Lights, Camera, Celebration!

New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival Returns

March 27-30, 2025 | Asbury Park & Cranford, NJ

MEDIA REQUESTS Interested media who wish to interview Garden State Film Festival Executives, film talent, obtain screening reviews or industry entry please contact WORKHOUSE, CEO Adam Nelson via email nelson@workhousepr.com or telephone +1 212.645.8006

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📷 Instagram: @GardenStateFilmFestival
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🐦 Twitter: @GardenStateFilm
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About the Garden State Film Festival 2025 (GSFF)

The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) is New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival, a globally recognized celebration of cinematic excellence. As it enters its 23rd year, GSFF continues to honor New Jersey’s rich legacy as the birthplace of film while serving as a vital platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles alike. With over 200 films from 16 countries showcased across 9 venues, this four-day festival offers an unparalleled cinematic experience filled with screenings, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exclusive events.

LISTINGS AT A GLANCE

Key Highlights:

• Over 200 films from around the world.
• 49 events, +40 live podcasts over 9 venues across Asbury Park, Monmouth County & Cranford, Union County, NJ.
• Filmmaker networking, live podcasts, industry panels.
• Celebrity appearances and special events.
• Exclusive after-parties and celebrations.

Festival Schedule Overview & Events

Meet the Filmmaker Night |Festival Preview Event

• Thursday, March 27 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Asbury Lanes
• After-Party: The Soundbooth Bar, The Asbury Hotel

Preview event gives guests a sneak peek at the Festival’s line-up of films and special events. Get ready to work the room for your next gig! A cocktail reception prior to the screening includes cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Guests view a selection of trailers of the upcoming films and promos of the line-up including special events.

After party to follow in the Soundbooth Bar @ The Asbury Hotel lobby. This not to be missed event is open to the public. Advanced registration is required. Email hospitality@gsff.org with your RSVP.

Gala Opening Ceremonies & Feature Film

Kick off the festival in cinematic style with our spectacular Opening Ceremonies, featuring red carpet moments, special guests, and a highly anticipated feature film. The night concludes with an exclusive after-party at The Asbury Hotel’s Soundbooth Bar.

• Friday, March 28 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Asbury Lanes
• Feature Film: The Ballad of a Hustler (8:30 PM - 10:30 PM)
• After-Party: The Soundbooth Bar, The Asbury Hotel

Feature Film Spotlight: The Ballad of a Hustler

Friday, March 28 | 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM | Asbury Lanes
An award-winning drama starring Robin Lord Taylor, following an ex-convict’s desperate search through the underworld of illegal immigration to find his missing ex-fiancée. Filmmaker Talk Back session to follow. Advanced registration is required. Email hospitality@gsff.org with your RSVP.

Festival Programming

Feature Films

Experience an electrifying lineup of gripping dramas, pulse-pounding thrillers, visionary indies, and international masterpieces.

Short Films

A curated selection of thought-provoking dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, innovative animations, and bold indie shorts.

NJ Student Short Film Competitions

A platform for emerging filmmakers, featuring categories such as:

• NJ Hometown Documentary Series (Sponsored by NJSBA) – $500 prize for the winning school.
• Home Grown High School Short & Animation Short (Great Mustachio Filmworks & All Love Productions) – $250 prize

High School Film Blocks:

• AL3 Saturday, March 29 | 9:30 AM - 11:45 AM | Asbury Lanes
• AL8 Sunday, March 30 | 9:30 AM - 11:45 AM | Asbury Lanes

Exclusive Events & Networking Opportunities

Thursday, March 27 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Asbury Lanes

Meet the Filmmakers + Festival Preview Event

• A sneak peek at the GSFF 2025 lineup with exclusive film trailers.

Friday, March 28 | 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM | Asbury Lanes

Cocktail Gala + Opening Ceremonies

• Red carpet, cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and the premiere screening of The Ballad of a Hustler.

Saturday, March 29 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Porta, Asbury Park

Filmmaker Breakfast & Panel Discussion

• Setting The Stage: New Jersey’s Path from the Birthplace of Film to Global Production Hub.

Saturday, March 29 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Seashore, Asbury Park Boardwalk [Grand Arcade at Asbury Park's Convention Hall]

GSFF Happy Hour

• A premier networking opportunity for filmmakers and patrons.

Saturday, March 29 | 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM | Shoreline Social Club & Grille, Berkeley Hotel

GSFF Karaoke Party

• An evening of music and fun with DJ CC.

Sunday, March 30 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Berkeley Hotel, Oval Room 2nd Fl

Winning Screenplay Competition Table Read

• Featuring Fragments of Solace by University of the Arts BFA graduate Fatou Fay.

Sunday, March 30 | 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM | Asbury Lanes

Awards Banquet | Black Tie Optional

• Honoring the year’s best films and high-profile honorees.
• 2025 Honorees-Honorary Chair, Cinelease Studios General Manager Gannon Murphy
• Legends Behind the Lens Award, Mr. William “Dusty” Klatt, President of the IATSE Local 52
• Rising Star Award, Ruby Wylder Rivera Modine
• Educator of the Year, Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D., President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges
• Broader Vision Award, Rutgers University’s Immersive Learning through Science Storytelling Lab

Join the Celebration!

The Garden State Film Festival is more than a film festival—it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Be part of the excitement and experience cinematic magic at GSFF 2025.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Visit www.gsff.org for tickets, event schedules, and festival updates.

Why Attend?

• Unparalleled Access to Filmmakers – Engage in Q&A sessions and network with industry professionals.
• Diverse Selection of Films – Features include dramas, comedies, documentaries, shorts, student films, and more.
• Exclusive Events – Red carpet gala, screenplay reading, workshops, and industry panels.
• Support Independent Cinema – Every ticket purchase helps emerging and established filmmakers continue to create.
• Neuroinclusive Programming – Our Voices of Neurodiversity in Cinema category uplifts neurodivergent filmmakers.
• Commitment to Accessibility & Inclusive Film Experiences – GSFF is dedicated to ensuring that cinema is for everyone. Our accessibility initiatives include ADA-compliant venues, free admittance for individuals using mobility aids and their aides, film blocks with subtitles for those who need them, and Cinema for the Ears, a program designed for individuals who with no or have low vision. Additionally, GSFF brings independent films to senior facilities and prioritizes accessibility in its website design to serve a diverse audience.
• Military and Student Film Showcases – Celebrating filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, including those in service.

#LightsCameraCelebration #GSFF2025 #NJFilmFestival #IndependentCinema #FilmLoversUnite

QUESTIONS?
lauren@gsff.org