Lights, Camera, Celebration!
New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival®
The Garden State Film Festival Returns March 27-30, 2025 —Get Your Tickets Now!
Asbury Park, NJ, February 18, 2025 – The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF), New Jersey’s premier celebration of independent cinema, promises an immersive showcase of films for its 23rd year. Honoring New Jersey’s rich legacy as the birthplace of film, GSFF serves as a dynamic platform where filmmakers, industry powerhouses, and passionate cinephiles converge for a disinguished cinematic experience.
From Thursday, March 27 through Sunday, March 30, the Garden State Film Festival brings the magic of cinema to Asbury Park and Cranford, transforming them into a dynamic hub for film lovers. In four days, you can enjoy over 200 films and film industry events from 16 countries across 9 venues. The festival offers an unforgettable experience filled with captivating screenings, insightful panel discussions, live podcasts, celebrity arrivals, networking opportunities, and so much more—making it a must-attend celebration of cinema.
GALA OPENING CEREMONIES & FEATURE FILM
Experience the magic of this Gala and the entire Garden State Film Festival! Kick off the festival in true cinematic style with the spectacular Opening Ceremonies—an electrifying event that sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration of storytelling. From red carpet moments to awe-inspiring films, this is where the magic begins. Don’t just attend—immerse yourself in an experience that will stay with you long after the final credits roll.
The evening will wrap up with an after-party, in the Soundbooth Bar @ The Asbury Hotel lobby making this an unmissable event! Advanced registration is required. Email hospitality@gsff.org with your RSVP.
The Ballad of a Hustler
AL2 | 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 28 | ASBURY LANES
In this award-winning drama, Jonathan (Robin Lord Taylor), newly released from prison, learns that his ex-fiancée has mysteriously vanished, leaving behind her 6-year-old son. In a desperate search to find her, Jonathan and the young boy delve into the dangerous realm of illegal immigration.
Following the screening, join us for a Filmmaker Talk Back session offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie.
FEATURE FILMS
Experience an electrifying lineup of gripping dramas, pulse-pounding thrillers, visionary indies, and international masterpieces
VIEW MORE FEATURE FILMS
SHORT FILMS
Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling with a dynamic selection of thought-provoking dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, innovative animations, and bold indie shorts
NJ STUDENT SHORT FILM COMPETITIONS
The Garden State Film Festival offers a diverse range of categories, celebrating filmmakers from all backgrounds. The NJ Hometown Documentary Series, is a category developed by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) in collaboration with GSFF, Artists Alike Studios, and the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission. To recognize outstanding student talent, the NJSBA awards a $500 prize to the school of the winning student film.
“The NJSBA is immensely proud to sponsor this category, fostering student engagement in the arts while highlighting the importance of a well-rounded education,” said Dr. Timothy Purnell, Executive Director and CEO of the New Jersey School Boards Association. “New Jersey’s student filmmakers continue to amaze us with their creativity and talent, which shine through in these outstanding films.”
Additionally, Great Mustachio Filmworks and All Love Productions are sponsoring $250 prizes for two standout films: Home Grown High School Short and Home Grown High School Animation Short.
The High School Film Blocks will take center stage at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, March 29 (AL3), and Sunday, March 30 (AL8) at 9:30 AM-11:45 AM.
SATURDAY HIGH SCHOOL LINE UP
WEEKEND EVENTS
Tickets and advanced registration required for all events.
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Thursday, March 27 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Asbury Lanes
Meet the Filmmakers + Festival Preview Event
In this exclusive first look at the Garden State Film Festival’s lineup, the evening will include a screening of selected trailers and promos of films to be showcased in the festival.
Friday, March 28 | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Asbury Lanes
Cocktail Gala + Opening Ceremonies
Kick off the Garden State Film Festival weekend with a cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a red-carpet premiere of The Ballad of a Hustler.
Saturday, March 29 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Porta, Asbury Park
Filmmaker Breakfast and 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
GSFF Happy Hour
Join us to celebrate the Garden State Film Festival’s talented filmmakers. Excellent networking event for our filmmakers and patrons.
Saturday, March 29 | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Shoreline Social Club & Grille, Berkeley Hotel
GSFF Karaoke Party
Kick off this special evening with the after party you do not want to miss. Grab your friends and sing your heart out with DJ CC.
Sunday, March 30 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Berkeley Hotel, Oval Room 2nd Fl
Winning Screenplay Competition Table Read
This year’s feature-length screenplay winner is 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
The Festival concludes with an elegant sit-down dinner where we acknowledge this year’s best with presentations of awards to winning filmmakers and high-profile honorees in attendance with Cinelease Studios General Manager Gannon Murphyserving as the Honorary Chair.
2025 HONOREES
Honorees include Mr. William “Dusty” Katt, President of IATSE Local 52recognized for the Legends Behind the Lens Award, Dr. Aaron Fitchner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges for Educator of the Year, Actor and Director Robert Davi for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Broader Vision Award for Film Making awarded to the Rutgers University Immersive Learning through Science Storytelling Lab.
This year’s Rising Star recipient is Ruby Wylder Rivera Modine!
Star-Studded Cinema! Celebrities Who Shine on the Big Screen! 
This year’s star-studded lineup also features acclaimed talents including Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), Mindy Sterling (Austin Powers), Creed Bratton (The Office), Kim Coles (Living Single), Scott Cohen (Gilmore Girls), Raymond Cruz(Breaking Bad), Mena Suvari (American Beauty), Jaime King (Heart of Dixie), and Peter Friedman (Succession), Matthew Modine (Stranger Things), Rosanna Arquette (Pulp Fiction), Kelly Jenrette (The Handmaid’s Tale), Raymond Cruz(Breaking Bad), Peter Greene (Pulp Fiction), Julia Ormond (Legends of the Fall), Siobhan Fallon Hogan (Shelter in Solitude), Eric Roberts (Runaway Train), Mena Suvari (American Beauty), Julius “Dr. J” Erving (ABA & NBA Player), Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull) and more stellar talent.
“The action-packed GSFF has something for everyone! Come one, come all—it only happens once a year, and you won’t want to miss it,” says founder Diane Raver.
The Garden State Film Festival offers a variety of ticket packages, from single screenings to the comprehensive $105 Parkway Pass which includes the Meet the Film Makers event, Gala Reception, unlimited screenings of all films. Other ticketed events include the Friday Gala Cocktail Party and Screening and Sunday Awards Dinner. Ticket details and prices can be found at gsff.org/tickets.
** Advanced registration is required.
“Join us in lighting up New Jersey with the magic of cinema. Every ticket and donation not only fuels a dazzling cultural event but also powers year-round outreach for seniors, underserved youth, and our military heroes. Your support makes all the difference.” – Executive Director, Lauren Concar Sheehy.
THE GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL is New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival®. Now in its 23rd year, the GSFF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a global destination festival that stimulates economic growth in New Jersey through the arts. It also promotes student creativity, makes the arts accessible to underserved populations and preserves heritage arts.
For more information visit info@gsff.org
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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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