GSFF – The Show Must Go On
GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL 19th Annual
Starts Tues, 23 – Sun, 28 March
Asbury Park, NJ
Last year, just 11 days before opening night, GSFF was given notice of lockdown. But with the grit and determination for which New Jersey is known, programmers worked with F&S Digital to briskly fashion an online streaming portal in record time, allowing GSFF to go ahead virtually with the same quality of presentation that is its hallmark. It was a huge gamble as not just filmdom but the world changed, and our efforts were even recognized by British Vogue, who noted that not only was the program of over 200 films moved online, but “each screening block was…followed by interactive filmmaker talkbacks on Facebook.” GSFF was the first and only festival in the world to execute without postponing or canceling!
“GSFF is more than a film festival—we are part community organization, part artistic collective, and past style-makers’ zeitgeist,” said Diane Raver, GSFF founder. “The Festival is a celebration of cinema that includes +250 film premieres, tributes to stars and directors, and signature red carpet events.”
Some of those events include showcasing first-time and upcoming filmmakers, giving them the chance to exchange words and ideas with established titans of the industry. GSFF also gives audiences a larger venue in which to take in the season’s top awards contenders.
“It’s a whole new world we live in,” said Lauren Concar Sheehy, executive director of GSFF. She added that in 2019 alone—in the before times—over 25,000 people came to Asbury Park “to bask in the arts and the sun.”
Concar Sheehy emphasized that this year’s festival will necessarily be different, and that a primacy will be placed on the health of participants, exhibitors and audiences alike. Furthermore, feeding the spirit of filmmaking, and of the community, is important to our collective mental health as we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times. We are thrilled to be presenting both in person and virtual events.
“Our focus this year is transforming health through the arts,” Concar Sheehy said. “By integrating literary, performing, visual arts and design, along with other forms of creative expression, our mental wellness is enhanced through community connection.
“In these times, that is really important.”
Tickets can be purchased HERE. Additionally, contributions to this forward thinking non-profit organization can be made there. Consider donating to enrich not only the arts scene but also to foster a collective spirit of creativity and positivity, which is needed now more than ever before.
The show rolls on in Jersey. Because the Garden State never quits!
