The funkiest town on the Jersey Shore now has an offbeat film festival. Highlands is the home town of Kevin Smith, the creator of "Clerks," and we want to capture that spirit with our Highlands Film Fest. Our 2021 theme is "Horror and Suspense." We are interested in seeing anxiety-inducing psychological terror as well as blood and guts--everything from A (for Alfred Hitchcock) to Z (Rob Zombie, of course)

2020 meant some adjustments to cope with the pandemic. We were able to screen a dozen of our official entries at our two night DRIVE-IN MOVIES, It was so popular that we are considering making it a permanent part of the Film Fest weekend! All of the official entries received play at our online Digital Theater hosted by Festivee.

Awards & Prizes

2021 winners will receive a Yorick Award. Named after the bone-headed character in the famous graveyard scene in Shakespeare's Hamlet, the Yorick is a skull mounted on a beautiful wooden base that will instantly make you the envy of all your film making friends and impress all others around you! You must attend to receive the award.

Rules & Terms

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 Highlands Film Fest 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.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Keishi Suenaga

    Highlands Film Fest is a very good film festival!
    Film Festival staff also supports very heartwarming.
    They constantly supported me by e-mail and social media.
    I would love to enter again next time!

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your excellent film and your enthusiastic participation!

  • Bryon Evans

    Although unable to attend the festival we had great communication and were very thrilled to be selected.

    October 2020
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    Response from festival:

    INFLATIO was a great hit with the audience! Especially the surprise ending!

  • Brian Oliver

    A fun and exciting Film Festival and I am proud to have been a part of it! Their communication was surprisingly good during a global pandemic and I am looking forward to taking part in this festival again with future projects.

    October 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for making us laugh!

  • Tom Phillips

    A great festival in a great historic, scenic town, rich in its history,
    highly recommended!

    October 2020
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    Response from festival:

    UNCLAIMED REMAINS is an important part of that history.

  • Earl Martin

    Obviously, this year is weird for festivals, but Highlands being able to utilize a drive-in theater was awesome! I wish I could've been there. I did email and ask how it went and Rob responded very quickly and told me Mr. Mops was well-received which made me happy!

    October 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for letting us screen your film! Now I check the back seat before getting into the car!