May 15, 2023 – Opening Date
June 1, 2023 – Early Deadline
September 1, 2023 – Regular Deadline
November 1, 2023 – Late Deadline
February 1, 2024 – Notification Date
March 21-24, 2024 – Event Date
STUDENT SUBMISSION: NJ HOMETOWN DOCUMENTARY SHORT
This category is reserved for works that are written, directed, and shot by New Jersey high school students. Films must focus on some aspect of their hometown, including topics like profiles of interesting persons, places, time periods or subjects related to the arts. This film submission category has been created to encourage young filmmakers’ creativity while instilling a sense of pride in their hometowns and state. Students are encouraged to submit entries either on their own or through their schools by Jan. 5, 2024, for the 2024 Garden State Film Festival.
To submit Create your account in Filmfreeway, upload your project and then submit it to the Garden State Film Festival via, https://filmfreeway.com/
Use Deadline Code: NJHOMETOWNDOC
Screenplay Competition
Sponsored By:
DEADLINES: November 1st – Deadline
The GSFF Screenplay Competition was instituted to recognize the importance of the writer as the foundation for a really great film. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on the winning screenplay, host a live stage reading by professional actors, and create an atmosphere conducive to industry professionals and investors attending and supporting your endeavors. (Please note: the descriptive part of the screenplay is edited for length of the reading, preserving the story.)
Rules- ** Entered screenplays must not have been previously optioned, sold, or produced. All screenplays should be registered with the WGA and/or a Library of Congress copyright.
This is the first competition of this kind in Film Festival History.
Submit any original movie music from an independent or other film, TV, Web Series and it will be judged by music professionals with awards in multiple categories.
Please upload the track/song of any original music (one entry/one track per upload please!) from any of the film categories (specify what category the film falls under -Documentary, Feature, Animation, etc.) – but do NOT send us the actual film.
This is a competition all about the music! We are looking for music that stands on its own.
Questions, please contact us at info@gsff.org or 877-908-7050. Do NOT contact Film Freeway Customer Support about this particular category. We are happy to answer any and all of your questions!
FINAL Deadline is November 1, 2023
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2023
Are YOU our 2024 GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL RISING STAR AWARD recipient?
GSFF is now accepting submissions for its 2024 Rising Star Award through FilmFreeway.
Calling all managers, agents, actors and friends of actors.
The Rising Star Award is open to all up and coming actors (any gender), regardless of age, union affiliation or residence.
Applicants are asked to open an account with FilmFreeway (it’s free) and create a project in FilmFreeway titled “[Applicant’s name] Rising Star”.
Then upload a head shot, reel, resume, and any other supporting information you would like the panel to consider. The submission is made under the Rising Star Award category in the Garden State Film Festival competition in that system. You will then proceed to checkout (there is a fee to apply).
Here is the link to Film Freeway
The candidate MUST be available to attend the Festival, March 21-24, 2024 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The winner will be honored at the Black-Tie Awards Banquet on Sunday March 24, 2024, and will be invited to attend/participate in various events, including the screenplay reading, as applicable.
Eligible candidates must have an undeniable passion for acting and we look for someone who has made inroads into the industry through hard work and determination. The committee will be looking for a progression of work in theater, commercials, television, and film. Past winners include Adam Mucci, Ronnie Marmo, Joe Sernio, Joey Russo, Quinn Shephard, Camrus Johnson, Ellie Lee Allison Strong and Ashley Platz.
Good Luck!
Questions? Please contact info@gsff.org
The Garden State Film Festival was born in 2002 after a chance encounter in a Sea Girt, New Jersey grocery store by film industry veteran Diane Raver and the well-known Hollywood actor Robert Pastorelli. Through their deep ties to Hollywood, Mr. Pastorelli and Ms. Raver were able to bring an all-encompassing event to the State of New Jersey. It premiered in 2003 and was immediately deemed a huge success.
Since that time, industry notables such as Glenn Close, Christopher Lloyd, Batman producer Michael Uslan, Austin Pendleton, Kurtwood Smith, James Gandolfini, Clarence Clemons, Bruce Springsteen, Lainie Kazan, Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, Bebe Neuwirth, Armand Asante, Sally Struthers and our biggest supporter Ed Asner as well as others have lent their support.
The artistic philosophy of the Garden State Film Festival is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and the creation of a forum where local and other independent filmmakers can exhibit their work. It was also created to pay tribute to New Jersey’s legacy as the birthplace of the American filmmaking industry in Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratories where he invented the first film cameras and projectors, to Fort Lee, where the original studios were founded. Our event provides novice and aspiring filmmakers, actors, and others interested in careers in the film business, the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals in an atmosphere conducive to learning and mentoring. Further, we are happy to present each spring in Asbury Park and to serve as an added engine for the city’s vitality through arts, commerce and culture.
Preview event gives guests a sneak peek at the Festival’s full 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 […]
Friday Night Cocktail Gala includes a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres kicks off the Garden State Film Festival weekend with the red-carpet premiere. Filmmaker Talk Back follows the screening with an after-party to top it all off!
Winning Feature Screenplay reading by celebrity and up-and coming actors. Past participants include Ed Asner, Armand Assante, Diane Ladd, Xander Berkeley, Pasquale, Chance Kelly, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Langston Fishburne, and Richard Kind, to name a few. FEATURE SCREENPLAY WINNER TBA
The Festival concludes with a Black-Tie (optional) Awards Banquet at The English Manor. Includes cocktails followed by a sit-down dinner, where we acknowledge this year’s best with presentations of awards to winning filmmakers and high-profile honorees in attendance. WE WILL SELL OUT SO DO NOT WAIT TO GET TICKETS!! TICKETS COMING SOON
*** ALL TICKETS ARE FINAL SALE NO REFUND – NO RETURNS ***
March 21, 2024 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Join us for light fare and Cash Bar followed by a selection of trailers of the weekends upcoming films. Make your choices on what to see and meet the folks who created these wonderful films.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
March 22, 2024 | 7:00pm-10:45pm
Our IN PERSON GALA RECEPTION kicks off the Garden State Film Festival weekend at the Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park with the red-carpet premiere film with special guests in attendance. Filmmaker talk back follows the screening.Gala Cocktail party includes one hour of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, celebrities and screening event.
March 24, 2024 | 6:30pm-10:30pm | English Manor, Ocean Township
ADVANCE SALE ONLY | LIMITED AVAILABILITY
You don’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate with us and thank everyone who shared their hard work with our audiences over the GSFF Festival events!
The best deal in town!Includes: Entry into the Meet the Filmmakers Preview Event, Friday Gala Reception, All Film Screening Events, and Panel Discussions | Must be purchased in advance *ONLINE ONLY* while supplies last.
*THIS COMBO DOES NOT INCLUDE THE AWARDS BANQUET*
March 23, 2024 | The pass entitles bearer to all regular film screenings on Saturday. The Screening Event tickets are available at the door and online.
March 24, 2024 | The pass entitles the bearer to all regular film screenings on Sunday. The Screening Event tickets are available at the door and online.
Purchase your individual film screening block tickets. Check out Films A-Z to view the schedule. The Film Screening Event tickets are available at the door and online.
Sunday, March 24, 2024 10:00am – 11:30am | Presented by: Project Write Now (https://projectwritenow.org/) |
The Winning Screenplay Competition Table Read is FREE with the suggested donation of the purchase of a screening block ticket $18 to be used over the GSFF weekend.
***ALL TICKETS ARE FINAL SALE NO REFUND-NO RETURNS****
Purchaser and/or bearer of ticket agrees that GSFF, its agents and licensees shall be held harmless in the event of technical difficulty and/or interruption for any or all reasons, whether or not the fault of GSFF. Purchaser and/or bearer of ticket agrees that GSFF’s “no refund” policy shall remain in effect.
All seating for film screenings is General Admission and seating is first come, first served.
The films being screened during the festival are unrated and may contain content that can be found offensive. Viewer discretion is advised.
Valid ID required for alcohol consumption.
