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The Screening Room at Hamilton Stage Student & Independent Film Showcase

Friday, October 23, 2026 @ 10:00am



Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065


This is a free event!

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This one’s all about the filmmakers! Submit your short film, music video, or documentary today for free. All genres are welcome, we want to see just how creative you can get.

Then, join us for The Screening Room at Hamilton Stage on October 23rd!

Students and indie filmmakers of all ages are encouraged to submit a film for screening by September 18th! There is no submission fee. Selections will be announced on October 5th.

Selected filmmakers will get to pack our 199-seat Hamilton Stage theater on October 23rd and get highlighted across UCPAC’s platforms! This is your chance to bring your creative work out into the world.

Tickets to the Hamilton Stage Screening Room will be free and available on a first-come, first-served basis on Screening Day, ensuring everyone has the chance to see your film.

Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and a cash bar will be available. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with our filmmakers and ask questions about their process, inspiration, and more.

Additionally, filmmakers will have the opportunity to hang out, chat about their films, and network at our Filmmakers Mixer on Screening Day.

From our roots as a 1928 movie palace to our I. Joseph Hyatt 35mm Classic Film Series and modern film sets in Film Ready Rahway, UCPAC is proud to support independent filmmakers and authentic, human-made art.

Admission: Free, thanks to support from the NJDEA A.R.T. Phase II Grant Program




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