans Chlorophyll.”
The Bickford Film Festival concludes on Wednesday, May 23, with the screening of Vincent Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing. This film blends reenactment scenes and curatorial interviews from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to explore both Van Gogh the painter and Van Gogh the person. Robin Neal of On the Box called the film “one of the best I’ve seen depicting the live of Vincent Van Gogh.”
Tickets for the final two screenings of the new Bickford Film Series are $15 for the General Public; $12 for Museum Members; and $10 for Students (18 & under or with valid college ID). Tickets may be purchased online at morrismuseum.org, by phone at (973) 971-3706, or in person at the Bickford Theatre Box Office. The Morris Museum’s Bickford Theatre is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, NJ, and offers free parking and full accessibility. Box office hours for phone sales are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Walk-up hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
You can have your events appear here,
whenever someone reads an article about
MORRISTOWN
click here for more information
Rocky In Concert: Celebrating The 50 Anniversary Of Rocky
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ
Free Event: U.s. Army Field Band
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ
New Jersey Ballet Presents Red, White And Blue
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ
Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime
Saturday, November 14, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ
Don Mclean & Lee Greenwood
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ
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.
