The internationally recognized Garden State Film Festival celebrates the independent film genre by bringing a carefully curated selection of original works from locally produced filmmakers as well as from around the world.
Among the selection of over 230 feature length shot in the state will be the film “Trap,” directed by Neptune resident, Anthony Curry.
“We are extremely proud to present “Trap” as a part of our 21st Annual Film Festival, and to share this work with our global audience,” said Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s executive director.
“Trap” will screen on March 25 in the screening block from 8:45 to 11 p.m at the Berkeley Hotel, Asbury Park.
The film’s subject is: Facing life in prison, a hood dreams of the violent streets that forged his identity, but cursed his soul.
“The upcoming 2023 Festival adds a new venue and a return to an in-person only event to experience 237 films from 23 countries over four days in nine venues hosting parties, professional panels, events, special honors and more,” Sheehy said.
The entire program of this year’s selections will be presented in multiple venues in the Asbury Park area, with special events and screenings each night. A full day of screenings will also be presented at The Cranford Theater in Cranford on Saturday, March 25 starting at 10:30 a.m. with the last screening ending at 11 p.m.
The film schedule indicates which films have subtitles available for universal-access for the hearing impaired. Free on the website is the GSFF “Cinema for the Ears” series for those with visual impairment. Featured is Daniel Meyer’s epic conclusion to the trilogy “Fading Kingdom’s Part Three: The Garden.” You can check the schedule at www.gsff.org for showtimes and to see which films are screening at which venue.
This year’s 21st anniversary celebration, will include world premieres, celebrities, industry panels, parties, and networking, along with entertainment for all.
Festival Founder Diane Raver said, “The GSFF is action-packed and there is something for everyone! Come one, come all, it only happens once a year and we don’t want you to miss it.”
Asbury Park highlights include the famous red-carpet Gala on Friday, March 24 at the Asbury Lanes. This event includes a cash bar cocktail reception and light fare with industry professionals, red carpet photos and a film screening staring Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy), Oscar nominee Harvey Keitel (Pulp Fiction), Elias Koteas (The Thin Red Line), Joel David Moore (Avatar) and newcomer Emma Ho (Code 8) in the action-drama “The Baker.” Tickets to this event are limited and are available on the website www.gsff.org/tickets.
Saturday and Sunday offer a schedule packed with films for every viewer, plus industry related workshops. Winners of the festival’s Movie Music Competition will have their musical compositions played before the live screenings. You can also listen to the music winners by clicking the playlist here. The festival concludes with a Black-Tie Optional Awards Reception at The English Manor Sun.,March 26. All events are open to the public.
This year’s winning Feature Length Screenplay Competition winner is Kelly Byrne with “Curly’s Camp for Girls (and Boys)”. The reading of the winning screenplay by professional actors, will take place on Sun., March 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Berkeley Hotel in the Oval Room on the Second Floor. The GSFF Screenplay table read is presented by partner Project Write Now. A ticket is required and available at www.gsff.org.
The Garden State Film Festival offers a variety of ticket packages. The best deal is the Parkway Pass for $95. Pass includes Access to Meet the Film Makers event, Gala Reception, All film screenings and Panels. This special combo must be purchased in advance online only online only while supplies last.
For tickets and more information about this film and other programs, please visit www.gsff.org.
