|
|
Don’t Miss These Incredible Films at Garden State Film Festival!
| |
Whether you’re into heart-pounding suspense, intense action, or edge-of-your-seat thrills, this block delivers nonstop excitement that will keep you hooked until the very end.
| |
The Story Behind the Lens
After completing his military service, The Grief Counselor writer and producer Jason Keating felt unstoppable. But reality proved otherwise. It took over seven years for him to recognize that something wasn’t right, and even then, admitting it was the hardest part. His belief in his own invincibility had created challenges in both his personal and professional life.
| |
|  |  |
Jason Keating, Marine Corps
| |
| | |
Rooted in real-life experiences, the film originally followed the story of a male veteran’s struggle with mental health. But one question shifted its direction—what if the protagonist were a woman? Challenging the common narrative that PTSD and mental health issues primarily affect men, the team explored a new perspective. After speaking with women veterans, grief counselors, and mental health professionals, it became clear that April’s story needed to be brought to life.
| |
Victoria Parks and Grant Jay in The Grief Counselor
| |
| | |
Meet the Director: Bishen Sen
| |
Born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Bishen Sen is a film director currently based in Harrisburg, PA. Informed by his own struggles with PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder, Bishen's narratives focus on characters battling complex emotions during identity defining moments.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Grief Counselor isn't just a film; it's a tribute to resilience that reflects our shared humanity. Like April, it embodies the spirit of perseverance, celebrating imperfections and facing the unknown with bravery. Cheers to those who continue to fight. "
- Bishen Shen
| |
THAT CREEP FROM THE BAR LAST NIGHT
| |
From Concept to Creation
After Hurricane Sandy devastated his home and everything he owned in Long Beach in 2014, Michael Coppola wrote That Creep From the Bar Last Night while living in Brooklyn. It took many years to bring the project to life, but eventually, the film was made.
| |
The film explores themes of addiction, grief, and self-destructive behavior. From start to finish, the production took 11 months. The entire film was shot in just 11 days on a micro-budget of $20K, and Michael is extremely proud of what the team was able to accomplish within such tight constraints.
| |
That Creep From the Bar Last Night has garnered three Garden State Film Festival nominations including Best Actor in a Feature, Best Supporting Actress in a Feature, and Best Ensemble in a Feature.
| |
Writer and Director
Tough Love was created as Michael's senior thesis film to complete his studies at The New School of Drama in NYC and was shot in New Jersey, his home state.
| |
WEST OF THE CITY:
LA CAFETERIA
| |
Meet the Director:
Tom Ryan
| |
Tom Ryan is a writer, director, and producer from Jersey City, New Jersey. He pursued studies in media arts for two years at New Jersey City University. From a young age, Tom developed a deep passion for genre films, especially the horror genre, which he explored through various creative outlets, including shooting films on a VHS camera, creating a slasher-comic series titled Midnight, and immersing himself in the cinematic experience. In 2012, Tom took a significant step in his career by founding Theatre of Terror LLC, an independent production company dedicated to bringing his vision to life.
| |
The world premiere of West of the City: La Cafeteria will be on Saturday, March 29 only at the Garden State Film Festival!
| |
We hope these incredible films have piqued your interest and that you’re as excited as we are for the festival!
| |
Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now and join us for a
celebration of unforgettable cinema. We can’t wait to see you
there and share these amazing films with you!
| |
|
Interested media who wish to interview Garden State Film Festival Executives, film talent, obtain screening reviews or industry entry please contact WORKHOUSE, CEO Adam Nelson via email nelson@workhousepr.com or telephone (212) 645-8006
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @GardenStateFilmFestival
Facebook: @GardenStateFilmFestival
Twitter: @GardenStateFilm
YouTube: GardenStateFilmFestival
| |
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.
| |
|
|
|
|
