Jonas Mekas Film Festival

🎥 Jonas Mekas Film Festival | Asbury Park, NJ

Dates: July 17–27, 2025
Locations: ShowRoom Cinema (707 Cookman Ave) & Parlor Gallery (717 Cookman Ave)

Experience the legacy of Jonas Mekas, the iconic pioneer of American avant-garde cinema, in the heart of Asbury Park. The Jonas Mekas Film Festival will run from July 17 to July 27, 2025, hosted at the ShowRoom Cinema and Parlor Gallery. This dynamic event is presented in collaboration with OUTPOST NYC DCG.

Festival Highlights:

• ShowRoom Cinema at 707 Cookman Avenue, just one block from the train station, will screen a comprehensive retrospective of Mekas’s films.
• Parlor Gallery, located at 717 Cookman Avenue, will feature an exclusive exhibition of Jonas Mekas’s still-framed photographs, with an opening reception on the first evening of the festival.

About Jonas Mekas:
Born in 1922 in Lithuania, Jonas Mekas immigrated to the U.S. in 1949 and became a central figure in the avant-garde film movement. He co-founded Film Culture magazine, was a pioneering film columnist for The Village Voice, and played a pivotal role in establishing Anthology Film Archives. Mekas’s films have been exhibited globally at venues like the Venice Biennale, MoMA, Tate Modern, and Centre Pompidou. He also influenced countless filmmakers, including Jim Jarmusch, John Waters, and Chantal Akerman.

Mekas’s creative exploration of personal, poetic expression through cinema continues to inspire generations of artists. His films range from politically charged works to deeply personal meditations on exile, memory, and identity.

Featured Film Program:

• Thursday, July 17: Guns of the Trees (1961) – 86 min.
• Friday, July 18: Scenes from the Life of Andy Warhol (1990) – 35 min.
• Saturday, July 19: Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania (1972) – 82 min.
• Sunday, July 20: Lost Lost Lost (1976) – 178 min.
• Thursday, July 24: Walden (Diaries, Notes, and Sketches) (1968-69) – 180 min.
• Friday, July 25: As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000) – 228 min.
• Saturday, July 26: Notes on an American Film Director at Work – Martin Scorsese (2005) – 103 min.
• Sunday, July 27: Sleepless Nights Stories (2011) – 114 min.

Special Guest:
Sebastian Mekas, son of Jonas Mekas, will attend several screenings to introduce the films and offer insight into his father’s creative process.

About ShowRoom Cinema:
A cherished independent theater, ShowRoom Cinema specializes in high-quality films, including first-run releases, documentaries, and classic films. Located in downtown Asbury Park, it provides a cozy, intimate atmosphere for film lovers and the art-conscious community. Alongside screenings, ShowRoom regularly hosts live comedy and musical performances.

About Parlor Gallery:
Since 2009, Parlor Gallery has been a vital part of Asbury Park’s cultural resurgence. The gallery is known for its unique blend of contemporary urban art and coastal charm, showcasing works from both emerging and internationally renowned artists. Through initiatives like the Wooden Walls Art Project, Parlor Gallery connects public art with the community, providing an innovative space for artistic dialogue and exploration.

About OUTPOST NYC DCG:
Established in 2009 as part of Deborah Colton Gallery, OUTPOST NYC DCG is a platform dedicated to showcasing new and rediscovered works in film, video, installation art, photography, and more. With a focus on experimental programming, OUTPOST NYC DCG collaborates with both national and international art venues to bring unique artistic experiences to diverse audiences.