Get ready to experience the magic of cinema as the UCPAC Film Fest 2025 makes its return for a second year, set to take place from Friday, May 16th to Sunday, May 18th, 2025. This exciting three-day event will showcase the incredible work of aspiring and independent filmmakers, featuring screenings of short films across various genres, engaging panel discussions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with industry professionals. We are thrilled to bring this festival back to the historic Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), located in the heart of Rahway, NJ.
Submit Your Film: Deadline March 14, 2025
The final deadline to submit films is March 14, 2025—so filmmakers, don’t miss your chance to showcase your work at this prestigious event! UCPAC Film Fest 2025 invites aspiring filmmakers aged 14 and above to submit their short films for consideration. Whether you’re a high school student, a college filmmaker, or an independent artist, this festival is the perfect platform to share your creative vision with a wider audience.
UCPAC’s mission is to elevate emerging filmmakers by providing a renowned venue for their films to be showcased. The festival also aims to foster a greater appreciation of independent cinema while offering participants the chance to compete for prizes and recognition.
A Historic Venue for Filmmakers
The Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of independent cinema. Built in 1928, UCPAC’s Main Stage is a historic theater with a rich cinematic history—it was originally a movie house that featured RKO Pictures releases. Today, UCPAC continues to host a variety of live performances and film screenings, including 35mm and 16mm formats, alongside modern digital screenings.
By participating in UCPAC Film Fest, filmmakers will have the rare opportunity to see their work displayed on the big screen in a venue that has been an iconic part of Rahway’s cultural landscape for nearly a century.
Film Categories & Submission Guidelines
The festival offers a variety of categories for filmmakers to submit their work:
General Categories
Open to everyone. Films must be 35 minutes or less in length.
- Horror / Sci-Fi
- Drama
- Comedy
- Action / Thriller / Mystery
- Non-Fiction (Documentary)
- Experimental / Musical / Music Video
- Made in Union County, NJ (70% of the film shot in Union County)
High School Student Category
- Films must be 20 minutes or less in length.
- Completion date between 2022-2025.
- All genres accepted.
- Student passwords available by emailing fest@ucpac.org.
College/University Student Category
- Films must be 20 minutes or less in length.
- Completion date between 2022-2025.
- All genres accepted.
- Student passwords available by emailing fest@ucpac.org.
Awards & Prizes
Awards and prizes will be presented at the Awards Ceremony during the festival. Please note that filmmakers must be present at the ceremony to receive their awards. Prizes and recognition will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
Rules & Terms
When submitting films to the UCPAC Film Fest, filmmakers agree to several key terms:
- Marketing Participation: Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their involvement in the festival through social media and other channels.
- Online Status of Submitted Films: Films must not be publicly viewable in their entirety online before the festival (unless indicated as part of the student curriculum).
- Copyright Compliance: Filmmakers must have the necessary copyright clearances for all original content, and the use of AI-curated imagery or music is strictly prohibited.
- Promotion Rights: UCPAC may use submitted films and footage for marketing purposes, including promotional use for current and future festivals.
- Indemnification: Filmmakers agree to indemnify UCPAC from any claims related to their submission.
Please note: No refunds for submission fees under any circumstances.
A Rich Legacy at UCPAC
The UCPAC Film Fest is held at the Union County Performing Arts Center, a venue steeped in history and rich in cultural significance. Opening in 1928 as the Rahway Theatre, it has been a pillar of the local arts community for nearly a century. Originally built for vaudeville and movie screenings, it is now a multipurpose venue that hosts live performances, concerts, films, and more.
The theater’s Wurlitzer organ—affectionately known as the “Biggest Little Wurlitzer”—is one of the few remaining examples of its kind in New Jersey, adding an extra layer of charm and historical significance to the venue.
Submit Your Film Today!
Don’t miss this chance to be part of UCPAC Film Fest 2025! Submit your short films by March 14th, 2025 and get ready to showcase your work at this incredible event. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, UCPAC Film Fest is the perfect opportunity to share your story, connect with fellow creatives, and compete for exciting prizes in a historic and vibrant setting.
Start planning your film submission today, and get ready to be part of a festival that celebrates the art of motion pictures in the heart of Rahway, NJ.
For submission guidelines, the full list of categories, and more information, visit UCPAC Film Fest.
