Photo by Rebecca J Michelson

(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) -- Lighthouse International Film Festival (LIFF) announced Jason Alexander as the keynote speaker for the festival's 17th year running from June 4-8, 2025 on Long Beach Island. The festival will screen a special 25th anniversary screening of Jason Alexander's film Just Looking with a Q&A to follow on Friday, June 6th and will have an intimate conversation with the actor discussing filmmaking and his storied career on Saturday, June 7th.

“I am honored and flattered that the Lighthouse International Film Festival has chosen to honor the glorious little film I made nearly 25 years ago,” said Jason Alexander. “Most artists make things not for dreams of profit but out of passion and inspiration. I hope this film and this festival will inspire and nurture the passions of our next generation of storytellers and filmmakers.”

Just Looking is a 1999 American comedy-drama directed by Jason Alexander that follows sex-obssessed Lenny, who is finishing 8th grade in 1955 Bronx and aims to see "the act of love" that summer at his aunt's in Queens where he makes friends, meets cute nurse Hedy, and learns a few things.

“As we enter our 17th year of the festival, we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome New Jersey legend Jason Alexander as our keynote speaker in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of his hilarious and moving film Just Looking,” said Christine Rooney, LIFF Executive Director. “We know filmmakers and attendees alike will be thrilled to learn from his incredible experiences as a director, producer, writer and actor both on screen and on stage at his keynote presentation."

In addition to extraordinary screenings of hot new films from Sundance, SXSW, Toronto, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, etc., LIFF also offers engaging panels, masterclasses, and networking events. Elevating the festival experience, LBI's epic beach and bayside catered parties make for a weekend of fun, uniting filmmakers from the United States and around the world.

Located in close proximity to NYC and Philadelphia, LIFF is an ideal destination for both filmmakers and film lovers alike.

Filmmakers who have attended the festival over the years include Academy Award winners Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar, and Guy Nattiv; Oscar nominees Nisha Pahuja, Tomer Shushan, Jean de Meuron, Joan Stein Schimke, and Raphaela Neihausen; critically acclaimed filmmakers Niels Arden Oplev, Ondi Timoner, Nanfu Wang, Kelly O'Sullivan, Ellie Fiombi, Jack Sholder, Keith Maitland, Sonia Kennebeck, and Lynne Sachs; producers Meredith Kaulfers, Dan O'Meara, Chester Algernal Gordon, Lee Broda, and Jonathan Duffy; programmers Thom Powers, Meira Blaustein, and Dan Sullivan; international critics Nathalie Chifflet and Wilfred Okiche; as well as film scholars and industry executives.

Festival passes are on sale now at https://www.lighthouseff.com/buy-tickets-passes.

Lighthouse International Film Festival’s (LIFF) vision has always been and continues to be to illuminate the universality of the human experience and thereby bridge the world’s cultures, through film. Driven by the belief in the values of inclusion, diversity and equity for 17 years, LIFF has consistently programmed films that are daring, courageous, and present a multicultural view of the world and the crucial issues facing us today. LIFF’s goal is to be accessible to exciting new talents and voices, seeking to discover hidden gems and programming that is dynamic and engaging.