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.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky




EVENT PREVIEWS

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at the Oakes Center, will host "An Evening with Dan and Laura" on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. The evening will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Vivid's feature film: A Relative Comedy. Director Laura Ekstrand and Composer Dan Crisci will talk about what went into making the company's first feature.
52nd Newark Black Film Festival to Take Place July 8th through August 5th at Newark Museum of Art

52nd Newark Black Film Festival to Take Place July 8th through August 5th at Newark Museum of Art

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The 52nd Newark Black Film Festival takes place Wednesday from July 8 through August 5, 2026 at The Newark Museum of Art. There is a mix of films for adults and films for the entire family. Admission to the screenings is free, but reservations are required.
45th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will Take Place September 4th through October 4th

45th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will Take Place September 4th through October 4th

(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


Disney’s Lilo & Stitch A Sensory Friendly Movie Experience at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ


FREE SUMMER MOVIE! Lilo & Stitch

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 @ 10:30am
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


FREE SUMMER MOVIE! Lilo & Stitch

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 @ 6:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Free Summer Movie! Zootopia 2

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 @ 10:30am
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Free Summer Movie! Zootopia 2

Tuesday, July 21, 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