Asbury Park, NJ - Calling all filmmakers, screenwriters, composers, and creative rebels! This is not a drill-the Garden State Film Festival (GSFF), New Jersey's Premier Independent Film Festival® is rolling out the red carpet just for YOU. Think your film has what it takes to dazzle audiences and win over critics? Well, there’s only one way to find out: SUBMIT!

With our Final Submission Deadline looming on November 1, 2024, this is your last shot to join New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival®, happening March 27–30, 2025. Whether your project is a mesmerizing short film, a spine-chilling feature, a heart-pounding screenplay, or a catchy musical score-we want to see it!

To top it all off, here is a nifty 15% off code: 15GSFF2025

Why Submit?
Because mediocrity is for yesterday, and the Garden State Film Festival is all about showcasing creativity that defies expectations. And if you need more convincing (really?!), here’s what awaits you:

Get Your Film on the Big Screen!
Your work will be showcased in front of a live audience-featuring everyone from local cinephiles and journalists to big-name distributors, producers and agents scouting for the next big thing. Not to mention, a chance to win one of our coveted awards!

Networking That’s Not Boring
Imagine swapping ideas and business cards at a chic Asbury Park cocktail mixer or an exclusive panel session. Our festival is packed with industry insiders, visionary directors, and actors who are just dying to meet you. Future collaborations, anyone?

Promotion, Promotion, Promotion!
When we say we support our filmmakers, we mean it. From being featured in our festival guide and website to shoutouts on podcasts, social media and mentions in our press releases—we’ll shine the spotlight on you. Your film will be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Learn from the Best
Get inspired at our educational panels and Q&A sessions featuring experts on everything from the art of storytelling to the latest cinematic tech. You’ll walk away with practical skills, new ideas, and maybe even a surprise mentor or two.

The Time of Your Life!
It’s not just about films; it’s about fun. The GSFF takes place in the iconic cities of Asbury Park and Downtown Cranford—home to beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best networking spots around. We’ll see you on the boardwalk!

How to Submit? It’s a Piece of Cake (Seriously)!
Head over to FilmFreeway, create your account, and upload your film, screenplay, or music. Make sure it’s sparkling like the star you are before you hit “submit”-but hurry! The clock is ticking! Final Deadline: November 1, 2024.

“The Garden State Film Festival is all about creating a space where artists can truly shine,” said GSFF Executive Director. “We want to see bold ideas, hear untold stories, and experience your creativity in every frame. So don’t let your project gather dust on a shelf—submit it today and join us in celebrating the magic of independent cinema!”

About the Garden State Film Festival
Founded in 2002, the Garden State Film Festival has grown into New Jersey’s largest and most prestigious independent film festival, showcasing diverse voices and talent from around the world. With a mission to elevate storytelling through film, the GSFF serves as a platform for creative minds to connect, learn, and transform the industry. Held annually in Asbury Park and Downtown Cranford, GSFF provides a unique experience filled with networking opportunities, educational programming, and world-class screenings.

Ready to be Discovered?
You’ve got the talent—now it’s time to show it off. Submit your project before November 1, 2024, and join us for a weekend of glamour, grit, and groundbreaking cinema. Visit www.gsff.org for more details and let’s make film history together!

For media inquiries, please contact:
Lauren Concar Sheehy
New Jersey's Premier Independent Film Festival®
Garden State Film Festival
[email protected]
848.863.9881

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"For over 22 years, the Garden State Film Festival has been showcasing New Jersey talent and bringing outstanding talent to New Jersey from around the world." - Executive Director Lauren Concar.

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THE GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL is New Jersey's Premier Independent Film Festival®. Now in its 23rd year, the GSFF, a 501-c-3non- 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 [email protected],
facebook.com/GardenStateFilmFestival,
twitter.com/GardenStateFilm and
instagram.com/gardenstatefilmfestival

SAVE THE DATE!

March 27 - 30, 2025

The Garden State Film Festival Returns

We hope you will join us and support our efforts in the State of New Jersey to use the cinematic arts not only to bring the best in a cultural event to our state, but to support our outreach programs throughout the entire state and throughout the year to seniors, underserved youth and our military among others.