Garden State Film Festival: BC26 (6 films)

Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 2:30pm

Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

Screenings take place in the Continental Ballroom 

Blue Evening - A homeless addict in Los Angeles stumble upon a lost masterpiece in a thrift store, setting him on a desperate journey of redemption, survival, and self discovery as he fights to reclaim his life before the painting slips through his fingers. Directed by Jett Jansen Fernandez (00:39:57) East Coast Premiere

History with Hanlon and Arnone: Laird's Distillery - In this web series, join Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone as they explore some of the most iconic and surprising historic sites across Monmouth County, New Jersey — from the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park to the barns of Longstreet Farm, the barrels of Laird & Company Distillery, and the storied tracks of Monmouth Park. History with Hanlon and Arnone blends lighthearted banter with local pride, uncovering fascinating stories that connect Monmouth County’s past to its present. Designed to be fun, fast-paced, and a little cheeky, each short episode offers viewers a fresh and entertaining look at the people, places, and traditions that make Monmouth County unique. In this episode, we visit Laird & Company, the oldest distillery in the country, right in Colts Neck, New Jersey. Directed by Adam Worth (00:03:31) World Premiere

Hit Me - A retired boxer seeks to mend his relationship with his estranged daughter, who’s following in his footsteps by becoming a fighter. The catch: she’ll only accept him as her trainer if he defeats her in the ring. Directed by Antonello Velez (00:18:40) Asbury Park Premiere

The Mix - Audio engineer Becca desperately tries to convince unhinged podcast host Sean Palermo to cancel his provocative live episode featuring a controversial guest, which sparks disturbing online rhetoric and escalating violence outside their studio. "The 2020's equivalent to Sideny Lumet's Network. Like that classic, La Morte's film is brutally honest, sharply written and makes audiences think about entertainment in provocative ways." - Film Threat (00:17:00) New Jersey Premiere

Rebirth - Driven by a crushing alternative metal anthem, this chilling descent explores identity, ego death, and rebirth. Directed by Andy Jean Louis, Director of Photography - Mariano Flores, Editor - Mariano Flores, Lighting - Toon de Melker, PA: Imtiaz Haque (00:03:26) Asbury Park Premiere

Two Wolves - Inspired by the Cherokee parable, Two Wolves follows two sisters, Val and Claudia, whose lives diverge in profoundly different directions despite growing up together — same home, same circumstances, same lineage. One waits for execution on death row; the other stands before a crowd, honored for her achievements. One is haunted by the past; the other transforms it into fuel for growth and transcendence. Directed by Gabriela Tollman, Two Wolves is intimate, emotional, and visually bold — a meditation on fate, survival, and the internal war between the darkness we inherit and the light we strive to create. Featuring powerful performances by Paola Núñez and María Elena Laas. Directed by Gabriela Tollman (00:06:44) New Jersey Premiere