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Don't Miss Out! Grab Tickets to These Hidden Gems Before They're Gone!
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Get ready for a cinematic journey filled with intrigue, laughter, and unforgettable storytelling! This carefully curated block of films at the Garden State Film Festival brings together mind-bending mysteries, gripping crime tales, and hilarious moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. These hidden gems won’t stay secret for long—secure your tickets now before they disappear!
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A Tale of a Timeless Friendship
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This film is the product of a unique, long-term collaboration between writer/director Will Pinke (32) and lead actor Bill Gold (77). Their friendship began in 2019 when Bill was cast in a supporting role in Will's MFA film at Columbia University. After working together, they stayed in touch, and in 2022, Bill reached out with the idea of producing a short film where he could take the lead role. Though Will didn’t have a script ready, he agreed to develop a project with Bill, drawing inspiration from Bill’s life and their shared love of comedy and classic noir films.
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Over the next two years, Will and Bill met regularly to discuss Bill's life, with Bill sharing his personal history and experiences, which included his time in the Peace Corps, his diplomatic career, and his complex relationships. Will transformed these stories into a fictionalized memoir, creating a character named Sam, inspired by Bill's own experiences and named after his father. The film’s plot, centered around a man racing to finish his mystery novel before his death, echoes Bill's own desire to complete this film and check off a major item on his bucket list.
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Bill Gold, Actor | Photo by Devin Armstrong
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"It’s been a joy to help Bill live out this fantasy and provide him with a completely novel experience at the age of 77,” says Pinke. “I’m grateful for all the humor, wisdom, and experiences Bill has shared, and for the opportunity he gave me to channel his life into a film that feels uniquely my own.”
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About the Director
Will Pinke is a writer/director from New Jersey, based in New York. Will attended Princeton University where he studied English Literature, Creative Writing, and Film History & Theory. He recently graduated with an MFA degree in Directing from the Columbia University School of the Arts. His next short, a horror-comedy called "Daddy's Night", premiered in 2022 and played at numerous festivals, including: FilmQuest, Dances With Films, Greenpoint Film Festival, and Garden State Film Festival. Both short films are currently available to stream on Omeleto.
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Directed by Martin O'Donoghue
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Based in Ireland, Martin has had his work selected at various film festivals, including Galway, Cork, Belfast, New York, and his home base, the Boyne Valley Film Festival. A typical indie filmmaker, he funds, writes, directs, and edits his own work. He is currently working on his first feature film, All Hallows with Eve.
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 In 1990s Eltingville, young Brandon Russo pulls off an ATM heist, but is betrayed by his mentors and left empty-handed. Inspired by a letter from his late mother, who encouraged him to never give up, and a $20 bill that blows into his lap at her grave, Brandon steals his boss’s contact book and walks away with renewed determination to take on the world.
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The story of this western TV pilot unravels a compelling fight for survival, where trust is scarce, and the boundary between friends and foes fades into ambiguity.
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Notable Cast
We are excited to showcase Horsepower, featuring an exceptional cast that brings this story to life. Here’s a glimpse of the talented individuals who make this film unforgettable:
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co-creator and producer of Horsepower, and recognized for his roles in Law & Order: SVU and Godfather of Harlem portrays Fletcher Miller
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Erin O'Brien, known for her roles in Far Haven and The Offer, in the role of Nickie Fletcher.
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Peter Dobson, producer of Horsepower, and known for his roles in Forrest Gump and The Frighteners, stars as Aaron Muro.
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Robert Davi, acclaimed for his roles in Die Hard, The Goonies, Expendables 3, and Licence to Kill, is featured as Sheriff Jones.
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Malik Whitfield, recognized for his roles in The Temptations and Behind Enemy Lines, takes on the role of Deputy Kiefer.
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Gary Cairnes, known for his performances in Operation Blood Hunt and Day Labor, as the character Jim Herring.
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David Joseph "D.J." Higgins is an American filmmaker, writer, and director of Irish/Italian heritage. With a unique academic background, he holds four Master’s degrees in Italian Cinema, Italian Literature, Spanish Studies, and Film & Television, along with a Doctorate in Modern Languages from Middlebury College. Alongside his filmmaking career, he teaches in the Greater New York area.
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We hope these incredible films have piqued your interest and that
you’re as excited as we are for the festival!Â
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Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now and join us for a
celebration of unforgettable cinema. We can’t wait to see you
at Garden State Film Festival and 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.Â
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