Experience the Magic: Top New Jersey Film Festivals to Attend
NJ Film festivals. Showcasing Independent, non-studio film makers including students, emerging film producers, and film buffs.
New Jersey hosts a number of film festivals throughout the year, allowing filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts to come together and showcase their love for cinema. These film festivals range from events focused on independent cinema to those concentrating on specific genres, catering to a diverse group of audience.
They are are themed and cover a wide range of creative arts on Super 8mm/8mm film, Digital video, and 8mm video formats on a variety of themes including: educational, cultural, documentary, non-mainstream, spiritual, animation, music video, local, national, and international.
2025 New Jersey Film Festivals
Annual New Jersey Jewish Film Festival
March 20 - April 6, 2025
New Jersey Jewish Film Festival
760 Northfield Ave
West Orange, NJ
The New Jersey Jewish Film Festival presents a wide range of exceptional films of Jewish interest (i.e., films with Jewish themes or content and/or films made by Jewish and Israeli filmmakers).
Annual Princeton Environmental Film Festival
April 4-13, 2025
Princeton Public Library
Princeton, NJ
The mission is to share exceptional documentary films and engage our community in exploring environmental sustainability from a wide range of angles and perspectives. Most of our screenings are accompanied by a Q&A with film directors and producers, as well as other talks by invited speakers who visit for the festival or live here in our local community.
Submission deadline is January 17, 2025.
Hybrid ReelAbilities Film Festival
April 3, 4, 5, 2025
Kean University North Avenue Academic Building Auditorium
1000 Morris Ave. (at the corner of North Ave.)
Union, New Jersey
Event Cost: $7 per screening
ReelAbilities authentically showcases disability experiences and talent both on screen and behind the camera through award-winning short and feature-length films. Films include captions and films with audio description are available. Each screening at Kean University includes disability-led discussions that foster community dialogue, challenge stereotypes and promote access — fulfilling ReelAbilities's mission of reframing disability through powerful storytelling.
Lighthouse International Film Festival
June 4 -8, 2025
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences
120 Long Beach Blvd
LBI, NJ
Experience a spectacular showcase of films curated from the world's top film festivals, including Sundance, SXSW, TIFF, and more. As the festival draws near, the excitement is palpable. Filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from around the globe gather on our 18 miles of Jersey Shore paradise to immerse themselves in cinematic artistry, entertainment, and stimulating conversation. Choose from an All Access Pass for entry to any film or party, a Films Only Pass for all film screenings, or individual tickets for a more flexible experience.
Annual The Golden Door International Film Festival
June 26-28, 2025
Nimbus Arts Center
329 Warren Street
Jersey City, NJ
This three-day film festival offers filmmakers, actors, and crew a prime opportunity to network with colleagues and showcase their work to the public in the heart of the indie filmmaking scene. Supported and attended by top industry influencers, distributors, and celebrities, GDIFF has also become a crucial platform for raising awareness about Autism and other disabilities through its innovative special needs panels and film platform.
The Newark Black Film Festival
July 16 - 20, 2025
Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ
The Newark Black Film Festival (NBFF)is one of the nation's defining voices on behalf of independent film. The festival is a showcase for films that focus on the experiences and concerns of contemporary African Americans, as well as an outlet for films about the African-American experience from earlier eras. Each film selection encompasses a wide range of cinematic forms and formulas, from documentary to the avant-garde.
The festival provides emerging filmmakers, writers, directors and producers with a high profile outlet for their work. In 2024, thwy will continue this legacy with exclusive screenings of films from the last three years, live in-person panel discussions with filmmakers, and throwback screenings of classics.
FilmOneFest
Saturday, July 19th, 2025: 5pm until 11pm (rain date July 21st)
Atlantic Highlands Marina
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Cost: Free
FilmOneFest takes place in a beautiful outdoor setting with the majestic Manhattan skyline as the backdrop. FilmOneFest (a production of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council) is the Jersey Shore's preeminent showcase for all forms of short films under two minutes in length. FilmOneFest also promotes local and international filmmaking through the use of new media and technology, educational activities and screenings, and supports its local food bank. The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers who include professional artists, educators, business leaders and community organizers. There will be Artist Vendors, Food Trucks, Live Music, 50/50 Raffle, and more
EB Indie Film Festival
Saturday, August 2, 2025; 12pm until 5pm
East Brunswick Community Art Center
721 Cranbury Rd,
East Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $10
The Annual EB Indie Film Festival showcases top 14 short films by young creatives globally.
Their goal is to provide a professional and educational space for young filmmakers to have the opportunity to connect and grow with one another.
Northeast Film Festival - Horror Fest
December 6, 2025
The Teaneck Cinemas
503 Cedar Ln.
Teaneck, NJ
The Northeast Film Festival Horror Fest showcases top independent films from celebrated filmmakers, as well as new talent. The diverse array of films, selected by a committee, includes features and shorts from the horror and thriller genres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
New Jersey Film Festivals
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What types of film festivals are held in New Jersey?
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What types of film festivals are held in New Jersey?
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New Jersey hosts a wide range of film festivals, from those celebrating independent cinema to events focused on specific genres like documentaries, animation, horror, or international films.
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Who are these festivals for?
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Who are these festivals for?
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The festivals cater to a diverse audience, including film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and casual viewers looking to explore unique storytelling and cinematic art.
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Do these festivals feature local filmmakers?
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Do these festivals feature local filmmakers?
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Yes, many festivals highlight the work of local filmmakers alongside national and international talent, offering a platform for emerging and established artists alike.
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Are there opportunities for audience interaction?
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Are there opportunities for audience interaction?
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Absolutely! Most festivals include Q&A sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions, and networking events for attendees to engage more deeply with the art and creators.
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When do these festivals typically take place?
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When do these festivals typically take place?
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Film festivals in New Jersey occur throughout the year, with a variety of themes and schedules to suit different tastes and interests.
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Can independent filmmakers submit their work?
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Can independent filmmakers submit their work?
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Yes, many festivals encourage submissions from independent filmmakers, often featuring juried competitions with awards for standout films.
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Are these events family-friendly?
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Are these events family-friendly?
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While some festivals are suitable for all ages, others focus on mature themes or niche genres. It’s best to check the specific festival’s programming for details.
