New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

The 21st Garden State Film Festival

By Christopher Benincasa, JerseyArts.com

originally published: 03/09/2023


This year’s Garden State Film Festival kicks off Thursday, March 23, and will be serving up a four-day weekend of more independent films and one-of-a-kind events than even the most die-hard moviegoer could take in.

Since the first festival in 2003, GSFF has provided opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and actors to network with industry pros and have their work showcased in one of the country’s most iconic cities – New Jersey’s Asbury Park.

Five venues there, the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove and the Cranford Theater will host a weekend of films.

Jersey Arts recently spoke with Garden State Film Festival’s Executive Director Lauren Concar, festival founder Diane Raver, Associate Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission David Schoner, Director of Communications for New Jersey Public Broadcasting Service Debra Falk, feature screenplay winner Kelly Byrne, and festival host Sophia Lucia about what to expect this year.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage




EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The 45th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place between September 4 - October 4, 2026. As they have been doing the last few years, the festival will be presented as a hybrid with select in-person screenings at Rutgers University and most of the films available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. The festival also be offering an Audio-Visual Concert featuring the bands Lawns and Hanging Coats as well as two FREE Filmmaking Workshops.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Free Summer Movie! How to Train Your Dragon

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 @ 10:30am
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Free Summer Movie! How to Train Your Dragon

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 @ 6:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth 35mm Double Feature

Sunday, August 02, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Free Summer Movie! The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

Tuesday, August 04, 2026 @ 10:30am
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Free Summer Movie! The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

Tuesday, August 04, 2026 @ 6:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info