|
|
Hidden Brilliance on the Big ScreenâDonât Miss Out!
| |
Love breathtaking visuals, captivating stories, and a mix of genres? This block delivers a powerhouse lineup of stunning shorts, trailers, and filmsâeach a feast for the eyes with exceptional cinematography.
| |
MEET THE DIRECTOR: Ashley Hadsworth
| |
Ashley Wadsworth is a director, visual development artist, and compositor hailing from the metro-Atlanta area. A 2024 graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in animation, she made her directorial debut with Deer Season, her senior thesis film.Â
| |
Deer Season began as a fusion of Ashley's passionsâstorytelling through animation and a deep commitment to sustainability. Passionate about environmental consciousness, Ashley set out to craft a story that not only captivates but also sparks reflection. Deer Season envisions a future where two individuals no longer recognize a deer, a stark commentary on environmental devastation. Through this film, she explores themes of sustainability and climate change while offering a hopeful outlook for the future.
"Iâm so honored that Iâve had an amazing crew that believed in my vision. I hope youâll enjoy the world of Deer Season, and will always try to find the light in the darkness."
- Ashley Wadsworth
| |
Watch the Trailer for America Jonze:
| |
MEET THE DIRECTOR:Â Karl Shefelman
| |
Karl Shefelman is an award-winning filmmaker and storyboard artist. Originally from Austin, he now resides in New York. His debut feature Looking for the Jackalope won Jury and Audience Awards at the 2017 Austin Revolution Film Festival and is now available on Amazon. As a storyboard artist, he has collaborated with renowned directors including Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Ridley Scott.
| |
MEET THE DIRECTOR:Â Chris Zou
| |
Chris Zou is a director and writer based in New Jersey. He has produced and directed several short films that have been featured at the Asian American International Film Festival as well as Toronto Nollywood International Film Festival.
| |
A Young Directorâs Journey
Bridgewater-Raritan High School alum Chris Zou returns to the Garden State Film Festival with his film Muted, marking his growth since first attending as a high school student with his film High School Defusal. As his festival run for Muted concludes with a major stop at the Asian American International Film Festival in New York, Zou is now wrapping up post-production on his latest short, Walk on Water, starring Sam Li from Netflixâs The Brotherâs Sun.
| |
MEET THE DIRECTOR:Â Wilderley Mauricette
| |
"In essence, I am a creator fueled by the never-ending journey of life itself - constantly absorbing, questioning, evolving...and adamantly committed to translating the most vital lessons into something profoundly cinematic".
- Wilderly Mauricette
| |
Wilderley Mauricette is a filmmaker whose personal journey has shaped his distinctive artistic vision. Born in Haiti and raised in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, Wilderleyâs connection to this community is profound. It was there, under the mentorship of Nate Jacobs at the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, that he discovered his true passion for the arts after initially pursuing a career in law enforcement. His journey has taken him from the stage to filming in Ghana, where his diverse experiences have enriched his narrative storytelling. In 2016, he founded Mauricette Pictures to create authentic and thought-provoking stories. His dedication to his craft was further solidified when he earned a BFA in Film from Ringling College in 2024.
| |
THE KIDS ARE NOT ALRIGHT
"What Does It Mean to Be A Survivor?"
| |
Meet the Director: Mikaela Shwer
| |
Mikaela Shwer is a documentary filmmaker and editor based in Los Angeles, known for her impactful storytelling. Her debut feature, Donât Tell Anyone/No Le Digas a Nadie, aired on PBS/POV in 2015 and won a George Foster Peabody Award. In 2016, she directed and produced eight short documentaries for PBSâs Re:Dream series. With 15 years of editing experience, Mikaela has collaborated with PBS, HBO, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV. She was an Editor, Writer, and Co-Producer for Allen v. Farrow (HBO), earning two Emmy nominations, and her recent projects include Harry & Meghan (Netflix) and Last Call (HBO).
| |
"With The Kids Are Not Alright, my aspiration is to enlighten and engage our audience, fostering meaningful change within a problematic industry while amplifying the powerful voices and narratives of survivors. This film delves into the tragic failures of our systems in safeguarding the well-being of children, yet it also illuminates stories of resilience and community."
- Mary Shwer
| |
We hope these outstanding films have captured your interest and that you're just as thrilled as we are for the festival!
| |
Don't miss your chanceâget your tickets today and be part of an unforgettable cinematic experience at the Garden State Film Festival. We can't wait to see you there and enjoy these incredible films together!
| |
|
THE GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL is New Jersey's Premier Independent Film FestivalÂź. 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
| |
|
|
|
|
