Call For Entries

Important Submission Information
Please make sure all information entered into FilmFreeway is accurate and complete at the time of submission.
The contact information you provide is the only information GSFF has to communicate with you. Please include an email address you actively check, your best phone number, and your current mailing address.
Please also enter all required and relevant project details, including but not limited to:
Actors, producers, directors, poster art, project credits, synopsis, contact information, and any notable cast or crew.
GSFF screens NJ premieres. Please review all premiere status requirements before submitting.
Questions? Email lauren@gsff.org.
It is your responsibility to read and understand all Rules & Terms before submitting.
If your project is selected to screen, it is your responsibility to communicate your screening details to your cast, crew, guests, and project team.
There is no limit to how many films, screenplays, or original music projects you may submit. However, each project must be submitted separately.
Filmmaker Tips from Lauren
Please make sure your final submission is truly ready for exhibition.
If your audio is out of sync, it must be corrected before we can screen your film. Please also make sure your project is properly color corrected and that your camera LUT has been used correctly, if applicable.
Please edit your audio.
If a section is too low, you must raise the gain. If a section is too loud, you must reduce the gain. If your film has a poor sound mix, there is very little we can do on our end during a live festival screening.
It is your responsibility to complete quality control on your final cut for both sound and picture before submitting.
Need help or have questions? Email lauren@gsff.org.
Film Entries
DATES & DEADLINES:
May 1, 2026 – Opening Date
June 1, 2026 – Early Deadline
September 1, 2026 – Regular Deadline
November 1, 2026 – Late Deadline
February 1, 2026 – Notification Date
March 26-29, 2026 – 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
To submit Create your account in Filmfreeway, upload your project and then submit it to the Garden State Film Festival via, https://filmfreeway.com/
Screenplay Competition
Sponsored By:

DEADLINE: November 1st
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.)
Feature, Short & Teleplay
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
Original Movie Music Competition
The Garden State Film Festival is proud to present one of the first competitions of its kind dedicated exclusively to original movie music.
Submit an original track or song created for an independent film, television project, web series, or other screen-based work. Entries will be judged by music professionals, with awards presented in multiple categories.
This competition is all about the music. We are looking for original work that can stand on its own — music that tells a story, creates mood, builds emotion, and leaves an impression even without the picture.
Please upload one original track or song per submission. Each entry must be submitted separately.
When submitting, please identify the type of project the music was created for, such as:
Documentary, Feature, Short, Animation, Television, Web Series, or another applicable category.
Please do not submit the full film or video project for this category. This category is for the music only.
Questions? Email info@gsff.org or call 877-908-7050.
Please do not contact FilmFreeway Customer Support regarding this category. GSFF is happy to answer your questions directly.
Final Deadline: November 1, 2026
Are You the Next GSFF Rising Star?
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2025
Are YOU our 2026 GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL RISING STAR AWARD recipient?
GSFF is now accepting submissions for its 2026 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 26-29, 2026 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The winner will be honored at the Black-Tie Awards Banquet on Sunday March 29, 2026, 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





