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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.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(RED BANK, NJ) -- You ever seen a... screening of the greatest comedy to ever hit the skies? Well surely you’ve seen Airplane! — but not like this! Count Basie Center for the Arts has clearance, Clarence, to show the beloved comedy classic, Airplane! on the BIG screen joined live by two stars of the film! The event takes place Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7:30pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Shorts Program #1 – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 5PM!

Sunday, September 06, 2026 @ 5:00pm
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ


Love New York – Online for 24 Hours!

Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 12:00am
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ


The Fright Stuff & Help Me – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 7PM!

Saturday, September 12, 2026 @ 7:00pm
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ


Imprinted – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 5PM!

Sunday, September 13, 2026 @ 5:00pm
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ


Sunday Film Series – The Phantom of the Opera (1925)

Sunday, September 13, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


 

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