CUT International Short Film Festival
2025-09-19 20:00 - 2025-09-20 23:30 (America/New_York) | The Levoy Theatre, 130 N High Street, Millville, NJ, 08332, United States
Lights, Camera, Action! The CUT International Short Film Festival Arrives in Millville

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Festival Dates: September 19-20, 2025 Location: The Levoy Theatre, Millville, NJ

Prepare for a cinematic celebration as the CUT International Short Film Festival makes its highly anticipated debut in Millville! Touted as New Jersey’s next premier destination for short-form cinema, this festival is a must-attend for film enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling.

Nestled within a charming colonial-era enclave established in the early 18th century, the City of Millville provides the perfect backdrop. Its historic High Street, boasting a beautifully restored Levoy Theatre, alongside inviting bars, restaurants, art galleries, and barber shops, evokes a nostalgic sense of a bygone American era.

CUT was founded on a simple yet powerful premise: to celebrate authentic storytelling through the unique medium of short films. Unlike large-scale productions, short films and documentaries empower a broader range of talented creatives to craft resonant and genuine narratives without the need for massive budgets or extensive crews. The festival’s mission is to shine a spotlight on these impactful stories and provide them with a prestigious venue to be seen.

Get ready for two days packed with cinematic gems!

Event Details:

Public On Sale: Tickets became available starting Tuesday, July 1st at 10 AM!

Ticket Pricing (all-inclusive of fees):

Two-Day Pass: $28

Friday, September 19th Admission (at The Levoy Theatre): $18

Saturday, September 20th Admission (at The Levoy Theatre – All Day Pass): $23

Special Note: Students and Millville Residents enjoy free admission on Saturday with proof of residency!

Schedule Highlights:

Friday, September 19th:

Doors open: 6:00 PM

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Evening screenings and events.

8:00 PM – Premiere of the ArtC Documentary ‘Applause – The Story of the Historic Levoy Theatre’

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM – CUT International Film Festival (Group One)

Saturday, September 20th:

Doors open: 10:00 AM

11:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Full day of screenings (with an intermission from 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM).

This festival, with its motto “Short Films for Quick Minds,” promises to be a vibrant addition to New Jersey’s cultural calendar, celebrating the power of concise and impactful cinematic art. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting new tradition!

For more exciting theatrical events and cultural highlights across New Jersey, be sure to visit our dedicated Theatre section: https://explorenewjersey.org/theatre/.

🎟️ Tickets, Merchandise & Info:

Accessible seating available for all guests.

Click here to go to the Merch Stand On Broadway in The Vending Lot.

Queen City Film Festival
2025-10-16 00:00 - 2025-10-19 23:59 | Plainfield Performing Arts Center, 724 Park Ave, Plainfield, New Jersey, 07060, United States
Celebrating Diverse Voices in Film – Plainfield, NJ

📅 October 16–19, 2025📍 Plainfield, New Jersey

The Queen City Film Festival (QCFF) is one of New Jersey’s most dynamic cultural events, dedicated to showcasing bold, original storytelling from underrepresented filmmakers. Taking place each fall in the heart of Plainfield, QCFF is more than a film festival—it’s a movement that uplifts diverse voices, inspires audiences, and creates meaningful community impact.

A Platform for Underrepresented Filmmakers

QCFF was founded on the belief that great stories come from every background. By spotlighting films that challenge perspectives, celebrate culture, and explore new ideas, the festival provides a vital platform for filmmakers who are often overlooked in mainstream media.

What to Expect at QCFF 2025

Over four exciting days, festivalgoers can enjoy:

Independent film screenings across genres

Panel discussions with filmmakers and industry leaders

Community-driven events designed to spark conversation and connection

Networking opportunities for creators, students, and film enthusiasts

From thought-provoking documentaries to innovative short films, QCFF curates a lineup that reflects Plainfield’s vibrancy and diversity while attracting visitors from across New Jersey and beyond.

Building Community Through Film

At its core, the Queen City Film Festival is about more than movies. It’s about creating positive change—using the art of film to inspire, educate, and unite people. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to share your story, or a film lover seeking fresh perspectives, QCFF offers an unforgettable experience.

Montclair Film Festival
2025-10-17 00:00 - 2025-10-27 23:59 | The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Ave, , NJ, Montclair, New Jersey, 07042, United States
Where Storytelling Connects, Inspires, and Transforms

📅 October 17–26, 2025📍 Montclair, New Jersey

The Montclair Film Festival (MFF) is one of New Jersey’s most celebrated cultural events, transforming the vibrant town of Montclair into a hub for filmmakers, industry professionals, and passionate audiences. Each fall, the festival presents an outstanding lineup of films, conversations, and community events that explore the power of storytelling to deepen human connection and inspire change.

A Festival with Purpose

Montclair Film Festival isn’t just about watching films—it’s about experiencing the transformative impact of cinema. The festival’s mission is to celebrate creativity, educate and inspire new generations of storytellers, and challenge audiences with content that sparks meaningful dialogue.

MFF is also committed to supporting the local economy and arts community through partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations. This collaborative spirit makes the festival a cornerstone of New Jersey’s thriving arts scene.

What Sets Montclair Film Festival Apart

Attendees can expect:

A diverse program of films across genres and cultures

Panels and Q&As with filmmakers and industry leaders

Educational initiatives for aspiring filmmakers and students

Community discussions that encourage open dialogue and fresh perspectives

Special events and celebrations that bring people together through the joy of film

Core Values that Drive MFF

The Montclair Film Festival is guided by principles that reflect its commitment to inclusivity and innovation:

Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming space where all voices are heard and respected

Creativity & Innovation: Championing bold storytelling and new ideas

Collaboration: Building partnerships across communities and industries

Transparency & Integrity: Operating with openness and accountability

Empathy: Encouraging understanding through diverse experiences and perspectives

Experience Montclair Film Festival 2025

Over ten days in October, Montclair becomes a destination for film lovers, storytellers, and creators from across New Jersey and beyond. Whether you’re an industry professional, a student, or someone who simply loves the magic of movies, MFF offers a rich, engaging, and unforgettable experience.

Teaneck International Film Festival
2025-11-06 17:30 - 2025-11-13 23:30 | Teaneck Film Festival, 20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, New Jersey, 07666, United States
Teaneck International Film Festival Marks 20 Years of Spotlighting Activism Through Cinema

The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) returns in 2025, celebrating its 20th anniversary as a premier platform for socially conscious filmmaking. Established by the Puffin Foundation, TIFF has built a reputation for showcasing films that challenge audiences, ignite dialogue, and inspire meaningful action. With the enduring theme, “Activism: Making Change,” the festival continues to merge artistry with advocacy, connecting filmmakers, audiences, and community leaders in both in-person and virtual formats.

Purpose and Community Impact

TIFF stands out as more than just a film festival. Its mission is to highlight stories that confront social injustices, amplify underrepresented voices, and promote civic engagement. Collaborating with partners such as the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Bergen/Passaic Chapter, and The Links of Bergen County, the festival fosters discussion and reflection on pressing societal issues. This hybrid festival offers screenings at venues across Teaneck, including the Puffin Cultural Forum, Temple Emeth, and Teaneck Cinemas, alongside online options featuring pre-recorded talkbacks with filmmakers.

20th Anniversary Festival Highlights – November 6–13, 2025

Opening Night: The Disappearance of Miss Scott

A compelling documentary about Hazel Scott, the trailblazing Black musician and the first Black American to host her own television show, opens the festival and sets the tone for TIFF’s focus on historic and contemporary activism.

Featured Screenings:

Plastic People – This environmental documentary investigates the dangers of microplastics on human health. Screening takes place Sunday, November 9, at 12:30 p.m. at the Puffin Cultural Forum, followed by a panel discussion examining microplastics in New Jersey.

Saffron Kingdom – Recipient of the inaugural Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award, Arfat Sheikh’s film tells the story of a Kashmiri woman’s escape to America. Screening Sunday, November 9, at 3:00 p.m. at Teaneck Cinemas.

Home: Two (HU)Men, Silent Force, Your Silence is Loud Cecilia – A short film program exploring themes of migration, identity, and displacement, screened Sunday, November 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the Puffin Cultural Forum, accompanied by a live dance performance and Q&A.

Lilly – Closing the festival, this feature recounts the story of Lilly Ledbetter’s fight for workplace equality, screening Sunday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Emeth.

Additional films scheduled include:

The Librarians – A documentary linking censorship efforts in Texas to White Christian nationalism.

Vigilantes Inc.: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen – Investigates voter suppression targeting youth and communities of color.

A World Apart – A comedy-drama following a veteran teacher in a small rural school.

A Place of Our Own – Chronicles a transgender couple’s search for acceptance in India.

Among Neighbors – Uses animation to unravel a murder mystery in a rural town during World War II.

Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey – Explores the critical role of African American journalists in shaping media narratives.

Ticketing and Access

Tickets for all screenings can be purchased in advance through the festival website at www.teaneckfilmfestival.org or at the door on the day of the show. The festival offers a range of pricing options and encourages community participation through accessible ticketing, ensuring that audiences from all backgrounds can experience the power of socially conscious storytelling.

Why Attend

The 20th edition of TIFF reinforces Teaneck’s reputation as a hub for thought-provoking cinema. Audiences can expect an immersive experience, blending film, discussion, and live performances that highlight pressing social issues. Whether exploring voter suppression, environmental hazards, or stories of personal courage, TIFF invites viewers to engage, reflect, and take action.

Paddington- Popcorn & Pajamas Film Series
2025-11-21 18:30 - 23:30 | Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), 1601 Irving St., Rahway, NJ, 07065, United States
Family Fun Returns to Rahway with Popcorn & Pajamas Movie Night at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage

Get ready for one of the most charming family traditions in Rahway as Popcorn & Pajamas returns to UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage on Thursday, November 21 at 7 PM. This cozy community favorite combines the joy of a night at the movies with the comfort of home—inviting families to show up in their comfiest pajamas for an evening filled with creativity, laughter, and cinematic fun.

The night begins at 6 PM, when kids and parents alike can take part in a hands-on craft activity before the movie starts. Every child gets to create a special keepsake to take home—a simple but delightful way to kick off the evening and spark imagination before the lights dim and the big screen comes to life.

And, of course, no movie night would be complete without snacks. Guests will be treated to free popcorn as part of the 7 PM screening, adding to the fun and keeping the experience affordable for families of all sizes. Popcorn & Pajamas is the kind of event that reminds everyone what makes local theatre spaces like Hamilton Stage so special: they’re not just venues for performances—they’re community gathering spots where memories are made.

Presented by the Union County Performing Arts Center, Popcorn & Pajamas was created to give families a relaxed and budget-friendly way to enjoy entertainment together. Parents can skip the high ticket prices and crowded multiplexes, and instead enjoy a small-town movie night experience filled with warmth and connection. It’s a chance to unwind, laugh, and enjoy a story that captivates audiences of all ages.

Hamilton Stage, part of UCPAC’s growing family of venues, continues to be a cultural hub for Rahway and the surrounding region, offering everything from live theatre to music, dance, and family-friendly programming. Events like Popcorn & Pajamas are central to its mission—bringing art and entertainment to the community in ways that are accessible, welcoming, and full of heart.

If you’re looking for a fun, affordable night out this November, mark your calendar and join the pajama-clad crowd for Popcorn & Pajamas at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, comfort, and community spirit—and a reminder of why nights at the theater are still some of the best family moments of all.

To find more local performances, family events, and stage productions across New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey Theatre and discover the many ways live entertainment continues to thrive throughout the Garden State.

Wicked "Sing-A-Long" Film Screening
2025-11-23 20:00 - 23:30 | State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue , NJ, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
🎤 Wicked Sing-Along Film Screening – A Magical Musical Experience for All Ages

📅 Sunday, November 23, 2025🕓 Showtime: 1:00 PM

💚 Fly Into Oz for a Wickedly Fun Sing-Along Screening!

Get ready to unleash your inner Broadway star at the Wicked Sing-Along Film Screening, a one-of-a-kind event where the audience is the star! Watch the iconic musical Wicked on the big screen and sing along to all your favorite songs—from “Popular” to the soaring “Defying Gravity.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Elphaba and Glinda or discovering the land of Oz for the first time, this interactive movie experience invites you to dress as your favorite characters, belt out the unforgettable tunes, and celebrate the music that changed musical theatre forever.

👗 Costumes Encouraged. Magic Guaranteed.

Calling all witches, wizards, and musical theatre lovers!This is more than a film—it’s a celebration of friendship, defiance, and powerful music. Come in costume, cheer for your favorite moments, and sing every word alongside fellow fans in a judgment-free zone filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit.

🎭 Event Details

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan, NJ

Admission: Tickets available now – reserve your seat for this magical journey!

🔗 Buy Your Tickets Today

📌 Important Notes

Recommended for audiences ages 4 and up

No admission for children under 4 or babes in arms

Perfect for families, friend groups, and anyone who loves musical theatre!

Looking to support the arts in New Jersey?🎭 Interested in sponsoring a performance at Algonquin Arts Theatre? Call 732-528-9211 to get involved.

✨ Don’t miss your chance to sing your heart out and relive the magic of Oz—because everyone deserves a chance to “Defy Gravity!”

🔗 Explore More Arts & Culture Events in New Jersey

🎟️ Tickets, Merchandise & Info:

Accessible seating available for all guests.

Click here to go to the On Broadway Merch Stand in The Vending Lot.

You can stream Wicked on-demand on Sunset!

The Mahoning Drive-In Road Show The Exorcist (1973) & Beyond the Door (1974)
2026-02-28 17:30 - 23:30 | Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), 1601 Irving St., Rahway, NJ, 07065, United States
Step Back in Time with the Mahoning Drive-In Road Show: A 35mm Double Feature Experience at UCPAC

Horror fans and cinephiles alike have a rare treat coming to New Jersey this winter as The Mahoning Drive-In Road Show brings a classic 1970s drive-in experience indoors for one night only. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, UCPAC’s Main Stage will host a special 35mm double feature presentation of two iconic horror films: William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973) and the cult Italian shocker Beyond the Door (1974). Tickets are on sale now, promising a nostalgic cinematic event for fans of vintage horror and classic drive-in culture.

Mark from the Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Pennsylvania invites audiences to a fully immersive experience, complete with vintage snack bar advertisements, original trailers, and an intermission reel between the films. The show begins with an introduction by Mark and Virgil, who share stories about the history of the Mahoning Drive-In and provide insights into the films about to be screened. Attendees will be transported back to an era when double features were the centerpiece of a night at the drive-in, and the magic of 35mm film created an unforgettable, larger-than-life experience on the big screen.

The evening kicks off with The Exorcist, widely considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. The story follows a young girl, Regan (Linda Blair), whose disturbing possession forces her mother (Ellen Burstyn) to seek help from the clergy in a desperate bid to save her child. Friedkin’s masterful direction, groundbreaking special effects, and unforgettable performances made this film a landmark in cinematic horror, and experiencing it on 35mm promises an intensity and authenticity that digital screenings rarely capture.

Following this classic, the program continues with Beyond the Door, an Italian horror film notorious for its similarities to The Exorcist. Marketed with chilling taglines such as “Beyond this door, the most terrifying event in the history of mankind is about to occur,” the film gained notoriety when Warner Brothers sued for copyright infringement. Its blend of supernatural terror and 1970s cinematic flair offers fans a unique glimpse into international horror’s response to the era’s American blockbusters.

This special Mahoning Drive-In presentation is more than just a movie night—it’s a full-scale homage to the golden age of drive-ins, with all the charm and thrill of the original experience preserved. Whether you’re a longtime fan of horror cinema or discovering these classics for the first time, the evening promises to deliver nostalgia, frights, and the unique energy of 35mm film projected in a live theater setting.

For those looking to explore additional live theater, film events, and cultural programming in New Jersey, Explore New Jersey Theatre provides comprehensive coverage of upcoming shows, screenings, and performances throughout the state, helping audiences discover memorable entertainment experiences.

The Mahoning Drive-In Road Show is a must-see for anyone who loves horror, classic cinema, or the vibrant culture of drive-in theaters. Don’t miss this chance to relive a bygone era, feel the suspense of The Exorcist, and experience the offbeat thrills of Beyond the Door in the immersive atmosphere of UCPAC’s Main Stage.
