By Al Nigrin
originally published: 02/16/2018
New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2018 Winners Announced!
All the works that were part of the New Jersey Film Festival Competition were selected by a panel of judges including media professionals, journalists, students, and academics. These judges selected the 23 finalists which were publicly screened at the Festival. The finalists were selected from 403 works submitted by filmmakers from around the world. In addition, the judges chose the Prize Winners in conjunction with the Festival Director.
Winner Best Feature Film
Starlit - AO (Fishkill, New York)
Winner Best Documentary Film
Getting Naked: A Burlesque Story - James Lester (Brooklyn, New York)
Winner Best Short Film
The Inescapable Arrival of Lazlo Petushki - Sven Werner (Glasgow, Scotland)
Winner Best Animated Film
Two Balloons - Mark Smith (Portland, Oregon)
Honorable Mention Winners
Pluto - Tiger Ji (East Natick, Massachusetts)
Breathless - Anaiis Cisco (Brooklyn, New York)
Word Is Bond - Sacha Jenkins (New York, New York)
The Lost Village - Roger Paradiso (Montclair, New Jersey)
Andover - Scott Perlman (Hollywood, California)
Little Red Giant, The Monster That I Was - Laura Harrison (Chicago, Illinois)
Bluefin - John Hopkins (Breadalbane, Prince Edward Island, Canada)
Two Strangers Who Meet Five Times - Marcus Markou (London, England)
Clasico - Eli Korn (Tel Aviv, Israel)
Dovere For Camden - Douglas Clayton (Lawrenceville, New Jersey)
For More Information Contact:
New Jersey Film Festival
Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center
Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies
4170 Academic Building, 15 Seminary Place
New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901-8525 U.S.A.
(848) 932-8482 phone; (732) 932-1935 fax; [email protected], [email protected];
Web Site: www.njfilmfest.com
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.
Rocky In Concert: Celebrating The 50 Anniversary Of Rocky
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJExperience the underdog story that defined a generation. Now bigger, bolder, and brought to life with a live symphony orchestra. Watch the original Rocky film on the big screen while the iconic Bill Conti score is performed live, delivering every triumph, every heartbreak, and every adrenaline-fueled moment with knockout power.
Joe Versus The Volcano Movies On Mainstreet
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJCritics were baffled. Audiences stayed away. Now many consider it one of Tom Hanks' and Meg Ryan' most charming and philosophical comedies. Funny, romantic, and surprisingly profound.
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!
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.
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.
