Mark your calendar. The Eighth Annual Garden State Film Festival is rolling into Asbury Park March 25th -28th. If you’re not familiar with the event, the Festival showcases independent films, shorts, animations, music videos and documentaries from aspiring and accomplished filmmakers and actors from around the world. It also features a category for Jersey artists, called Home Grown.
“New Jersey, not Hollywood, was the actual birthplace of the filmmaking industry,” says Executive Director/Founder Diane Raver. “We are proud to refocus New Jersey as a location for artists and the industry to practice their craft.”
The festival has become one of the most respected events in New Jersey and in the film industry, because of its high standards and on-going outreach programs, that include networking for artists and sponsors.
“Throughout the year, we arrange screenings in schools, eldercare facilities, and veterans hospitals,” Raver continued. “We also regularly send our most popular films to our armed forces overseas. We also adopt a charity each year, to help raise funds and awareness for their cause. This year we are working with the National Lyme Disease Association to fund research, care and diagnosis of this condition. Our Thursday night pre-opening will feature the film “Under Our Skin” on this topic with a portion of the proceeds will go to Lyme Disease Association.”
In addition to watching movies, visitors may join in discussions with film makers, bring headshots for casting calls, attend seminars, meet celebrities and party Hollywood-style at the many events that fill the weekend. The official Friday night gala delivers the Hollywood feel with floodlights, photographers, a lively cocktail party with a full buffet, the opening night screenings and an after party.
Click here to purchase tickets. For just $45, you can buy an all access weekend pass that gets you into all activities, except for the concluding awards dinner. For more information, visit www.gsff.org.