We have been doing film series events at the Brightside Tavern and decided to turn it into a festival. Filmmakers Chris J. Cullen and Chris Capaci have come together to create this 20th season event, which now runs twice a year. We will be celebrating the short film in many different categories on two screens with a fun award show at the end of the night. We wanted to make a small shorts fest in Jersey City at a great venue where people can meet up, screen their films and celebrate their work as well as making it affordable. We are known as a big networking event where many people meet up and end up working together as they return the next year with a new film and new friends. We now have a much bigger event with more days. We are in Jersey City and would love to have a number of NJ and NY filmmakers to join us for this special day as well as filmmakers from all over the world We made the fees affordable for everyone and we have a great venue for the short films. This season we are celebrating the student filmmaker with special screenings and awards the day before as well as having some new things planned as we grow.

Awards & Prizes

We will have awards for different short film categories as well as other surprises.
Best Short Film
Best Comedy Short
Best Horror/Thriller
Best actress in a short drama
Best actor drama
Best actress in comedy short
Best actor in a comedy
Best Director
Best NJ Short film
Best Student Film
Best short script-not produced
Best Cinematography
and more additional awards for student film night

Rules & Terms

The entry fee is different in each category. Submissions that are in other languages should have subtitles or dubbed in English. We prefer online submissions but if you need to mail it to us send us an email first.
For filmmakers since it is a small venue with limited seating we will give two free passes to your films block.
No refunds on submission fees once completely submitted and in the judging process.
141 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brian Hession

    The Brightside film festival was wonderful! Friendly casual welcoming atmosphere. Great audience reception to our film. Definitely going again!!

    August 2024
    Helpful
  • Eddie Portoghese

    The Brightside Film Festival is a wonderful festival. Their communication is top notch. You have time to network and mingle with fellow filmmakers. Great value for the money. If you are looking for a smaller intimate east coast festival then Brightside is for you.

    August 2024
    Helpful
  • Mark Montalbano

    Once again, Chris and CJ host an incredible film festival at a wonderful venue with an abundance of great independent films. Over the years, they've really cultivated a family atmosphere at Brightside. I love seeing and catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones. Also always great seeing Tommy, the proprietor of The Brightside Tavern, a character in his own right.

    Keep doing what you're doing boys, the independent film industry greatly appreciates it!

    August 2024
    Helpful
  • Parker Croft

    We had an exceptional experience with the Brightside Film Festival. Despite being unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, we deeply appreciated the festival's kindness and support. If we are fortunate enough to have our next film selected, we look forward to attending in person.

    August 2024
    Helpful
  • Jack Fanburg

    This was a great time all around.

    August 2024
    Helpful