2025 Call For Entries
- Make sure all the INFORMATION you submit into the submission system is correct.
- The contact information you provide must include an email address that you will actually check.
- Yes, we need your address and phone number! The contact information you enter in Film Freeway is the only contact we have to communicate with. Please provide it all, including your best phone number and mailing address.
- Please enter all notable Actors, Producer(s), Director(s), Poster art, and again contact information, etc.
- We screen NJ Premiers
- It is your responsibility to read all Rules & Terms
- If selected to screen, it will be YOUR responsibility to communicate the details of your screening to your cast and crew.
***There is no limit to how many films, screenplays, or original music you can submit, but each must be submitted separately.
Filmmaker Tips from Lauren [editor]
If your audio is out of sync, you need to correct it in order for us to screen your film. Make sure to use your camera LUT and color correct.
- Please EDIT YOUR AUDIO.
- If a section is TOO LOW, then you MUST RAISE THE GAIN. If it is TOO LOUD, you MUST REDUCE THE GAIN.
- If you have a poor sound mix, there is nothing we can do on our end for the live event screening.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have quality control for your FINAL CUT for SOUND AND PICTURE.
Need help? lauren@gsff.org
Film Entries
DATES & DEADLINES:
May 1, 2024 – Opening Date
June 1, 2024 – Early Deadline
September 1, 2024 – Regular Deadline
November 1, 2024 – Late Deadline
February 1, 2025 – Notification Date
March 27-30, 2025 – Event Date
- Please follow the Film Freeway instructions carefully and send to the address provided.
- If you are submitting a web series, only submit 1 episode
STUDENT SUBMISSION: NJ HOMETOWN DOCUMENTARY SHORT
This category is reserved for works that are written, directed, and shot by New Jersey high school students. Films must focus on some aspect of their hometown, including topics like profiles of interesting persons, places, time periods or subjects related to the arts. This film submission category has been created to encourage young filmmakers’ creativity while instilling a sense of pride in their hometowns and state. Students are encouraged to submit entries either on their own or through their schools by January 8, 2025, for the 2025 Garden State Film Festival.
To submit Create your account in Filmfreeway, upload your project and then submit it to the Garden State Film Festival via, https://filmfreeway.com/
Use Deadline Code: NJHOMETOWNDOC2025
Screenplay Competition
Sponsored By:
DEADLINES:
November 1st – Deadline
The GSFF Screenplay Competition was instituted to recognize the importance of the writer as the foundation for a really great film. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on the winning screenplay, host a live stage reading by professional actors, and create an atmosphere conducive to industry professionals and investors attending and supporting your endeavors. (Please note: the descriptive part of the screenplay is edited for length of the reading, preserving the story.)
Rules- ** Entered screenplays must not have been previously optioned, sold, or produced. All screenplays should be registered with the WGA and/or a Library of Congress copyright.
Movie Music Competition
This is the first competition of this kind in Film Festival History.
Submit any original movie music from an independent or other film, TV, Web Series and it will be judged by music professionals with awards in multiple categories.
Please upload the track/song of any original music (one entry/one track per upload please!) from any of the film categories (specify what category the film falls under -Documentary, Feature, Animation, etc.) – but do NOT send us the actual film.
This is a competition all about the music! We are looking for music that stands on its own.
Questions, please contact us at info@gsff.org or 877-908-7050. Do NOT contact Film Freeway Customer Support about this particular category. We are happy to answer any and all of your questions!
FINAL Deadline is November 1, 2024
Are You the Next GSFF Rising Star?
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2024
Are YOU our 2025 GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL RISING STAR AWARD recipient?
GSFF is now accepting submissions for its 2025 Rising Star Award through FilmFreeway.
Calling all managers, agents, actors and friends of actors.
The Rising Star Award is open to all up and coming actors (any gender), regardless of age, union affiliation or residence.
Applicants are asked to open an account with FilmFreeway (it’s free) and create a project in FilmFreeway titled “[Applicant’s name] Rising Star”.
Then upload a head shot, reel, resume, and any other supporting information you would like the panel to consider. The submission is made under the Rising Star Award category in the Garden State Film Festival competition in that system. You will then proceed to checkout (there is a fee to apply).
Here is the link to Film Freeway
The candidate MUST be available to attend the Festival, March 27-30, 2025 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The winner will be honored at the Black-Tie Awards Banquet on Sunday March 30, 2025, and will be invited to attend/participate in various events, including the screenplay reading, as applicable.
Eligible candidates must have an undeniable passion for acting and we look for someone who has made inroads into the industry through hard work and determination. The committee will be looking for a progression of work in theater, commercials, television, and film. Past winners include Adam Mucci, Ronnie Marmo, Joe Sernio, Joey Russo, Quinn Shephard, Camrus Johnson, Ellie Lee Allison Strong and Ashley Platz.
Good Luck!
Questions? Please contact info@gsff.org
