originally published: 04/24/2025
(WAYNE, NJ) -- The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners is proud to host the 21st Annual Passaic County Film Festival on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Passaic County Community College Public Safety Academy, located at 300 Oldham Road in Wayne. Screenings begin at 11:00am.
Presented in partnership with the Passaic County Film Commission, the festival shines a spotlight on local talent and creativity, with 92 short films submitted by high school students and independent filmmakers who live, attend school, or work in Passaic County.
Commissioner Director Pat Lepore emphasized the importance of uplifting local voices through events like this, “The Film Festival is more than just a showcase of talent, it’s a celebration of our communities, our cultures, and the creativity that thrives right here in Passaic County,” said Director Lepore. “The Board of County Commissioners is proud to support the arts and help open doors for the next generation of storytellers.”
Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required due to limited seating. Attendees can register online or by calling 973-569-4720.
The event features a diverse lineup of short films, up to 10 minutes in length, across five categories:
1. General Short Film and Animation
2. Public Service Announcement
3. Documentary
4. Music Video and Performance
5. Multimedia/Internet Videos
Winners in each category will be recognized, and one standout will receive the Grand Prize for Best Film of the Festival.
Adding to the excitement, the festival will also feature a special live performance by the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, made possible through a grant from the PSEG Foundation.
The Passaic County Film Festival is made possible through the support of the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, with additional funding from the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Bascom Corporation, the Passaic County Community College Foundation, and the PSEG Foundation.
EVENT PREVIEWS
2026 Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest to Take Place April 25th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The 2026 Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest, the annual competition celebrating New Jersey's emerging crop of young filmmakers, takes place Saturday, April 25th on the Count Basie Center campus (99 Monmouth Street) in Red Bank.
Puffin Cultural Forum and Teaneck International Film Festival present "Horsegirls" as part of the 18th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival
(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the ReelAbilities Film Festival—the largest film festival in the world dedicated to films by and about people with disabilities. This marks the first time TIFF will serve as an official New Jersey host site for ReelAbilities, further advancing its commitment to inclusive storytelling and diverse voices.
Learn the Perils of Plastic Pollution During Documentary Screening of "We're All Plastic People" in Surf City
(SURF CITY, NJ) – The Long Beach Island Branch of the Ocean County Library will host a screening of the documentary film We're All Plastic People Now on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 2:00pm. The film investigates the hidden story of plastic and its effects on human health.
New Jersey's Premier Film Expo Returns to East Rutherford April 30th
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Trenton Film Society presents a Regional Documentary Film Festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The Trenton Film Society presents a Regional Documentary Film Festival on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Mill Hill Playhouse. Screenings are scheduled at 6:30pm on Friday and noon, 3:00pm, and 6:00pm on Saturday, followed by a reception and awards ceremony.
2026 New Jersey International Film Festival to Take Place from May 29th to June 7th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, in association with the Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies, presents the 2026 New Jersey International Film Festival which marks their 31st Anniversary. The NJIFF competition will be taking place on the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between May 29 - June 7, 2026 and will be a hybrid one as they will be presenting it online as well as doing in-person screenings at Rutgers University.
Emmy-nominated, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor/director Jason Alexander to Lead Acting Masterclass on Long Beach Island
(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) -- The Lighthouse International Film Festival (LIFF) presents a rare five-day acting masterclass led by acclaimed actor and director Jason Alexander, taking place June 7–11, 2026 on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, just prior to the opening of the Festival's 18th edition, which runs June 10–14.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Great Muppet Caper – Popcorn & Pajamas Film SeriesFriday, April 17, 2026 @ 7:00pmHamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) Rahway, NJ
The Great Muppet Caper – Popcorn & Pajamas Film SeriesFriday, April 24, 2026 @ 7:00pmHamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) Rahway, NJ
Mulan – Popcorn & Pajamas Film Series At UCPAC’s Hamilton StageFriday, May 08, 2026 @ 7:00pmHamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) Rahway, NJ
