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2023 Short Film Festival Takes Place This Weekend

originally published: 10/06/2023


(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Newark Short Film Awards has been rebranded as the Short Film Festival, affirming the event’s commitment to showcasing high-quality and diverse short films worldwide. The 2023 Short Film Festival is this weekend, October 6-7, 2023.

Friday, October 6, features a filmmaking workshop from 3:00pm - 5:00pm and the Short Film Festival Opening Reception at 6:00pm at Express Newark, 54 Halsey Street, Newark.

Saturday, October 7, will include a full day of short film screenings beginning at noon and running until 6:00pm in the evening. The public is invited to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Jim Wise Theater to watch films, hear from filmmakers, and attend the Award Show following the screenings at no cost to attendees.

This year, creators submitted 56 films from the United States, Puerto Rico, and six countries, including China, the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

“As a filmmaker myself, it’s incredible to see year after year the increasing caliber of films that we receive, which makes our job harder but more rewarding and fun,” said Rodney Reyez, Film Submission Coordinator.




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As in the past, the Short Film Festival offers a unique opportunity for attendees to dive deeper into the art of short films and overall filmmaking. Participants will gather in Newark to network with industry professionals and attend career-enhancing workshops, panels, and filmmaking events.

“We are excited to support the up-and-coming filmmaker, and our event is committed to providing opportunities for filmmakers to display their films and network with their peers,” said Short Film Festival Founder Matthew Williams.

Filmmakers need support, collaboration, and an audience to appreciate their hard work. The Short Film Festival aims to provide this experience.

The Theatre Arts & Technology program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Express Newark are sponsors for the Short Film Festival.

For a full schedule of events and tickets about this year’s event, including film lineups, click here.

The Short Film Festival (formerly the Newark Short Film Awards) is New Jersey’s premier outlet for short-form storytelling. This event brings together a diverse group of filmmakers, multimedia artists, entertainment industry professionals, students, and more, representing the broad spectrum of the human experience.

I’m So Newark is a non-profit multimedia and news organization focusing on Newark and its surrounding communities. Its mission is to offset the negative press prevalent in mainstream media by promoting positive activities within the local community. I’m So Newark focuses on positive journalism, events, art, filmmaking, and local achievements.




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FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | COMMUNITY | DANCE | FILM | KIDS | MUSIC | THEATRE

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It's A Wonderful Life

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The

The Muppet Christmas Carol in 35mm

Thursday, December 18, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
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The

The Polar Express – Popcorn & Pajamas Film Series

Friday, December 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: film


 

The

The Polar Express – Popcorn & Pajamas Film Series

Saturday, December 20, 2025 @ 10:00am
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
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George Street Playhouse presents Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Jersey Christmas Show

Sunday, December 07, 2025 @ 2:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901




 

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or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


 

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