"Our frontline efforts right now must be to aggressively mitigate the potential for exposure and further spread. We are taking this step because social distancing works. It is our best chance to 'flatten the curve' and mitigate the chance of rapid spread, so we can respond to this public health emergency in an even more focused manner." – Governor, State of New Jersey, Phil Murphy

“At this time of uncertainty, when many are exercising social distancing and refraining from public gatherings, our Board of Directors wants to assure the opportunity for our fans — both in New Jersey and globally —the opportunity to experience the high-quality entertainment our festival offers in a safe and meaningful way”, comments Garden State Film Festival Chairman, Eric Ascalon. Towards this, we intend to “virtually” reach not only our traditional attendees but also an expanded homebound audience yearning to interface with the arts."

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

Wednesday, 25 March Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket *distribution approval pending.
Thursday, 26 March GSFF State-Wide Field Trip *subject to closings | Open to schools only with registration. ESports and Virtual Reality hosted by Joshua Kell, CEO of eSports Integration and Horizon AVL System Integration. Registered Schools will receive their link with access to the webinar.
Thursday, 26 March 26 Meet the Filmmaker where you can see previews of upcoming films, and start planning your viewing weekend. QT8: The First Eight screens at 8pm EST
Friday, 27 March on your computer, Team Marco screens at 8:30pm EST.
Saturday, 28 March Film screenings 10am EST each day and run to 10pm EST
Sunday, 29 March Film screenings 10am EST each day and run to 10pm 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), Uzo Abuda (Orange is the New Black), 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 Sopranos), 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.

TEAM MARCO

NEW JERSEY PREMIERE Marco, 12, is obsessed with his iPad and hardly leaves the house. But when his grandmother dies and his grandfather moves in, Marco's life is turned upside-down and he's forced...to go play outside. "Nonno" (Grandpa) introduces him to bocce ball and to the neighborhood crew of old Italian men who play daily at the local court. With sport, laughter, and love, Marco finds a connection to other people and rounds up a team of neighborhood kids to take on Marco's grandfather and his pals. Directed by Julio Vincent Gambuto. 

NEW JERSEY PREMIERE A documentary that focuses on the first 21 years of Quentin Tarantino's career and includes interviews with his frequent collaborators including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Diane Kruger, Christopher Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Lucy Liu, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Eli Roth, and Robert Forster to name a few. Directed by Tara Wood.  

NEW JERSEY PREMIERE Winner of 10 awards including Best of the Fest, Best Narrative Feature, and Best Feature Film at festivals across the nation, Shaquille O’Neal presents Foster Boy, a pulse-pounding cinematic legal drama that activates reform against corruption in foster care. Michael Trainer (Matthew Modine) is a lawyer at the center of a trial in which a for-profit foster care agency is accused of putting a known sex offender into the same foster home as his young client Jamal (Shane Paul McGhie), with catastrophic results. Michael, a successful litigator with a long career protecting corporate interests, at first wants nothing to do with Jamal’s case until a Judge forces him to accept it. Initially, he sees Jamal as a kid off the street looking to grab a piece of corporate profits. But when Jamal refuses to settle the case for any amount of money, Michael begins his representation in earnest. Louis Gossett, Jr. (Watchmen, An Officer and a Gentleman) also appears as the judge overseeing the case. As their work together reveals the horrifying depth of the corrupt and abusive for-profit foster care agency, Michael is transformed from cynical skeptic to fierce warrior in the pursuit of justice. Amy Brenneman and Evan Handler round out a formidable cast. 

Written by Jay Paul Deratany and based on one of the most formative cases of his law career, Foster Boy brings to light the dark corners of the foster care system and hopes to start a national dialogue concerning the state of the system. Foster care run for profit is permitted in the majority of the states reporting. Foster Boy seeks to throw light on the outrages of this little-known system – and create momentum for urgent corrective action by communities, states, and the federal government. Join film producer Shaquille O’Neal and step up to help thousands of foster kids across America. Follow the film online + take action -->  https://www.fosterboy.com

NEW JERSEY PREMIERE An inside look into the fascinating life, career, and survival of one of the most unknown famous entertainers in Hollywood. Featuring never-before-seen interviews with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Dee Williams, Talia Shire, Duff McKagan, John Oates, and many more. Directed by Derek Wayne Johnson.  

A MUST SEE! Asbury Park is stocked with local and legendary voices who resonate with creativity that is simple, imaginative, and fresh. It is a place that burns with diverse artistic expression, crackles with an authentic, off-center spirit. From the start, Asbury has concentrated on breaking revolutionary new ground through a wellspring of music, gay, and concrete culture. Meet the creators who have made it the center of its own unlike anywhere else in the world. Featuring Asbury Lanes Founder Mel Stultz, Parlor Gallery’s Jenn Hampton, Filmmaker/DJ Adam Worth, Wooden Walls artist Pork Chop, LGBTQ activist Geena Alessia Buono, Renaissance Woman Tina Kerekes, Artist/DJ Neil O’Brien, Wonder Bar’s Lance Larson, early Springsteen manager Tinker West, and famed retired Police Lt. George Corbin, the shorts spotlight a set of pioneers who helped expand the defining spirit that makes Asbury Park an attractive destination. Presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka. Conceived & Produced by Adam Nelson, Directed by William DeVizia and Michael Lucio Sternbach.  

WORLD PREMIERE Punk icons and New Jersey natives, The Bouncing Souls, celebrate 30 years as a band, leading up to their big "Stoked for the Summer" show in Asbury Park. Directed by Pete Bune. 

EAST COAST PREMIERE Starring Linda Hamilton, two small-town buddies and their accidental hostage careen across the1970s Southwest on a treasure hunt turned crime spree. Easy Does It is a freewheeling road adventure about unlikely friendships and the giddy futility of chasing the American dream. Directed by Will Addison.  

An inside look at the Punk movement from those who were in it and helped form it. Archival footage edited together brings this story together in an informational way. Featuring The Ramones, Howie Pyro, The Cramps, Hilly Kristal (Owner of CBGB), Dead Boys, Seymore Stein, Iggy Pop, Max’s Kansas City, Bob Gruen, Bebe Buell, Stiv Bators, Marcia Resnick, Danny Fields, The New York Dolls, Peter Crowley, The Clash, Johnny Thunders, Wayne Country, Billy Idol, Roberta Bayley, Mick Rock, Jim Jarmusch, Nick Zedd, Leg’s McNeil, Lee Black Childers, David Godlis, Debbie Harry, Alan Vega, Penny Arcade, William Burroughs, Television, Patti Smith Group, John Holmstrom, Dead Boys, Stive Bators, Divine, Talking Heads, Lenny Kaye, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Wayne Kramer MC5, Sex Pistols, and Malcolm McClaren to name a few. Directed by Beth Lasch.  

NEW JERSEY PREMIERE This stylized, animated thriller, inspired by noir classics, the film features the talents and likenesses of supermodels Chanel Iman, Elsa Hosk, Jessica Stam, Nadine Leopold, and actor Nolan Funk. When a mysterious briefcase is stolen, a young woman (Chanel Iman) battles to reclaim it while her ex-boyfriend and his team of ruthless female assassins do everything in their power to destroy her. Burning Bright is the story of a young woman who has given away her power to an unworthy man and must fight to recapture it before she loses her life and possibly her soul. Directed by Aaron Bierman.  

NEW JERSEY PREMIERE 1972. Vietnam war protests and racial tension is sizzling in the late summer heat of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Billy Mitchell (Devon Bostick, Diary of a Wimpy Kid), a recent college graduate, spends the summer working on an old-world mental institution run by his psychiatrist father played by Tate Donovan (Argo). Billy falls in love with Virginia, played by Natalia Dyer (Velvet Buzzsaw, Stranger Things), a patient who is possibly crazy, or perhaps she is the only sane person Billy has in his world. Billy's best friend. Nigel (Marchant Davis) becomes involved with a radical civil rights terrorism movement against Tuscaloosa's power elite, which includes Billy's father. Billy is torn between Nigel, his father and his cronies, and Virginia who is planning her escape with or without Billy. Directed by Philip Harder.  

When Alice Guy-Blaché completed her first film in 1896 Paris, she production in 1897, and her subsequent illustrious 20-year career in France and in the United States, as the founder of her own studio right here in Ft Lee, NJ. As writer, director, and/or producer of 1,000 films, she was veritably erased from history. Until now.... narrated by Jodie Foster. Directed by Pamela B. Green.  

EAST COAST PREMIERE The story of how a tiny, broke Silicon Valley startup slew giants of the movie rental world, warded off Amazon and forced movie making and distribution into the digital age. Directed by Shawn Cauthen.  

Based on a true story, Miss Virginia stars Emmy® winner Uzo Aduba as a struggling single mother who is losing her fifteen-year-old son to the rough streets of Washington, DC. Unwilling to see him drop out and deal drugs, she places him in a private school. But when she can’t afford tuition, she launches a movement to change the system that is destroying him and thousands like him. Attacked and threatened by those who don’t want change—from corrupt politicians to the local drug lord—Virginia must discover depths of strength she never knew she had. Emmy® nominee Vanessa Williams (Soul Food), Emmy® nominee Aunjanue Ellis (When They See Us), Amirah Vann (Underground), Emmy® nominee Adina Porter (American Horror Story), Niles Fitch (This is Us), Nadji Jeter (Wonder), and Golden Globe nominee Matthew Modine (Stranger Things, Full Metal Jacket) round out Miss Virginia’s stellar cast. Directed by R.J Daniel Hanna.  

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

W O R K H O U S E is one of the country's leading public relations and integrated creative agencies. Celebrating 20 years of service, the agency provides forward-thinking public relations, social media, brand promotion, creative consulting and modern-day marketing. Clients have included Lou Reed, The Rolling Stones, Hugh Jackman, Francis Ford Coppola, David LaChapelle, CBGB, Max's Kansas City, Interview Magazine, Galleries Lafayette, Porsche, Ford Motor Company, Virgin, Jazz at Lincoln Center, International Emmy Awards, Assouline Editions, Rizzoli International Publications, Tony Shafrazi Gallery, Chase Contemporary, Versace and Avroko. Workhouse offers untraditional service across a broad spectrum of entertainment, culture, fashion and lifestyle spheres. Visit workhousepr.com