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 23rd 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.
157 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Herlambang Hashemi

    We had a wonderful experience with The Brightside Film Festival. The team was very supportive, communicative, and truly passionate about independent filmmaking. It’s always encouraging to see a festival that genuinely values filmmakers and their stories.

    We are honored that our film Breaking the Stigma received the Best International Film award. Thank you to the festival for creating a platform that celebrates creativity and gives filmmakers from around the world an opportunity to share their work.

    Highly recommended for filmmakers looking for a welcoming and well-organized festival!

    March 2026
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  • Jose Pedro Sarango

    The Brightside Film Festival is an exciting and fun space that feels as welcoming as it does dedicated to the art of film. This festival is a hidden gem and absolutely worth the price and travel! I was very honored to screen my short film, Attack on Arkinboro Lane, at this festival!

    March 2026
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  • Devon Reed

    Lovely group of hosts and filmmakers. Hope to be back next year!

    March 2026
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  • Sarah Beim

    One of my favorite film festivals to screen at. The films are always so incredible, the support is like no other. The owner of Brightside Tavern is a gem.

    March 2026
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  • Molly P

    It was an amazing time; I had such a great experience and am thankful for this opportunity. My friend and I got to network with the other high schoolers, definitely can't wait to submit again!

    October 2025
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