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Garden State Film Festival: AL6 (Champion Chronicles: Defying The Odds; Stronger Than You Think)

Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 2:30pm



Asbury Lanes
209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Champion Chronicles: Defying The Odds - Overcoming the Odds Wagner was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a condition where the umbilical cord gets wrapped around a limb of a developing fetus, causing it to be underdeveloped. Yet, from a young age, Wagner refused to let his condition stop him. Growing up in Baker, Florida, Wagner fell in love with the game of football, playing on both sides of the ball. it wasn’t until middle school, when he started to play at running back that he showed he could really dominate on the gridiron. In a four-year varsity career at Baker High School, he rushed for over 5842 yards and 66 touchdowns. As a junior, he made national headlines by breaking the state of Florida’s high school single-game rushing record that was set by Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry in 2012, rushing for 535 yards in just 25 carries. Saluki Football Despite rushing for over 1900 yards as a junior and over 2000 yards in his senior year, he had one offer to play Divison One football at Southern Illinois University. In the documentary, Wagner talks about his amazing journey to Division One football and the life lessons he has learned along the way. Directed by Ryan Sahlin, Chris Delany (00:08:15) Asbury Park Premiere

Stronger Than You Think - Against all odds, Ali Truwit survived. 
Just days after her college graduation, a snorkeling trip turned into a nightmare when the accomplished collegiate swimmer was attacked by a shark. The brutal encounter would test every ounce of her strength and will to live. Against staggering odds, Ali survived — but her life was forever altered. The loss of her leg marked not just a physical transformation, but an emotional reckoning. Faced with unimaginable trauma, Ali made a powerful choice: to reclaim her story and use her experience to inspire others. Leaning on the values that had always guided her, she set her sights on a nearly unthinkable goal — earning a spot on the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team... just one year after the attack. This film follows her extraordinary journey: through the pain of recovery, the battle to return to the water, the triumph of making Team USA, and ultimately, rising to the podium in Paris. It’s a story of survival, strength, and a young woman’s unbreakable spirit — a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets purpose. Directed by Janice C Molinari, Melissa Forman (01:39:22) East Coast Premiere




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- From June 4 through October 15, 2026 (except for July 2), Classic American Tales (CAT) once more presents Tales at the Dormer House in which guests are treated to lemonade and tasty treats while listening to stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers. The schedule is 4:00pm every Thursday at the historic Dormer House Bed and Breakfast (800 Columbia Avenue) in Cape May, NJ. Performances are on the front porch, weather permitting.



2026-27

2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.



MPAC's

MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- From the versatility of Tony winner Darren Criss, the comedy of Abbott Elementary's Janelle James and the nostalgic hits of the Grateful Dead, ABBA and more, Mayo Performing Arts Center's summer lineup features a diverse set of performances and events.



Bradley

Bradley Beach presents 2026 Summer Jazz and Blues Series in Riley Park

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- The Borough of Bradley Beach presents its Summer Jazz and Blues Series for 2026 throughout July and August. Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a diverse lineup of world-class musical performances every Wednesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at beautiful Riley Park.



Cape

Cape May Stage presents "Kalamazoo"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Kalamazoo by Michelle Kholos Brooks and Kelly Younger from July 15 through August 23, 2026. When two cautious strangers meet later in life, polite conversation quickly takes flight — sparked by sharp wit and surprising confessions.












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