“Dinner Talk” by Deal resident Louis Politan is scheduled to be shown at the Garden State Film Festival.
The internationally recognized Garden State Film Festival celebrates its 23rd Anniversary March 27 to 30 in Asbury Park, Ocean Grove and Cranford.
This year’s line-up includes the work of Deal resident, Louis Politan. His film “Dinner Talk” is set against the backdrop of the Jersey coast. The movie unfolds within the elegant confines of a family-owned restaurant, a sanctuary for extraordinary patrons, each harboring their own stories.
“In four days, you can enjoy 205 films and film centered events from over 14 countries over four days in 9 venues along with hosting parties, professional panels, celebrities, networking events, special honors and more,” said Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s executive director. Attendees may choose from feature and short length films, documentaries, comedies, children’s, thrillers, pilots, student films and home grown films shot in NJ.
“We are extremely proud to present Dinner Talk at Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove March 29 at at 2:30 p.m.,” Sheehy said. “We hope you come out to cheer on our hometown heroes who have put so much time and talent into these productions.”
She said the state’s film friendly environment is resulting in record numbers of productions.
The event runs primarily in Asbury Park and it also includes a full day of screenings on Saturday March 29 at The Cranford Theater in Cranford, NJ. The festival also offers films with subtitles for the hearing impaired and once again this year the “Cinema for the Ears” series for those with visual impairment.
Founder Diane Raver adds, “The action-packed GSFF has something for everyone, “ said Diane Raver, festival founder. “Come one, come all, it only happens once a year and we don’t want you to miss it.”
The red-carpet Friday Night Gala reception includes light fare, industry professionals, red carpet photos and a film screening of the feature drama “Ballad of a Hustler.”
Saturday and Sunday are packed with films and industry related workshops. You can also hear the winners of the festival’s Movie Music Competition played before the live screenings and on the website.
This year’s winning Feature Length Screenplay Competition is “Fragments of Solace,” written by New Jersey native Fatou Faye. It will be live table read by professional actors on Sun., March 30.
The weekend culminates with the Garden State Film Festival Awards Dinner Sun., March 30.
The GSFF Honorary Chair is Cinelease Studios Executive Gannon Murphy. The Educator of the Year recipient is Aaron Fichtner of New Jersey Council of Community Colleges. Joining them are Legends Beyond the Lens Award recipient William “Dusty” Klatt President of IATSE Local 52, Lifetime Achievement recipient for Acting Robert Davi and the Broader Vision Award to Rutgers University Immersive Learning through Science Storytelling Lab.
The Garden State Film Festival offers a variety of ticket packages, from single screenings to the comprehensive $105 Parkway Pass which includes the Meet the Film Makers event, Gala Reception, unlimited screenings of all films. Other ticketed events include the Friday Gala Cocktail Party and Screening and Sunday Awards Dinner. Ticket details and prices can be found at gsff.org.
