New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival will roll out the red carpet to celebrate 20 years and returns live this year bigger and better than ever. Following 2020’s virtual and 2021’s successful hybrid events, this year returns to in person screenings and events. Running In person March 23 – 27 in Cranford and Asbury Park, NJ, followed by a week of Virtual Access March 28-April 3, 2022. Screening this year are more than 200 films from 17 countries, hosting parties, professional panels, events, special honors and more. 

Asked to reflect on the past 20 years and the festival’s exciting growth, Founder of the Festival, Diane Raver shared “The show must go on! Every year the GSFF, a nonprofit organization, pays tribute to Thomas Edison’s legacy and the state of New Jersey as the birthplace of the American filmmaking industry. It was right here in Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park, NJ, laboratories where he invented the first film cameras and projectors”. 

The GSFF 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. “We’re so excited to be back with a full, live festival, operating safely of course,” said Lauren Concar Sheehy, Executive Director of the Festival. “And we look forward to continuing to provide a platform to showcase filmmakers and directors from all walks of life and we are thrilled to give people the total festival experience. An added bonus this year is the Festival will also run virtually from March 28 thru April 3rd.”

First to walk the Festival’s red carpet will be NJ’s First Lady, Tammy Murphy who is the Honorary Chair of the event.  Tammy Snyder Murphy, wife of New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy congratulates the many creative minds and talents of the Garden State and beyond.  Mrs. Murphy has been dedicated to improving the quality of life globally and here in New Jersey.  The Garden State Film Festival is very honored to have an Honorary Chair who works so diligently to support the arts and make New Jersey a better place to live.

Other honorees Include this years Educator of the Year, Louis Libitz. Louis Libitz is a filmmaker and an educator. Working in experimental, narrative and documentary styles, his video works have been exhibited in festivals/galleries nationally and internationally.

*story and image from www.newjerseystage.com

*go to www.gsff.org for all the information for this event.