Film enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend at the Burlington County Juried Short Film Festival, which promises a stellar lineup of imaginative narratives and compelling documentaries. Now in its third year, the festival will showcase a total of 23 short films over two days, from Friday, June 14, to Saturday, June 15, 2024.
The festival, a highlight in Burlington’s cultural calendar, has grown in popularity since its inception, attracting both filmmakers and film lovers from across the region. This year’s selection includes a diverse array of genres and styles, offering something for every taste.
Friday, June 14, 2024: The opening night will kick off at 6:00 PM with a series of short films that explore themes ranging from personal identity to social justice. Highlights include:
- “Echoes of Silence” – A powerful 15-minute documentary on the lives of refugees adjusting to life in a new country.
- “Through the Looking Glass” – An 18-minute narrative about a young girl’s imaginative adventures as she navigates her parents’ divorce.
- “Binary Dreams” – A 12-minute sci-fi short that delves into the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence.
Saturday, June 15, 2024: The second day begins at 11:00 AM with a morning session of films geared towards younger audiences, followed by an afternoon of diverse storytelling. Key films include:
- “Wings of Freedom” – A 10-minute animated film about a bird’s journey to find its way home, perfect for children and families.
- “Urban Legends” – A gripping 20-minute thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.
- “In Her Shoes” – A 14-minute drama that portrays the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries.
Festival Venue and Activities
The festival will be held at the Burlington County Library Auditorium, providing an intimate setting for film screenings and discussions. Each screening block will be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the creative minds behind the films.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature several panel discussions and workshops focusing on various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to production techniques. These sessions aim to provide valuable insights for aspiring filmmakers and enhance the overall festival experience for attendees.
Supporting Local Talent
One of the festival’s primary goals is to support and showcase local talent. Several films in the lineup are directed by filmmakers from New Jersey and the surrounding areas, highlighting the vibrant and diverse creative community within the region.
Tickets and Access
Tickets for the Burlington County Juried Short Film Festival are available online and at the venue. Festival passes provide access to all screenings, panels, and workshops, while individual tickets are available for specific sessions.
For more information on the schedule, film lineup, and ticket purchases, visit the festival’s official website.
Join the Celebration
The Burlington County Juried Short Film Festival is more than just a showcase of short films; it is a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the power of cinema to connect people. Whether you are a seasoned film buff or simply looking for an enjoyable weekend activity, this festival promises a rich and rewarding experience for all who attend.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event – mark your calendars for June 14 and 15, and join fellow film lovers in celebrating the best of short filmmaking at the Burlington County Library Auditorium.
Presented by the Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center in collaboration with the interdisciplinary Cinema Studies Program at the School of Arts and Sciences, the festival promises a diverse array of screenings.
“We have a really excellent lineup of films,” said Al Nigrin, executive director, curator, and founder of the Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center. Notable entries include Joe Wallace’s documentary “Cowgirls and Synthesizers,” which follows the synthesizer pop duo Hyperbubble, and Holly Buechel’s feature documentary “Fencing for the Edge,” chronicling the journey of several New Jersey high school fencing teams.
Nigrin also highlighted the participation of numerous New Jersey filmmakers. “There are quite a few local talents showcasing their work,” he added.
The festival offers both online and in-person screenings, providing flexibility for attendees. Each general admission ticket or festival pass grants access to both virtual and in-person events. Films will be available online via video on demand for 24 hours on their respective show dates. In-person screenings will mostly occur in Room 105 of Voorhees Hall, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick, starting at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m., with special screenings on June 1 in Room 100 of Milledoler Hall, 520 George St., New Brunswick.
Adding to the excitement, festival organizers have announced a performance by singer-songwriter Marissa Nadler at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, in Room 105 of Voorhees Hall. “I have been a huge fan and collector of Marissa Nadler’s music and art for many years,” said Nigrin. “It is a dream come true that she will be performing at the festival.”
General admission tickets for the concert are priced at $25. For the film screenings, general admission tickets are $15 per program, with student tickets available for $10 per program. An all-access festival pass is offered for $120, granting access to all screenings and events, including filmmaker introductions and Q&A sessions. For more details and ticket purchases, visit the festival’s official website.
Among the festival’s diverse offerings are:
- Joe Wallace’s documentary “Cowgirls and Synthesizers” – Following the journey of the synthesizer pop duo Hyperbubble.
- Peter Flynn’s feature documentary “Film Is Dead. Long Live Film!” – Exploring the vanishing world of private film collecting.
- “Crossing The River” by Allan Novak – A short documentary about the Fink family, the oldest Holocaust survivors in the world.
- Lynn Lukkas’ “Claire Facing North” – A girl buddy film.
- Mariya Somova’s “I Want to Live on Mars” – A coming-of-age feature.
- Jeffrey Himpele’s “Shame on You!” – An animated documentary focusing on the debt crisis in America.
- Robert Kolodny’s “The Featherweight” – A gripping true-life story of Italian American boxer Willie Pep.
- Tova Krentzman’s “Fire Tower” – A documentary about fire lookouts in Canada.
Festival finalists were selected from over 700 submissions worldwide, and winners will be announced on social media on June 9.
