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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T233000
DTSTAMP:20260417T211836
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SUMMARY:44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival
DESCRIPTION:New Jersey Film Festival Returns in 2026 with Expanded Hybrid Screenings and 45 Premieres Across Multiple Weekends \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Garden State’s film community is already buzzing as the 44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival prepares to roll out the red carpet from January 23 through February 22\, 2026. Presented by the Rutgers Film Co-op and the New Jersey Media Arts Center\, this highly anticipated event will once again blend the best of both worlds with a hybrid format\, offering audiences the flexibility to enjoy screenings either in person at Rutgers University in New Brunswick or online through a video-on-demand platform. \n\n\n\nFor more than four decades\, the New Jersey Film Festival has served as a cornerstone of independent cinema in the state\, spotlighting groundbreaking filmmakers\, daring new voices\, and powerful storytelling that transcends borders. The upcoming winter edition promises to be one of its most ambitious yet\, featuring 45 diverse films\, including New Jersey and regional premieres\, exclusive screenings\, and special guest appearances from filmmakers and industry professionals. \n\n\n\nAmong the standout titles slated for screening are B.F. Skinner Plays Himself\, Arrested at Delaney Hall\, Portrait of a Monastery\, ANDA\, Don’t Look in the Dark\, The Shoshani Riddle\, and Sum Function. Two documentaries\, Mama’s Voice and Zinema\, will also shed light on the human impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine—illustrating the festival’s ongoing commitment to socially conscious and globally resonant storytelling. \n\n\n\nEach festival weekend will showcase an eclectic mix of narrative features\, documentaries\, shorts\, and experimental works\, giving audiences an opportunity to discover fresh perspectives and emerging talent from around the world. Both film lovers and casual viewers can expect an immersive experience that highlights innovation\, creativity\, and the emotional depth of modern cinema. \n\n\n\nThe hybrid structure allows ticket holders to tailor their festival experience. Online screenings will be available for 24 hours on their designated show dates\, while in-person showings will take place on select Fridays\, Saturdays\, and Sundays throughout the festival’s run. General admission is priced at $15 per program\, $10 for students attending in person\, and $120 for an All-Access Pass\, which grants entry to all screenings—both virtual and live. \n\n\n\nBeyond the films\, the festival will also host two free filmmaking workshops that provide invaluable insight into the art and business of moviemaking. “The Film Business” session will be held on February 1\, offering guidance for aspiring filmmakers navigating the industry\, while the “Intro to Filmmaking” workshop on February 15 is designed to help beginners understand the essentials of storytelling through film. Space for these workshops is limited\, and advance registration is required. \n\n\n\nThe New Jersey Film Festival has long been recognized as a vital platform for independent creators\, giving them the opportunity to connect directly with audiences\, critics\, and fellow artists. Each year\, the festival draws participants from across the country and abroad\, reinforcing New Jersey’s reputation as a thriving hub for arts and culture. \n\n\n\nWith its mix of virtual access\, local engagement\, and an ever-expanding roster of talent\, the 2026 edition reaffirms the festival’s dedication to accessibility and creative excellence. As it celebrates more than 40 years of cinematic tradition\, the event continues to evolve with technology while maintaining its intimate\, community-centered spirit. \n\n\n\nTo stay up to date on film festivals and arts events happening throughout the state\, visit Explore New Jersey’s Film Festivals section for the latest updates\, event coverage\, and insider previews of New Jersey’s growing film scene. \n\n\n\nTo buy screening tickets click on this link: https://watch.eventive.org/newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2026 \n\n\n\nTo buy an All Access Pass click on this link: https://newjerseyfilmfestivalspring2026.eventive.org/passes/buy
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/44th-bi-annual-new-jersey-film-festival-5/
LOCATION:Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center\, 4170 Academic Building - 15 Seminary Place\, New Brunswick\, New Jersey\, 08901-8525\, United States
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ORGANIZER;CN="Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies":MAILTO:NJMAC12@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T233000
DTSTAMP:20260417T211836
CREATED:20260111T192307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260111T192418Z
UID:76764-1771768800-1771803000@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:West Orange Classic Film Festival
DESCRIPTION:West Orange Classic Film Festival Returns for 20th Anniversary with Iconic Screenings and Insightful Discussions \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWest Orange is once again embracing its cinematic legacy as the Classic Film Festival kicks off its 20th season\, offering a carefully curated lineup of timeless films\, star-studded features\, and lively discussions. Running from January 25 through March 15\, 2026\, the Festival combines entertainment with education\, inviting audiences to experience the magic of classic cinema alongside expert commentary and interactive post-screening conversations. The event is a collaboration between the West Orange Arts Council and the West Orange Recreation Department\, with support from the New Jersey Film and Television Commission. \n\n\n\nScreenings are scheduled for Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the AMC DINE-IN Theater in the Essex Green Town Center at 495 Prospect Avenue\, West Orange\, New Jersey. Attendees can expect introductions and Q&A sessions led by a distinguished roster of guest speakers\, including actors\, filmmakers\, authors\, film historians\, and educators\, providing rare insight into the artistry\, historical context\, and cultural relevance of each selection. \n\n\n\nFestival founder emeritus Ken Mandel emphasizes the unique connection to West Orange’s cinematic roots: “This festival celebrates our rich film history\, from Thomas Edison’s groundbreaking contributions to motion picture technology to the iconic Black Maria studio\, giving film lovers a chance to explore and honor this legacy.” \n\n\n\nThe 2026 lineup pays tribute to legendary performers such as Robert Redford and Diane Keaton\, while also showcasing the work of filmmaker John Sayles\, whose films reflect a deep connection to New Jersey and New York. The selections span a variety of genres and themes\, balancing entertainment with meaningful commentary on social\, political\, and cultural issues. \n\n\n\nPaul Castiglia\, Festival volunteer\, emcee\, and guest speaker\, notes\, “While these films entertain\, they also reveal larger societal questions—class struggles\, political intrigue\, and the human cost of conflict are all subtly interwoven into the narratives.” Highlights include the romantic and cultural conflicts in Annie Hall and It Happened One Night\, the imaginative yet wartime-focused storytelling in The Secret of Roan Inish and Cinema Paradiso\, and the exploration of racial inequality in The Brother from Another Planet. The Festival also examines institutional paranoia in films like Three Days of the Condor\, offering a mix of reflection and engagement for audiences. \n\n\n\nThe season concludes on March 15 with a screening titled Politics Schmolitics\, featuring classic comedic shorts\, trailers\, and cartoons that lampoon elections\, espionage\, and political scandals. Laurel & Hardy\, Betty Boop\, The Little Rascals\, Daffy Duck\, and The Three Stooges are among the featured icons\, providing both laughs and commentary on the human condition. \n\n\n\nEsteemed speakers for this year’s festival include Festival founder Joyce Weisinger Kaffel\, Stuart Weinstock\, director of the New Jersey Jewish Film Festival\, and Gerard Amsellem\, a foreign film expert. They are joined by film historian John Chasse and pop culture writer Paul Castiglia. Actor Alvin Alexis serves as the guest speaker of honor\, introducing and discussing The Brother from Another Planet on February 1. Alexis\, known for his work in The Wiz and stage productions\, shares his experiences to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers\, bridging the gap between classic cinema and modern performance. \n\n\n\nFor those who love film and storytelling\, the West Orange Classic Film Festival is more than a movie screening—it is an immersive cultural experience. Tickets are $13 per movie\, giving attendees a full afternoon of entertainment\, education\, and the chance to enjoy classics as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. For more details on this and other local cinematic events\, visit our film festivals section to explore upcoming opportunities to engage with New Jersey’s vibrant film community.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/west-orange-classic-film-festival-3/
LOCATION:AMC DINE-IN Essex Green 9\, 495 Prospect Ave\, West Orange\, New Jersey\, 07052\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film & TV,Film Festivals
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ORGANIZER;CN="West Orange Arts Council":MAILTO:info@woarts.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260417T211836
CREATED:20260211T233237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T233253Z
UID:80157-1771772400-1771779600@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Brook Orchestra Winter Concert 2026
DESCRIPTION:Romance\, Renewal\, and a Grand Afternoon of Symphonic Storytelling as the Brook Orchestra Returns to the Brook Arts Center \n\n\n\n\n\nA winter afternoon filled with sweeping melodies\, emotional contrast\, and timeless orchestral brilliance will take center stage in Bound Brook as the Brook Orchestra returns to the historic Brook Arts Center for a special Valentine-season performance on Sunday\, February 22\, at 3:00 p.m.\, led by Music Director Thomas Vacca. \n\n\n\nDesigned as a romantic and uplifting mid-winter concert experience\, the program brings together three powerful works that reflect drama\, longing\, and the restorative beauty of nature—offering audiences an ideal way to celebrate the season through live music in one of Central New Jersey’s most treasured cultural landmarks. \n\n\n\nUnder Vacca’s direction\, the orchestra will open the afternoon with Hector Berlioz’s electrifying Hungarian March from The Damnation of Faust\, a work known for its cinematic intensity and bold orchestration. The piece immediately draws listeners into a world of vivid color and rhythmic drive\, showcasing Berlioz’s distinctive ability to fuse theatrical energy with symphonic structure. Its opening fanfares and surging climaxes provide a striking and dramatic beginning to the concert\, setting an atmosphere of anticipation and emotional depth from the first downbeat. \n\n\n\nFrom there\, the program turns toward sweeping lyricism and grand narrative expression with the Tsar Boris Overture by Russian composer Vasily Kalinnikov. Rich in melody and orchestral warmth\, the overture is admired for its expansive emotional range and expressive harmonic language. The work carries a deeply romantic sensibility\, unfolding in broad musical arcs that highlight both the lush sonorities of the orchestra and the composer’s gift for storytelling through sound. Its soaring themes and reflective passages create a natural emotional bridge between the intensity of Berlioz and the serenity that follows later in the afternoon. \n\n\n\nThe centerpiece and closing work of the concert is Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major\, widely known as the “Pastoral” Symphony. Among Beethoven’s most beloved and approachable compositions\, the Sixth Symphony celebrates the quiet joys of rural life and humanity’s connection to the natural world. Rather than dramatic struggle\, the symphony embraces tranquility\, gentle humor\, and heartfelt optimism. From the soft murmur of flowing streams to the joyful gathering of country villagers and the gentle calm that follows a summer storm\, Beethoven’s musical landscape unfolds as a tribute to renewal and peace. \n\n\n\nFor Valentine’s season audiences\, the choice of the “Pastoral” Symphony brings a particularly fitting message. Its warmth\, sense of gratitude\, and emotional openness offer a reminder of the restorative power of shared experiences—especially when experienced live\, surrounded by the resonance of a full orchestra in an intimate historic theater. \n\n\n\nThe Brook Arts Center itself plays a central role in shaping the experience. The beautifully restored venue has become a cultural anchor for Bound Brook and surrounding Somerset County communities\, hosting concerts\, theater productions\, and special events that celebrate both classical traditions and contemporary creativity. Its architectural charm and acoustics create an inviting environment for orchestral music\, allowing audiences to feel immersed in the sound while maintaining a close connection to the performers on stage. \n\n\n\nThe return of the Brook Orchestra to this historic space continues the organization’s mission of bringing accessible\, high-quality classical programming to local audiences. With Thomas Vacca on the podium\, the ensemble has steadily built a reputation for expressive performances and thoughtfully curated programs that balance familiar masterpieces with lesser-heard repertoire. This Valentine-season concert reflects that philosophy by pairing a universally recognized symphony with dramatic and lyrical works that broaden the emotional scope of the afternoon. \n\n\n\nThe performance also arrives at a time when live classical music continues to reassert its place within New Jersey’s vibrant cultural calendar. Across the state\, orchestras\, chamber groups\, and touring ensembles are drawing new audiences eager for shared artistic experiences that feel both personal and timeless. Readers interested in discovering additional concerts\, touring performances\, and cultural events across the region can explore Explore New Jersey’s ongoing music coverage\, which highlights live performances and artists appearing throughout the state. \n\n\n\nWhether attending as a romantic outing\, a family tradition\, or a solo afternoon of reflection\, the Brook Orchestra’s Valentine concert offers something rare in the middle of winter: a few unhurried hours of beauty\, storytelling\, and musical connection. With its dramatic opening\, lyrical centerpiece\, and life-affirming conclusion\, the February 22 performance promises an inspiring return to live symphonic music at the Brook Arts Center—an afternoon designed to linger long after the final notes fade.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/brook-orchestra-winter-concert-2026/
LOCATION:Brook Arts Center\, 10 Hamilton Street\, Bound Brook\, New Jersey\, 08805\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T180000
DTSTAMP:20260417T211836
CREATED:20260119T160705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T160718Z
UID:77590-1771772400-1771783200@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:RENT in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Musical in Concert | Produced by AMP Worldwide\n\n\n\nRENT Comes to Life in Symphonic Concert at Alexander Kasser Theater \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Alexander Kasser Theater will host a spectacular presentation of RENT in Concert on Sunday\, February 22\, 2026\, at 3:00 p.m.\, offering audiences a chance to experience Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical in a sweeping symphonic format. Produced by AMP Worldwide\, this performance combines a full ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists\, delivering the beloved score with renewed power and energy. With iconic songs such as “Seasons of Love\,” “La Vie Bohème\,” and “Take Me or Leave Me\,” the concert promises to immerse attendees in the unforgettable emotional landscape of Larson’s work\, celebrating themes of love\, friendship\, resilience\, and the enduring pursuit of dreams. \n\n\n\nRENT is set in New York City’s East Village during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis\, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a group of young artists striving to create meaningful lives and lasting connections. The concert version brings an added dimension to the experience\, blending symphonic arrangements with the rock-infused energy of the original musical. Audiences will hear the sweeping melodies and intricate harmonies that have made RENT a cultural touchstone for over two decades\, performed with both reverence and vitality. \n\n\n\nThis symphonic concert is not merely a retelling of the story; it is a reimagined experience that emphasizes the music’s emotional depth and the powerful narratives embedded in Larson’s lyrics. The arrangement allows each song to shine\, highlighting the moments of joy\, heartbreak\, and hope that define the characters’ journeys. From the exuberant rebellion of “La Vie Bohème” to the heartfelt reflection of “Seasons of Love\,” the performance promises to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers discovering the work for the first time. \n\n\n\nRENT’s significance extends beyond its music; it is a reflection of a generation\, capturing the struggles and triumphs of young adults confronting societal challenges while celebrating the bonds that sustain them. The concert emphasizes the story’s enduring message of chosen family\, resilience\, and living fully in the moment\, reminding audiences why the musical remains relevant more than twenty-five years after its Broadway debut. Recognized with both the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama\, RENT continues to inspire audiences around the world\, and this concert presentation brings that inspiration to life in a fresh and immersive way. \n\n\n\nFor those looking to explore other live performances and theatrical offerings across the state\, dedicated theater resources in New Jersey provide comprehensive listings and coverage of musical events\, from Broadway classics to contemporary productions. Attending RENT in Concert offers not only an opportunity to enjoy Larson’s iconic music but also a glimpse into the richness of New Jersey’s vibrant performing arts scene. \n\n\n\nWhether you are a longtime fan eager to relive the magic of RENT or a newcomer ready to experience its powerful music and narrative for the first time\, this symphonic concert at Alexander Kasser Theater promises an unforgettable afternoon of music\, emotion\, and storytelling. The combination of the original score\, live orchestration\, and vocal talent ensures that Larson’s vision is honored while offering audiences a renewed\, dynamic perspective on one of the most celebrated musicals of all time.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/rent-in-concert-3/
LOCATION:Alexander Kasser Theater\, 1 Normal Ave Hall\, Suite 171\, Montclair\, New Jersey\, 07043\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260222T180000
DTSTAMP:20260417T211836
CREATED:20260204T161319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T161332Z
UID:79486-1771772400-1771783200@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:RENT in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Musical in Concert | Produced by AMP Worldwide\n\n\n\nRENT Comes to Life in Symphonic Concert at Alexander Kasser Theater \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Symphonic Reimagining of a Broadway Classic Comes to New Brunswick as RENT in Concert Takes Over State Theatre New Jersey \n\n\n\nOne of the most influential and emotionally powerful musicals in modern theatre history is returning to New Jersey in a striking new form when RENT in Concert arrives at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on Thursday\, February 19\, 2026\, for a 7:30 p.m. performance that reshapes Jonathan Larson’s landmark score into a sweeping live orchestral event. \n\n\n\nRather than presenting RENT as a fully staged production\, this special concert tour places the music front and center\, allowing the full emotional architecture of the show to unfold through voice and orchestra. The result is an immersive symphonic experience that honors the raw heart of the original musical while offering audiences a fresh and dramatically elevated way to hear one of Broadway’s most celebrated scores. \n\n\n\nThis Broadway concert presentation brings together an accomplished cast of vocalists whose performances are designed to highlight both the intimacy and urgency that have defined RENT for nearly three decades. Kris Carrasco leads the ensemble as Angel\, bringing warmth\, humor\, and deep emotional generosity to one of the show’s most beloved characters. Ruchir Khazanchi appears as Benny\, navigating the tension between loyalty and ambition that runs through the story. Candice Woods steps into the role of Joanne\, while Tommy Kaiser portrays the restless and observant filmmaker Mark. Alex Lugo brings fearless theatricality to Maureen\, paired with Jasiana Caraballo as Mimi\, whose vulnerability remains central to the show’s emotional gravity. Will Hastreiter takes on the role of Roger\, capturing both the guarded pain and creative longing of the struggling songwriter\, and Terrance Johnson embodies the gentle wisdom and humanity of Tom Collins. \n\n\n\nTogether\, the company performs the complete score of RENT\, allowing audiences to experience every musical moment that has made the show a global phenomenon. From the explosive energy of the title number and the rebellious joy of “La Vie Bohème\,” to the emotional honesty of “I’ll Cover You” and “Without You\,” the concert format gives each song space to breathe and resonate. The production’s signature ensemble moment\, “Seasons of Love\,” becomes a powerful centerpiece of the evening\, carried by layered harmonies and the full force of live orchestration. \n\n\n\nWhat distinguishes this tour is the musical collaboration behind it. Orchestral accompaniment is provided by Contemporaneous\, the acclaimed New York City-based ensemble widely recognized for its bold\, immersive\, and forward-thinking approach to live performance. Their involvement transforms the familiar rock-influenced score into a cinematic soundscape\, expanding the emotional reach of Larson’s music without losing its gritty authenticity. The concert is directed by Sara Brians and conducted by Heidi Joosten\, bringing together theatrical storytelling and musical leadership in a unified artistic vision. \n\n\n\nFor New Jersey audiences\, this performance represents a major cultural moment in the state’s ongoing relationship with touring Broadway and concert theatre productions. Fans who regularly follow major stage events and touring presentations can continue to explore what is coming to venues across the state through Explore New Jersey’s theatre coverage\, which highlights both classic works and innovative new interpretations arriving in local venues. \n\n\n\nRENT in Concert arrives at State Theatre New Jersey as part of the venue’s Broadway Series\, reinforcing New Brunswick’s reputation as one of the state’s most important hubs for large-scale touring productions. The historic theater’s acoustics and intimate sightlines make it uniquely suited for a concert experience of this scale\, where the power of live voices and orchestration can be fully appreciated without theatrical distractions. \n\n\n\nThe evening runs approximately two hours and ten minutes\, including an intermission\, giving audiences the opportunity to experience the entire musical journey in a single\, uninterrupted narrative arc. Tickets are currently on sale\, with prices beginning at fifty-eight dollars\, including fees. \n\n\n\nSet in New York City’s East Village\, RENT remains a story about artists\, outsiders\, and chosen family trying to survive\, create\, and love in the face of uncertainty. The musical follows a tight-knit group of young filmmakers\, musicians\, and performers struggling to define their identities and hold onto their dreams while living on the margins of a rapidly changing city. Beneath the humor\, romance\, and rebellion\, the show confronts the realities of illness\, loss\, and social isolation\, particularly under the shadow of HIV and AIDS. \n\n\n\nAt the center of the story are Roger\, Mimi\, Tom\, and Angel\, whose lives are deeply shaped by both the physical and emotional toll of the disease. Around them\, friendships fracture and reconnect. Romantic relationships are tested. Personal ambition clashes with loyalty. Maureen uses performance art as both expression and escape\, while Joanne wrestles with what commitment truly means. Benny\, once part of the same struggling artistic circle\, has chosen financial security and corporate success\, creating painful divisions between past ideals and present realities. Mark\, documenting everything through his camera\, often feels disconnected from life itself\, caught between observation and participation. \n\n\n\nInspired in part by Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème\, RENT reimagines that classic story through the lens of late twentieth-century New York\, infusing it with rock music\, political urgency\, and deeply personal storytelling. Its impact has been lasting and transformative. The musical earned both the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama\, and its influence continues to shape contemporary musical theatre\, popular culture\, and live performance. \n\n\n\nWhat makes RENT in Concert especially meaningful for today’s audiences is how directly its message still speaks to the present. Community\, creativity\, compassion\, and the courage to live truthfully remain at the heart of the show. In a world still defined by social divisions\, economic uncertainty\, and cultural change\, the voices of these characters continue to feel unmistakably current. \n\n\n\nBy presenting the full score in a symphonic setting\, this tour places renewed focus on the emotional storytelling embedded in the music itself. Every lyric\, harmony\, and musical transition becomes part of a shared experience between performers and audience\, inviting reflection as much as celebration. \n\n\n\nWhen the orchestra swells and the cast unites in song at State Theatre New Jersey this February\, RENT in Concert will offer more than nostalgia. It will deliver a powerful reminder of why this musical has endured for generations\, and why its call to live boldly\, love deeply\, and stand together continues to matter now more than ever.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/rent-in-concert-5/
LOCATION:State Theatre New Jersey\, 15 Livingston Avenue \, NJ\, New Brunswick\, NJ\, 08901\, United States
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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ORGANIZER;CN="State Theatre New Jersey":MAILTO:Info@stnj.org
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