• Movie Maker Magazine's Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.
• Twice named #1 film festival in New Jersey by NJ Stage Magazine.
• Music Videos Judged by Jerry Wonda, 8 time Grammy Winner producer of The Fugees, Justin Bieber, Whitney Houston and many more.
• Grand Jury comprised of top of the industry influencers including:
Maureen Van Zandt (The Sopranos, Lillyhammer)
Christian Keiber (star of the new FX series Y, Gotham, Homeland)
Kerry McGann (The Irishman, Bloodrunners, Banshee!!!)
Derek Wayne Johnson (Official Sylvester Stallone Doc: 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic)
Gary Donatelli (Served as national Fourth Vice President Directors Guild of America)
Golden Door International Film Festival has taken its place among the most celebrated film festivals on the eastern seaboard.
Now in its 11th year, this four-day film festival holds the opportunity for filmmakers, actors, and crew to network with colleagues and share their work with the public in the heart of the indie filmmaking landscape.
Supported and attended by top industry influencers, distributors, celebrities. Please see our FB page for more.
In addition, GDIFF has also become one of the most important outlets for raising awareness for Autism and other disabilities through its innovative special needs panels and film platform.

New Jersey premieres only. If the film has screened in New Jersey prior to GDIFF your film may removed from the program even if accepted. Special exceptions may apply.
The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered
If film is accepted, the point of contact as found on the FilmFreeway submission must respond to all requested items by stated deadlines or risk being removed from the festival program.
Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great film festival! We had a blast screening our short film and networking with other filmmakers. It's a festival full of quality films and people who love storytelling! The family that runs the festival were kind and passionate and we truly enjoyed being a party of this year's event. Thanks Golden Door Film Festival!

    October 2023
  • Thanks to GDIFF for selecting our film, “Canned.” I was not able to attend, but our team members did and they loved this festival. Wonderful accommodations and everyone left feeling inspired.

    August 2023
  • James LaMonte

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to show Healing Dakota in my home town! A wonderful experience and what an amazing sound system!

    July 2023
  • Tom McVey

    Golden Door was our first ever film festival. It was a fantastic experience--so fun meeting all the other filmmakers! We were even honored as the best LGBTQ+ short! Thanks Golden Door.

    July 2023
  • John Licata

    We had a wonderful time screening our film, The Cookbook, at the 2023 Golden Door International Film Festival. The entire GDIFF team was very warm and inviting, and we really enjoyed meeting so many outstanding filmmakers. We hope to see you again in the future, GDIFF!

    July 2023