Garden State Film Festival Founder and Diane Raver announced she is retiring from her role as Executive Director. She remains on the board of trustees and will retain some responsibilities, but not the full-time management position she has held for 14 years.   Margaret Fontana, a media professional with Meridian Health and GSFF board member, has been named the new Executive Director.

 "When the late, great Bobby Pastorelli and I envisioned and planned the Garden State Film Festival fourteen years ago, we wanted to deliver a festival to New Jersey, the home of worldwide cinema," says Ms. Raver. "In doing so, we and so many others, have over time created an international independent film festival attended by thousands, and enjoyed by people of all walks of life. Filmmakers from around the block and across the globe present their fabulous work, forge alliances with one another, and enjoy a worldwide community of media arts. At this juncture, with a triumphant relocation to Atlantic City accomplished, I am ready to pass the mantle onto an equally enthusiastic and committed successor in Margaret."

As festival founder, Ms. Raver will continue to promote and market the film festival, assist with fundraising and sponsorship, serve as a liaison to filmmakers, manage the call-for-entry and film review process, as well as play a key role in programming the festival. Ms. Fontana will manage media, marketing, sales, publicity, community relations, production of all events and volunteer management.

 "I am extremely excited to play a larger role in the Garden State Film Festival," say Ms. Fontana. "We are at an incredibly exciting venture with our move to Atlantic City really taking off. The 2015 festival was the most successful on a number of counts particularly the quality of films including 41 world premieres. I have worked alongside Diane for six years and marvel at her ability to produce this festival with such professionalism and great enthusiasm. She is a great teacher and I am grateful I can count on her wisdom and experience going forward."

Transitions and Triumphs for Garden State Film Festival

 In addition to the 41 world premieres, there were four U.S. premieres and dozens of East Coast and New Jersey premieres attended by approximately 25,000 people - representing a 100 percent increase over 2014, its inaugural year in Atlantic City. Celebrity and VIP guests included Ed Asner, Armand Assante, James Wilder, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Chance Kelly, and Brian O'Halloran as well as Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno.  Of the global debuts, a number of promising features seeking distribution were presented - with scores of filmmakers and actors in attendance -lending a Hollywood feel to the festival. They include Philip Falcone's Joe's War; Jake L. Reid's The Antwerp Dolls; Mario Garefo's Meet Mario; Ty Hodges' Charlie, Trevor and a Girl Savannah; and Darroch Greer's and Ron King's documentary, The Millionaires' Unit. The casts and crews of these films and many others lit up red carpets, which were photographed by media outlets including Getty Pictures. Local media stars NBC's Dara Brown, on-air personality Whitney Ullman, and popular blogger Laura Madsen were among others on hand at events to interview celebrities and filmmakers.

Many festival participants showcased in 2015 are achieving growing success. Composer Iain Gardner, who received the GSFF Best International Instrumental, composed the score for the short White Lock, which is headed to Cannes Film Festival.  Quinn Shephard, who received the festival's Rising Star award, was showcased in the U.S. premiere of Windsor directed by Porter Farrell. At the March 22nd awards Ms. Shephard announced she is collaborating with Mr. Farrell on future projects including her directorial debut. "Stories like these always serve to remind us how important the Garden State Film Festival is to the film making community," said Ms. Raver. "It is the fruition of the vision, work and passion of hundreds of people over almost fifteen years. With a new inviting home in Atlantic City, the stage is set for the next decade and beyond."