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.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here




EVENT PREVIEWS

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- In its first public screening since premiering on PBS stations earlier this year, Kevin McLaughlin's Riot: From Rebellion to Redemption will show the Director's Cut at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 7:30pm. The special edition contains 23 minutes of compelling material not included in the broadcast version, followed by a live conversation with the people behind the film.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


1776 - The Classic Movie Musical

Friday, July 03, 2026 @ 7:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


FREE SUMMER MOVIE! A Minecraft Movie

Tuesday, July 07, 2026 @ 10:30am
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


FREE SUMMER MOVIE! A Minecraft Movie

Tuesday, July 07, 2026 @ 6:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ


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)
Rahway, NJ


FREE SUMMER MOVIE! Lilo & Stitch

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



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info