email : Webview : 23rd Annual Garden State Film Festival Starts Thursday, March 27 - Sunday, March 30

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The Garden State Film Festival 2025: Breaking Barriers with Accessible Programs and Inclusive Screenings

The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) is New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival, a globally recognized celebration of cinematic excellence. As it enters its 23rd year, GSFF continues to honor New Jersey’s rich legacy as the birthplace of film while serving as a vital platform for filmmakers, industry professionals and cinephiles alike. With over 200 films from 16 countries, 49 events showcased across 9 venues and over 40 live podcasts streamed, this four-day festival offers an unparalleled cinematic experience filled with screenings, panel discussions, networking opportunities and exclusive events.

LISTINGS AT A GLANCE

Get ready to see — and hear — films in a whole new way. GSFF returns for its 2025

edition and is pulling out all the stops to ensure everyone has an amazing time. From

special “Cinema for the Ears” sessions to accessible film blocks, this year’s lineup

celebrates inclusivity on screen and off.

Cinema for the Ears at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel

We’re excited to announce Cinema for the Ears, a special series designed to showcase the power of storytelling through sound. Stop by the Berkeley Oceanfron Hotel (Berkeley Kingsley Room) for Block BK16 on Saturday, March 29, 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM, and get ready for an immersive listening adventure:

GET TICKETS

The Last Collector: A Fading Kingdoms Story
Framed for treason and racing against time, Solrich’s escape to the sea is every bit the cinematic thrill ride you’d imagine — only your ears get first-row seats to the drama.
abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast — “Mrs. Dalby and the Gravekeeper of Hatteras Island”
Host Blake Pfeil takes you to the haunting remains of a seaside shanty in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Eavesdrop on a ghostly conversation that blends the mysteries of the Andromeda Galaxy with real-world issues like public healthcare. Mrs. Dalby may just have a few stories to share from beyond.
Sleeping Beauty Just Woke Up (Embraceable You)
A magical short excerpt from a musical storybook. Follow Patti as she discovers the joy of singing for seniors — proof that a sweet melody can truly awaken the spirit.

More Accessible Screenings to Love

Following Cinema for the Ears, attendees can take the ADA compliant GSFF Jitney express for two standouts that push the boundaries of accessibility:

Saturday, March 29 in The Asbury Hotel’s Asbury Hall (Block TA10) from 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM for Possibilities. Don’t miss the first feature film that includes open audio description for all audiences. Created by a team of blind and sighted professionals, it explores the legacy of Hele Keller and the real-life challenges people with vision loss face today.

Additionally, GSFF is proud to offer many subtitled films, and these options are noted on the festival’s schedule. An entire block of subtitled films screens on Saturday, March 29, 12:30 PM – 2:15 PM at Asbury Lanes (Block AL 4) featuring the documentary feature Extra Innings: Grandpa Got Game.

Join us Sunday, March 30, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM a Asbury Lanes (Block AL9) for Disable the Myths. Short on running time, big on impact. This PSA comes from the non-profit Acting Without Boundaries and features a talented cast of actors living with physical disabilities. With audio descriptions and closed captions, it’s a masterclass in bridging awareness and empathy.

Be Part of the Movement

GSFF is a 501(c)(3) arts nonprofit, and we’d love your help in making this year’s festival even more transformative. Grab your tickets, tell your friends and consider making tax-deductible donation to keep our mission of accessible and inclusive storytelling alive.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our 2025 edition. Come for the films, stay for the
camaraderie and experience the true power of cinema when everyone gets to be part of the story.

About the Garden State Film Festival
Founded on the belief that great art can unite communities, the Garden State Film
Festival showcases diverse voices from around the world. Our goal is to create a space where independent filmmakers and curious audiences connect in the spirit of creativity, accessibility and celebration. We look forward to seeing you at the shore!

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