Submissions will be open for anyone in North America, about any subject. That said, we like to screen our share of New Jersey-based films.

The screenwriting competition will also return for 2024. Again, any subject matter, but scripts that celebrate the arts would be welcome.

In the past and again in subsequent years, we consider ourselves an independent festival which screens films from North America, but still pays special attention New Jersey movies. We like to bring at least one person from Hollywood/New York as an honoree. Past guests have included Kevin Smith, Robert Downey, Sr. Terry Winter, Peter Dobson, Blanche Baker, Bonnie Bedelia, William Forsythe, Christopher Mann, Chris Mulkey, Brian Wilson, Keith Collins, Brian O'Halloran, Garry Pastore, Scott Schwartz, Al Sapienza, Sebastian Foxworth, Tom Malloy, Louis Mandylor and Dominique Swain.

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Awards & Prizes

Trophies for best of this and best of that. Cash for screenplay winners unless you prefer a trophy.

Please note: You will not be awarded a trophy unless someone associated with the film is present for either the screening or the awards. If you cannot make it to the awards but the screening, please inform a volunteer and we will arrange to give you the trophy. This applies to any of the accepted films not just holiday films.

Rules & Terms

RULES FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS 2024
• We accept short and feature length films, narrative and documentary

• Shorts must be under 60 minutes; features no more than two and a half hours

• All genres accepted, but we are seeking films by NJ filmmakers and films that celebrate social injustice.

• All films must be submitted to FilmFreeway in digital format

RULES FOR MUSIC VIDEOS 2024
• Must be 2 to 10 minutes

• All genres are welcome

• Must not be vulgar, according to MPAA standards

RULES FOR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION 2024
• Short and feature length scripts accepted

• Short scripts must be 45 pages or less

• Feature scripts must be 130 pages or less
44 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • L. E. Coleman

    It was an honor to participate in this festival and to win the award for Best Short Screenplay. The communication from Bill was always gracious and timely. Much gratitude to the readers and judges for selecting my short script, A Raunchy Children's Story.

    December 2024
    Helpful
  • Cris Thorne

    I wasn't able to attend, but the communication from Will was great and we picked up two awards! I plan to submit to future festivals!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Cris.

  • John Klauder

    A whole lot of fun with very friendly folks! I learned new things and made important connections!
    Thank you Cinefest!
    John

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    I already responded to you, John, but to reiterate, that's what it's all about.

  • Barbara Rushworth

    One of the most charming & warmest fests filmmakers can be part of! A very welcoming festival environment for all filmmakers, first-time or veteran. I am very honored and proud that this was my first home State film festival to both be accepted into, and to have received an award from! Thank you to Bill, Carol, Ned, Jack Sebastian, Dave & the entire team for making this experience one to treasure for a lifetime!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    It was our pleasure.

  • Nick Lanciano

    I was very excited to be selected to be in this festival. The people were very nice and the venue was also very nice. I did have some issues that I think the organizers should work on for the next festival. First, we didn't even know that we were selected. We were never notified until a day before the festival. Drove all the way from Philly to drop off DVD's that were never used and when we arrived, not a single person was in the audience. Also to this day, there has not been a listing of the winners. None that I know of anyway. This could be a great festival if there were better communication.

    January 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your response. And you are right on these issues. We are working to address our shortcomings. It's easier said than done.