Editor

WORLDWIDE - Stars shine this Thursday, 26 March 2020, when the Garden State Film Festival presents hundreds of independent films virtually through parallel and dynamic digital streaming in light of the global COVID-19 crisis, and the announcement from the Governor of the State of New Jersey further restricting public gatherings. 

That's right! You can see an incredible selection of +240 innovative films through an unprecedented four-day, live-stream event on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. Starving for interesting entertainment during self-isolation? GSFF 2020 is the perfect antidote. Enjoy popcorn in your PJ's while streaming hundreds of feature-length films, shorts, documentaries, animation, student films, premieres, and more top-quality cinematic showmanship.

Purchase your ticket to GSFF 2020 here and get ready for a weekend of wonder. A link with special access code will allow you to choose the films you want to see. You can purchase a single ticket to view one block of films, a Saturday or Sunday Pass that grants you access on those days, or a festival favorite, the unlimited 4-day Multi-Pass. Visit gsff.org to learn more. 

In this time of crisis, do you have friends & family you can't visit but want to bring unmitigated joy? Send a GSFF ticket link to those stuck at home.

Get interactive! Connect on Facebook for post-screening filmmaker talkbacks after each screening block. 

The 2020 Garden State Film Festival, which brings over 25,000 attendees annually, was set to take place over 5 days in Asbury Park, from Wednesday, 25 - Sunday, 29 March 2020. Although, GSFF is an international festival that screens locally within venues found in the city of Asbury Park, NJ, and the surrounding area the GSFF 2020 digital experience provides a new reach, global in scale, to a legion of film fans who can now view the festival on their computer, tablets, or mobile devices and from the comfort of their own homes.

Physical festival events such as industry activities, workshops, and panels have been canceled. All screenings will now be showcased online out of concern for the health and safety of our attendees. GSFF will be honoring official GSFF 2020 screening tickets in 2021.*This does not include the black-tie awards dinner.

Celebrating its 18th anniversary, the artistic philosophy of the Garden State Film Festival is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and underscores this spirit through dramatic screenings and unparalleled film collaborations attracting a diverse audience. Each year the Garden State Film Festival presents world premieres, high-profile films, industry panels, and celebrity guests. The 2020 edition, now launching via live stream, will deliver a five-day online program stocked with over 240 films, for accredited ticket buyers to view virtually within the wake of coronavirus considerations.

MEDIA REQUESTS Interested media who wish to interview Garden State Film Festival Executives, film talent, or obtain screener entry please contact WORKHOUSE, CEO, Adam Nelson via nelson@workhousepr.com

GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL | 2020 LIVE STREAM SCREENINGS
From your computer, mobile device or tablet 

Thursday, March 26 - 7:00pm EST
Meet the Filmmaker - where you can see previews of upcoming films, and start planning your viewing weekend

Thursday, March 26 - 8:00pm EST
QT8: The First Eight screens

Friday, March 27 - 8:30pm EST
Team Marco screens

Saturday, March 28
Film screenings 10:00am EST each day and run to 10:00pm EST

Sunday, March 29
Film screenings 10:00am EST each day and run to 10:00pm EST

Festival’s events are listed along with the film screening schedule on the GSFF’s website at www.gsff.org

The Garden State Film Festival presents 2020 virtual screenings of films with notable talent including Linda Hamilton (Terminator), Matthew Modine (Stranger Things), Robert Patrick (Terminator), Ashley Platz (Grey’s Anatomy), John Goodman (The Big Lebowski), Harry Shearer (Spinal Tap), Jodie Foster (Taxi Driver), Dash Mihok (Ray Donovan), Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty), Richard E. Grant (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker), Devon Bostick (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Frank Stallone (Rocky), Cathy Moriarity (Raging Bull), M Emmet Walsh (Blade Runner), Xander Berekely (The Walking Dead), Jessica Siposa (DC’s Legend’s of Tomorrow), Joel McHale (Ted), Jason Mewes (Clerks), Supermodels Chanel Iman, Elsa Hosk, Jessica Stam, Nadine Leopold, John Carter Cash (Walk the Line), Sam Waterston (Law & Order), Catherine Hardwicke (Director, Lords of Dogtown), Lou Gossett Jr (Officer and a Gentlemen), Evan Handler (Sex and the City), Garry Pastore (The Deuce, THe Week of), Barry Primus (The Irishman), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Chad L. Coleman (The Walking Dead), Kevin Kane (Inside Amy Schumer), Natalia Dyer (Stranger Things), Tate Donovan (Argo), memorial music video for Avicii by Chris Martin (Coldplay), original music by Patrick Carney (The Black Keys), The Bouncing Souls, members of Gaslight Anthem, Travis Barker (Blink 182), James Arthur (musician), NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal’s award-winning film Foster Boy, and many more.

TICKETS The Garden State Film Festival’s 2020 virtual film event will remain the same with film blocks beginning and ending during the previously scheduled days and times. You can buy a ticket for an individual film block or get the unlimited all-access Multi-Pass for maximum fun. With the multi-pass, you can view as many films as you wish during the days and times listed in the film block schedule. All ticket holders will be able to log into the live stream with a unique password.  Our patrons and fans who have already purchased the Multi-Pass are still able to see all film blocks during the scheduled time. All screenings are presented in Eastern Standard time.
Single block screening tickets are $15, All-access Multi-Passes are $55.

THE GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL was born in 2002 after a chance encounter in a Sea Girt, New Jersey grocery store by film industry veteran Diane Raver and the well-known Hollywood actor Robert Pastorelli. Through their deep ties to Hollywood, Mr. Pastorelli and Ms. Raver were able to bring an all-encompassing event to the State of New Jersey. It premiered in 2003 and was immediately deemed a huge success. Since that time, industry notables such as Glenn Close, Christopher Lloyd, Batman producer Michael Uslan, Austin Pendleton, Kurtwood Smith, James Gandolfini, Clarence Clemons, Bruce Springsteen, Lainie Kazan, Diane Ladd, Laura Dern, Bebe Neuwirth, Armand Asante, Sally Struthers and our biggest supporter Ed Asner as well as others have lent their support. The artistic philosophy of the Garden State Film Festival is rooted in the celebration of the independent film genre and the creation of a forum where local and other independent filmmakers can exhibit their work. It was also created to pay tribute to New Jersey’s legacy as the birthplace of the American filmmaking industry in Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratories where he invented the first film cameras and projectors, to Fort Lee, where the original studios were founded. Our event provides novice and aspiring filmmakers, actors, and others interested in careers in the film business, the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals in an atmosphere conducive to learning and mentoring. Further, we are happy to present each spring in Asbury Park and to serve as an added engine for the city’s vitality through arts, commerce, and culture. For more information visit https://www.gsff.org

“Although impacted by the coronavirus pandemic which has forced the cancellation of the Garden State Film Festival’s annual event, we believe the opportunity to venture into a new digital frontier can serve as a blueprint for festivals worldwide and we look forward to bringing global film fans GSFF 2020 through online and virtual exposures. It promises to be a celebration of independent film that you can’t see anywhere else, all from the comfort of your home. Our top priority remains with the health and well-being of all those involved in this global event” - Lauren Concar Sheehy, Executive Director, Garden State Film Festival