Black Maria Film Festival Returns to Caldwell on Sat, April 16

In its 35th year the Black Maria Film Festival returns to Caldwell on Saturday, April 16 from 3:30-5 pm.

The Festival showcases this year's winners of short, international documentary films. The event will be held at the beautifully restored Caldwell Flowerland, 329 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell. A festival spokesperson will provide commentary about the films shown. The Caldwell Merchants Association is sponsoring the event.

Tickets are $12 and seating is limited. Tickets are available at Caldwell Flowerland and Lovely Living Interiors at 295 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell.

A number of Caldwell restaurants are offering after the show a 20% discount on dinner with an admission ticket: Bangkok Kitchen, Caldwell Seafood, Cedar Grill, Cloverleaf Tavern and Dough Artisan Pizzeria.

The Festival honors the Black Maria film studio built by Thomas Edison in West Orange in 1893. It is considered America's first movie studio. At the time it was nicknamed "Black Maria" owing to its resemblance to the police paddy wagons.

The Festival began at the Thomas Edison National Historic Park and its current home is New Jersey City University.