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Shorts That Inspire: Powerful Tales of Hope and Resilience
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This block delivers a dynamic collection of films that will ignite your spirit! Packed with gripping stories of perseverance, strength, and triumph, these shorts will resonate with you, fueling your passion and leaving you inspired.
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Directed by Joey Stefanic
and Kyle Ryan Ward
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Gigi Abinader
Singer/Songwriter
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Gigi Abinader is a professional singer, songwriter, and vocal coach with a passion for music since childhood. She graduated from Monmouth University in May 2023 with a degree in Music Industry and is currently studying Music Therapy at St. Mary of the Woods College. Gigi performs across genres, from Broadway to rock and pop, and is preparing to release her debut album. She is also a certified camp counselor, having designed a sing-along camp program for children, and offers vocal and beginner piano lessons. Gigi is passionate about songwriting, with her original track "October" being one of her creations.
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Emily has to decide if her connection with Austin is real or
if she just likes his dog.
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Daniel Rashid
Writer & Director
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Daniel Rashid is an actor, writer, director, and producer. His recent acting credits include Atlanta (FX), Beast Beast (Sundance/SXSW), Fear the Walking Dead (AMC), and Paper Girls (Amazon). Daniel has written and directed several short films and music videos, created the sketch comedy group Giggle Break, and co-created the immersive show Into the Mist.
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In a world where older people are expected to quietly die at 65, a single-minded scientist, desperate for more time, needs her long-neglected artist daughter to take good care--of her. A deeply personal short film about aging, ambition, family, and love.
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Dedi Felman
Writer & Director
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Dedi Felman is a writer and director from New Jersey, known for her love of complex characters and smart, adventurous stories. Her work spans sci-fi, mystery-thrillers, and heists, often blending humor with human truths. Dedi attended the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting and was part of the inaugural HBO Access Writing Fellowship, where she discovered her passion for directing.
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|  Molly Hagan
Known for Sully, Election, Walker, Herman's Head)
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Known for Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Person of Interest
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Watch the Trailer for Take Good Care:
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Darcine's Day is a short drama film about a woman struggling to find work, food, and housing in Los Angeles. The film stars Kyla Diane Kennedy as Darcine Thomas. Darcine's Day is a social commentary on the challenges of the post-pandemic job market, and the difficulties of finding affordable housing and nutritious food. The film explores themes of homelessness, the disappearing middle class, and the challenges of being a woman in Los Angeles.
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Aaron Goffman
Writer & Director
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Aaron Goffman, a Hollywood native, has worked in various film industry roles, including PA, AD, production manager, line producer, art director, set decorator, and property master. A member of the Directors Guild, Art Directors Guild, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, IATSE Local 44, and the Property Masters Guild, Aaron has collaborated with over 200 directors. He is now stepping into the role of writer/director with his first short film, Darcine’s Day.
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Watch the Trailer for Darcine's Day:
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“Dream Weaver” tells the empowering, true story of Jenny Jun Zhu, CEO of Lush Decor. As a child raised in a rural village in China, Jenny watches airplanes fly overhead and imagines where she will go one day. She learns from her grandmother that, although the journey will be hard, through passion, proactivity, and perseverance... her dreams can become a reality. Years later, Jenny takes this mantra to New York City and, in the back of a cab, learns just how far dreams can take you.
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Davide, a graduate of Milano Film School, has worked on documentaries and commercials in New York and London. Known for his skill in shaping characters and capturing everyday life, he’s worked with brands like Durex, Pepsi, and Redbull. His short film Mofilm won multiple awards, and in 2015, he took second place at the Young Directors Awards for his BOSE commercial, "Music Is My Language."
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Watch the Trailer for Dream Weaver:
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From struggling on the streets to teaching in the public school district, Jason LaClair’s recovery from opioid addiction is remarkable. Jason received the charge to complete the carving of a “Story Pole.” LaClair’s restoration and completion of the story pole reflect the redemption of his own life. He’s now taken on the mantle of an educator, mentor, and acclaimed artist.
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Jordan Riber is an independent producer and director specializing in both fiction and non-fiction film. Originally from Zimbabwe, Jordan spent 15 years working in East and Southern Africa, collaborating with local filmmakers on numerous projects, including three internationally-distributed features (Bahasha, Fatuma, and Tunu) and 26 episodes of the popular TV drama Siri ya Mtungi.
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Jason LaClair
Star of Story Pole
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Jason LaClair, a Coast Salish artist from the Lummi and Nooksack communities, has over 25 years of experience in Northern Formline and Coast Salish art. He created the "Salmon Run" mural in Bellingham and the "One from the Heart" mural in Ferndale, along with other works in the Port of Bellingham.
Story Pole chronicles his journey of resilience, from battling addiction to becoming an acclaimed artist. Through art, community, and guidance from his elder Samuel Cagey Jr., Jason found healing and purpose, offering a powerful message of hope for those struggling with addiction.
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Join us for the 23rd Annual Garden State Film Festival, happening March 27-30, 2025, in Asbury Park & Cranford, NJ!
Secure your tickets now for a spectacular celebration of cinema—we can't wait to share these amazing films with you!
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THE GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL is New Jersey's Premier Independent Film Festival®. Now in its 23rd year, the GSFF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a global destination festival that stimulates economic growth in New Jersey through the arts. It also promotes student creativity, makes the arts accessible to underserved populations and preserves heritage arts.
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