Union County Performing Arts Center proudly announces the second annual UCPAC Film Fest, a three-day event commencing on May 16th-17th, 2025, featuring screenings of short films, panel discussions, prizes, and more.

UCPAC Film Fest’s mission is to platform aspiring and independent filmmakers by showcasing their work at our classic venue. We invite filmmakers from high schools, colleges, universities, and beyond to submit. Entrants must meet all submission requirements to be considered.

UCPAC Film Fest participants will have the unique opportunity to experience their film at our historic theater in the heart of Rahway, NJ (40 minutes from Manhattan). Built in 1928, UCPAC’s Main Stage was originally a movie house that featured RKO Pictures releases. UCPAC still screens films on 35mm and 16mm and now offers the chance to screen digital films in this grand environment as well. Participation in the UCPAC Film Fest is a unique opportunity for aspiring and independent filmmakers to compete for prizes and screen their work on our big screen.

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General (Non-Student) Categories. These categories are open to everyone!
Films must be 35 minutes or less in duration.
Category: Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Category: Drama
Category: Comedy
Category: Action / Thriller / Mystery
Category: Non-Fiction (Documentary)
Category: Experimental / Musical / Music Video
Category: Made in Union County New Jersey
(70% of the film was filmed in Union County New Jersey)

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Category: High School Student
Films must be 20 minutes or less in duration.
Film Completion date must be between 2022-2025. All genres accepted.
Student Passwords may be requested by emailing fest@ucpac.org

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Category: College/University Student
Films must be 20 minutes or less in duration.
Film Completion date must be between 2022-2025. All genres accepted.
Student Passwords may be requested by emailing fest@ucpac.org

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Awards & Prizes

Awards and PrizesTBA
PLEASE NOTE: Filmmakers MUST be present at the in-person Awards Ceremony to receive their awards & prizes.

Awards and Prizes to be Announced.

Rules & Terms

The Filmmaker(s) -
1. - Agrees to market their participation in the UCPAC Film Fest including but not limited to social media, print media, etc.

2. - Acknowledges that the submitted film, if published and viewable in its entirety online has LESS THAN 1K views and has indicated its status on the submission form - the submitted film should NOT be available to view in its entirety online until after the UCPAC Film Fest (2025) in-person screening date.
2.1 - IF part of the student curriculum is to upload publicly, this must be indicated on the submission form to remain eligible.
2.2 - The submitted film’s online status Does Not include private or unlisted videos on online platforms such as YouTube / Vimeo / etc.

3. - Agrees that they have obtained all necessary copyright clearances for original works of authorship used in films. (Use of AI curated imagery and music is strictly prohibited).

4. - Acknowledges that footage from submissions may be used for marketing purposes for the current festival, as well as for any future promotional use in perpetuity.

5. - Acknowledges that their work will be exhibited and photographed at the in-person film screening.

6. - Agrees to indemnify and hold UCPAC Film Fest and Union County Arts Center Inc. dba Union County Performing Arts Center; and its Festival Staff, Executives, Directors, Programmers, Managers, Employees, Volunteers, Contract Workers, Guests, Presenters, Partners, Sponsors, etc. harmless from any claims, losses, damages, and expenses in regards to the Filmmaker(s) and their Submitted Work.

***No refunds of submissions fees under any circumstances.***
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Majid Asadi

    I couldn't attend the festival, but the communication was good and the line up looked great.

    May 2025
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  • Max Sterling

    Whitney, the organizer went above and beyond in accommodating the filmmakers and giving us the best possible venue for our films. 10/10 will recommend.

    May 2025
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  • Madison Traub

    It was an honor to have my film, "Pity Party", screened at the 2025 UCPAC Film Festival. The festival was very well-planned with lots of opportunities to network and attend various panels. Would definitely recommend!

    May 2025
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  • Katharine Flynn

    UCPAC festival was truly so much fun. It was amazing getting to see everyones films- and seriously the submissions were incredible. The town that this theatre is in is adorable and worth visiting all year round. It makes so much sense to have a film festival here, and I can't wait to return next year!

    May 2025
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  • Ella Xu

    A wonderful event with kind, passionate, and supportive filmmakers!

    May 2025
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