Cranford Theater Is Newest Addition To Garden State Film Fest

CRANFORD, NJ — The 19th edition of the Garden State Film Festival will take place in March with what organizers said are "two new surprises" this year: a new screening location at the Cranford Theater, and a new sixth day of programming.

Organizers for the indie film festival, headquartered in Asbury Park, said some screenings will be held in-person and some virtually. If state mandates require the cancellation of live events, ticket-holders will get virtual access.

The festival will share independent films from around the globe, and will announce the winners of the screenplay and movie music competitions. There will also be parties and panel discussions.

“We are so excited to work with this friendly location [Cranford Theater], we decided to start the 19th Annual Festival a day earlier, on Tuesday March 23,” said Lauren Concar Sheehy, Executive Director of the Garden State Film Festival. “This partnership will allow us to bring the live energy of this beloved festival to our fans in Union County.”

(Read our last story about the Cranford Theater and its outdoor pandemic programming here.)

Producers are currently working with F&S Digital to make GSFF 2021 a hybrid virtual and live event.

The Cranford Theater will kick off the festival March 23 with a Children’s Film screening at 4 p.m.

The titles are still being chosen but are set to include "Arthur Futuro," an engaging half-hour comedy about middle school student Arthur Futuro, who is told by his future self he has to change things in the present to save his friends.

Films geared for adults will begin at 7 p.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome our guests to be a part of the Garden State Film Festival at the Cranford Theater, Cranford’s Hometown Art Theater,” said Doreen Sayegh, owner of the Cranford Theater. “This festival represents the best in both independent films and in its dedication to the many ways the arts connect, heal, entertain and educate communities, which are principles we both share.”

Over two decades, the Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) has attracted crowds of 25,000 or more to multiple venues all over Asbury Park.

During the height of the pandemic, it became the first and only film festival in the world to not cancel and offered ticket holders a full event—over 240 films, filmmaker Q&As, even an awards presentation—in a virtual format.

For tickets to the Cranford Theater event, and for the live/virtual event, visit gsff.org, where you’ll soon be able to see synopses of the films, read about the honorees, see great photos and plan your busy schedule of entertainment. You can also download the free GSFF app to your phone.

Founder Diane Raver added, “It only happens once a year and it goes by in a flash. Don’t miss this entertaining and important event that celebrates the creative spirit.”

The Cranford Theater is located at 25 N. Ave. W in Cranford. For more information visit cranfordtheater.com or call 908-588-2477.

Read about last year's festival on Patch:

• Ocean City Director's Movie Makes Garden State Film Festival
• Long Branch Director's Movie Makes Garden State Film Festival

Got Cranford news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Make sure to include the photographer's name and permission from that person to publish it. To be the first to get news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.