Monmouth
County
Film Festivals
Monmouth County is a hotbed of creativity, with Monmouth Arts and a host
of local arts organizations fostering an environment for innovative artists to
thrive. Nowhere is this more evident than in the year-round array of local
film festivals. Submissions for the various events are open throughout the
year, so whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or an avid fan of unique
independent films, make your plans now to be a part of the 2018 film
festival scene.
ASBURY PARK MUSIC & FILM FESTIVAL
April 27–29, 2018 | www.apmff.com
The fourth annual Asbury
Park Music & Film Festival
returns to the Asbury
Park boardwalk in April,
continuing its mission to
benefit the underserved
youth in Asbury Park.
The first three years of
Festival brought some of
the biggest stars of music
and the big screen to Asbury
Park. Acclaimed talent such
as Mike and the Mechanics,
Preservation Hall Jazz Band,
Gene Cornish (The Rascals),
Robert Trujillo (Metallica),
Robert Randolph, Brian
Legends Stevie Van Zandt, Bruce
Springsteen, and Southside Johnny
perform at the 2017 Asbury Park Music
& Film Festival Photo courtesy of
Asbury Park Music & Film Festival
Fallon and others have performed at the APMFF. Last year, following the showing of
the documentary Before the Dawn, legends Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Van Zandt,
Southside Johnny and others took the stage together for an all-star jam in tribute to
the iconic Upstage venue that helped launch their careers.
Over 60 films were shown on the big screen last year. Highlights included a premier
screening of Miles Ahead, with an appearance by award-winning actor and producer
Don Cheadle. In addition, exclusive Bob Dylan Archives were screened at the
House of Independents to the delight of both critics and fans.
Funds raised through the APMFF support music programs for the underserved
youth in Asbury Park, one of the most challenged youth communities in the country.
Specifically, the APMFF will support The Hope Academy Charter School, The Hip
Hop Institute and the Asbury Park Summer Recreation Music Camp. Over time, the
APMFF plans to extend its reach throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The
Festival will continue to provide music education, instruments and social connection
opportunities for children in underserved communities.
GARDEN STATE FILM
FESTIVAL
March 22–25, 2018, Asbury Park
www.gsff.org | #gsff
After a brief hiatus in Atlantic City, the
Garden State Film Festival returns to its
roots in Asbury Park. See over 200 current
films from around the globe. Meet and greet
with filmmakers and celebrities. Garden
State Film Festival only happens once a
year, so purchase your tickets today!
FILMONEFEST
July 21, 2018, Atlantic Highlands
www.filmonefest.org
Founded in 2008, FilmOneFest celebrates its
tenth anniversary festival on third Saturday
of July at the Atlantic Highlands Marina.
Films under two minutes in length from local
and international film and video makers
are projected under the stars on a giant
screen on the scenic shores of Sandy Hook
Bay. Founders Robert O’Connor and Julie
Gartenberg began the festival as part of
the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council’s effort
to bring contemporary filmmaking to the
Bayshore. O’Connor brought his experience
with video-making and film festivals to the
Council and thought the super-short format
and scale of the festival were a perfect fit for
Atlantic Highlands. The first festival in 2009
attracted an audience of 600, which grew
steadily to over 3,000 in 2017. FilmOneFest
has expanded its international presence,
receiving entries from all over the world,
with filmmakers from over 60 countries
submitting 402 entries to the 2017 festival.
The festival includes live music, arts vendors,
food and more.
In 2017, Monmouth University joined
FilmOneFest in the management and
execution of the festival, adding Film Slam,
the 24-hour film competition held in the
spring, and a separate screening of student
films in October.
52 www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com
FilmOneFest hosted “An Intimate
Evening with Kevin Smith”
/www.apmff.com
/www.gsff.org
/www.filmonefest.org
/www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com