(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Fresh off multiple festival wins across the country, the critically acclaimed, Alaskan sci-fi drama The Ladder will have its East Coast premiere this Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Golden Door International Film Festival in Jersey City. Writer-director Emilio Miguel Torres in attendance.

The screening marks a homecoming of sorts: Torres, a 2021 NYU Tisch graduate who was raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, assembled an almost entirely NYU alumni crew to shoot the film, including producer Alexandria Hellman, cinematographer Toby Romero, and many other emerging NYU-alum filmmakers, who traveled to Alaska for three weeks of principal photography in fall 2023.

The Ladder tells the story of an aging Alaskan fisherman grieving his late wife who considers a mysterious biotechnology procedure promising a fresh start. The film addresses timely themes around artificial intelligence and biotechnology, expanding on the premises of the original award-winning short film of the same name, which streams on Alaska Airlines' in-flight entertainment. The 103-minute film stars authentic local actors from Torres' hometown community theater, creating an uncommonly genuine portrayal of small-town Alaska.

"This movie was made with heart, grit, and a deep belief in telling stories that bring communities and families together," said Torres. "Whether you're from a big city or a tiny Alaskan town, we all understand family, loss, and second chances."

The screening takes place Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Nimbus Arts Center (329 Warren Street) in Jersey City from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online.

The film has been on an eventful festival run since its world premiere at Fargo Film Festival earlier this year. Recent wins include a Copper Wing Award at the Phoenix Film Festival, the Platinum Remi Award for Best First Feature Film at WorldFest Houston, and Best Sci-Fi Film at Origins Film Festival in Columbus, OH, among other festival jury wins.

Upcoming screenings include CineFestival San Antonio (July 10), Wyoming International Film Festival (July 12), and the film's Washington state premiere at West Sound Film Festival (August 2).

The 14th Annual Golden Door International Film Festival takes place in Jersey City from June 26-28, 2025. You can see the film lineup, schedule, digital e-program guide at goldendoorfilmfestival.org.