Garden State Film Festival

The globally recognized Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) is New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival, enriching our state with robust year-round programming. The festival 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.

The GSFF's artistic philosophy is rooted in celebrating the independent film genre and creating a forum where local and other independent filmmakers can exhibit their work. It was created to pay tribute to New Jersey’s legacy as the birthplace of the American filmmaking industry.

Since its inception, industry notables such as Glenn Close, Laura Dern, Matthew Modine, Christopher Lloyd, James Gandolfini, Clarence Clemons, Bruce Springsteen, Chaz Bono, Bebe Neuwirth, Alec Baldwin, and our biggest supporter, the late Ed Asner, as well as others, have lent their support.