Monmouth Film Festival Makes its Debut

MONMOUTH FILM FESTIVAL’S (MFF) vision to create an event by filmmakers, for filmmakers came true over a December weekend at the Two River Theater in Red Bank. Led by filmmaker Nicholas Marchese and his team, audiences enjoyed over 14 hours of quality, independent, films viewed by over 500 people enchanted by the filmmakers and actors who came to network and share their vision. Featured films included Swim Team, Injection, Reunion, Parents of the Groom, Colby, Shortwave, The Suitor, The Rainbow Kid, Apocalypse Rock, Jackson, Checkmate, Thunder Road, There’s Too Many Crows and trailers such as Saving Dreams

The Monmouth Film Festival weekend started with its industry networking mixer with a great turn out filled with local artists, MFF crew and filmmakers, selected filmmakers and industry representatives from agencies to writers and producers. Speaking with MFF, plans are already in place to expand in size and length – while keeping the high standard of quality selections.

Following this event, guests left for the break in films to enjoy Red Bank’s delicious food and festive town. They returned to be greeted by an industry panel Q&A comprised of Bryan DeNovellis (News 12) as the moderator, John R. Green (ABC), David Schoner (NJ Film Commission), Mark Ehrenkranz (NYFCS), Ernest Mingione (SAG), Dani Tenenbaum (Filmmaker/ Writer) and Stacey Maltin (Actress/ Writer). Aspiring and established filmmakers were able to meet these seasoned industry members on the red carpet where they networked, learned how to better hone their craft, and market themselves and their work. Business cards were exchanged and even Monmouth County’s own aspiring high school artists were given the opportunity to gain invaluable insight to help them start their own filmmaking careers.

Representatives from the entertainment industry and partnered companies arrived as well, talent and modeling agencies scouted actors and actresses for representation while press gave exposure to artists. Filmmakers interviewed with MFF on the red carpet while live streams covered the large crowds eagerly awaiting screenings.

Selected filmmakers spoke to one another along with local artists and students to encourage and share their work, passion and drive.

The Festival also held its inaugural awards ceremony. Special guests included Monmouth County Freeholders Thomas Arnone and Serena Dimaso, congratulated the company, its founder and the entire team on their efforts in such a short amount of time to pull together this grand event in the hope of expanding its reach and exposure. Six grand jury awards were given to the top film in each category, along with seven festival awards for audience choice, best screenplay and foreign films.

Monmouth Film Festival has already begun preparations for its second annual event, wishing to expand in size, space and films – still keeping its passion for creating a world built by filmmakers, for filmmakers. The 501c(3) non-profit welcomes the help of local businesses and friends across Monmouth County and New Jersey to help grow its mission of educating and inspiring filmmakers. 2017 sponsorship information will be available soon at www.MonmouthFilmFestival.org.

For young and aspiring filmmakers, be sure to stay up-to-date on with the company for educational opportunities, including internships and workshops available in the coming months of 2017.