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 21st 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.

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

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michael George

    Everything about this festival is on the... bright side. Very quaint little atmosphere. Will submit in the future.

    May 2025
  • Squeaky Wheel Entertainment

    We were so pleased to have our short film Method & Madness play at this Jersey City festival! The Brightside Tavern offers a friendly and casual atmosphere, and the festival celebrates a diversity of films from all over! We were honored to receive 4 nominations, and an Award for Best Director for a medium short film. Thank you, Brightside!

    March 2025
  • Seth Jacobson

    Yes, it's in a tavern, and Woodstock was held on a farm. This is one LARGE tavern with two LARGE rooms. The festival is run by a tremendous team of film lovers. The QnAs (at the end of every set) were thoughtfully done. Everyone I know who attended had a wonderful time, including moi's who's film "Back Story" was very well received. Thank you, Brightside!

    March 2025
  • Nicholas Peetros

    Thank you so much for including our film in your festival, I look forward to submitting again soon! Highly recommended festival!!

    March 2025
  • Mario Valdivieso

    Great festival with friendly staff and community building. Had a great audience for our screening block. Had a great time. Will be submitting again when I have a new film.

    March 2025