"A Top International Film Festival Where Indie Filmmakers Get To Walk Through The Golden Door and On To The Red Carpet!"

Founded by - President Bill Sorvino & Michele Sorvino

***MovieMaker Magazine's Named, "Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee."***

**Twice Named "#1 Film Festival in New Jersey" by NJ Stage Magazine.**

*A Grand Jury Board of Executives Comprised of Today's Top Industry Creatives Including*

Christian Keiber - Festival CEO/Vice President, Member of "The Players" NYC since 1991, & Starring in (Charmed, Blue Bloods, Gotham, Homeland, Trust Me, I'm A Lifeguard)

Kerry McGann - Festival Producer & Starring in (Blue Bloods, The Sinner, American Horror Stories, One Royal Holiday, Banshee!!!)

Steve Conte - Music Video Judge & Singer/Guitarist (New York Dolls, Michael Monroe, Cowboy Bebop, Steve Conte NYC)

Bryce C. Campbell - Oscar Winning Distributor & Founder of Creative Alley Pictures (No Country for Old Men, Spotlight, The Queen, Day of the Fight, Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie)

Joseph Santandrea - MBA & Dell Technology Strategic Marketer with Over 20 Years of Start-up/Fortune 50 Expertise.

Now in its 15th year, this Three-Day International Film Festival/Red Carpet Gala Event Shares with its Attendees the Highest Opportunity for Filmmakers, Actors, Screenwriters, Crews, & Fans to Network, Inspire, Support, & Celebrate with the Top Celebrity Professionals of the Indie Filmmaking Community.

Please see our: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter X, for Extra Info, Tickets, Photos & Schedule of Events .

*Dress Code for All Red Carpet Gala Events: "Smart Festival Chic" (No Flipflops, No Shorts, No Exceptions)*

**Behavioral Code for All Our Festival Venues: (Any Individual Deemed Intoxicated or Causing a Disturbance will be Promptly Removed, Their Pass/Ticket Revoked with No Refund, and will be Subjected to Prosecution to the Full Extent of the Law)**

***Red Carpet Sponsors Include: Tito's Handcrafted Vodka, NJ Beer Co., Rectified Bourbon, Regal Wine Imports, La' Furlan Prosecco, Alessio's Italian Cafe***

Rules & Terms

New Jersey premieres only. If the film has screened in New Jersey prior to GDIFF your film may removed from the program even if accepted. Special exceptions may apply.
The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered
If film is accepted, the point of contact as found on the FilmFreeway submission must respond to all requested items by stated deadlines or risk being removed from the festival program.
Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.

128 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Maureen Van Trease

    We are so grateful that Welcome to Belle View was chosen for Golden Door's 15th year. Thank yo for giving us our New Jersey premiere. The Networking and hospitality was top notch. It was a thrill to get to speak about this film at the talkback. Thank you so much for honoring us with 3 nominations for Short Film, Actress and Actor as well.

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Roxanna Lewis

    It was an absolute honor to screen RUN WILD and MANDY’S VOICE at GDIFF <3 Thank you for your belief and support in these stories; it means the world to us! It is with much gratitude to Bill and Michelle, Christian, Kerry, Bryce, Wendy, Amy and Nate along with all of the volunteers who made it happen behind the scenes – an absolutely phenomenal event! From the thoughtful and clear communication throughout, the fun red carpet party, and to the heart of the festival - meaningful, fabulous films curated beautifully from all over the world! Looking forward to submitting again.

    July 2026
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  • Marco Jo Clate

    Screening CAHILL’s LANES at Golden Door was a joy. It was well organized, great communication, and a kind and connective community of filmmakers. We were thrilled and honored that our lead brought home the best actress award. Will definitely submit in the future!

    July 2026
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  • Joshua Trett

    One of the friendliest festivals I've been to. Everyone from the hosts to the other filmmakers was incredibly welcoming. I flew from the UK to attend so it made my trip that much more worth it. Great selection of films and even some tasty food and drink.

    July 2026
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  • Linda Collins

    It was an honor to have been selected to screen our film SILENT HARMONY at the GDIFF. The Festival is run by professionals and for professionals. With great quality films, and lovely and fun receptions, GDIFF is a warm and inviting Festival. Thank you GDIFF for a wonderful experience!

    June 2026
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