HOLMDEL, NJ — The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) is set to kick off as a three-day event at Bell Works over the weekend.
Set to take place Friday through Sunday, the festival will begin with “Power Ballad,” which stars New Jersey natives Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, and is written and directed by John Carney (“Once,” “Sing Street”).
The film debuted at SXSW and will be shown at the Monmouth Film Festival in the Bell Theater at 8 p.m. on Friday, after the festival was selected by Lionsgate Studios as the East Coast venue to showcase the film ahead of its upcoming wide release.
During the weekend festival, attendees will be able to enjoy screenings, panels, networking, industry conversations, a digital film expo, dining, cocktails, and late-night meetups, all happening just steps apart.
The format of the festival aims to create a “Hollywood comes to New Jersey” experience where audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals can connect in one dynamic destination.
Nicholas Marchese, founder of the Monmouth Film Festival, says the festival was built to create an inclusive, high-level cinematic experience that welcomes both passionate moviegoers and industry professionals alike.
“MFF is about bringing people together through powerful storytelling,” Marchese said. “Whether you’re an independent filmmaker, a dedicated film lover, or someone discovering these stories for the first time, the festival is designed to create meaningful connections and celebrate great cinema from New Jersey and around the world.”
Founded in 2016, the Monmouth Film Festival has built a reputation for discovering exceptional films from both emerging local artists and acclaimed international voices, curating them into a dynamic, world-class celebration of independent cinema.
This year’s program showcases a lineup of shorts, documentaries, and feature films from around the globe alongside powerful stories rooted in New Jersey.
Highlights include “Vienna,” an emotional exploration of a family coping with the tragic loss of a child to SUDC; “Greetings From Seaside Heights,” a documentary examining the complexities of seasonal tourism through the voices of locals and visitors; and “Twas The Night,” a darkly comedic short following a mischievous creature that escapes Santa’s bag on Christmas Eve.
Beyond the shorts program, MFF’s feature film lineup also delivers storytelling from both rising New Jersey filmmakers and acclaimed international voices.
Highlights include “Untouchables,” the inspiring story of Newark fencing coach Derrick Hoff and his championship-winning team; “You Know What You Are,” a chilling New Jersey–set horror feature that reimagines vampire mythology in a desolate winter beach town; and highly anticipated titles including “Power Ballad,” “I Want Your Sex” starring Olivia Wilde, and “Union Count” starring Will Poulter.
The festival’s global reach is further reflected through acclaimed international selections, including “Happy Birthday from Egypt” and “HEN” from the Mediterranean region – bringing powerful cinematic voices from around the world to New Jersey.
"From the beginning, Bell Works has stood for innovation and creativity," said Ralph Zucker, President and CEO of Inspired by Somerset Development, the developer of Bell Works.
“Our vision was to create a destination where culture, community and extraordinary experiences could thrive, and the Monmouth Film Festival is exactly that,” Zucker continued. “Since Bell Theater opened two years ago, the response has been tremendous, and seeing such remarkable films and talent coming to Monmouth County is something we are truly proud of."
Throughout the weekend, festival attendees will be able to experience:
"At Bell Works, we've always believed that great spaces should do more than function — they should inspire connection, creativity, and culture," said Paola Zamudio, Founder and CEO at npz studio+.
"Supporting the Monmouth Film Festival aligns perfectly with our vision of Bell Works as a place where design, art, storytelling, and community converge,” Zamudio continued. “Working alongside Nick and the organizers has been wonderful, and we're proud to help shape the Metroburb into a destination for film, culture, and community."
To see a full schedule of film screenings, panels, workshops and special events, alongside tickets and passes, you can visit the Monmouth Film Festival website.
The Monmouth Film Festival will take place at Bell Works, located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.
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