Holmdel Filmmaker Chosen For Garden State Film Festival

HOLMDEL, NJ — A Monmouth County filmmaker has been selected to be a part of this year’s Garden State Film Festival (GSFF).

Set to run from March 26 through March 29, the festival will showcase 205 curated films from over 19 countries across nine venues in Asbury Park, Monmouth County and Cranford.

For this year’s program, Holmdel resident Dylan Frigiola will have their film, “More Than A Cafe,” included in the festival lineup.

According to festival officials, the film tells the inspiring story of a neighborhood coffee shop that provides meaningful employment to adults with disabilities, showcasing how the staff’s dedication and warmth have transformed it into a vital community hub.

The screening for the film will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on March 29 at the Berkeley Hotel, Continental Room in Asbury Park.

"In four days, attendees can experience 205 films and film-centered events from filmmakers worldwide, along with parties, professional panels, celebrity appearances, networking opportunities, special honors, and more," said Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival's executive director.

“Festivalgoers can explore feature and short-length films, documentaries, comedies, children's films, thrillers, pilots, student films, and ‘Home-Grown’ productions shot in New Jersey.”

Frigiola's film is far from the first time a Holmdel filmmaker has had their work featured at the GSFF.

In 2025, “VIENNA: Suddenly An Angel” premiered at the festival, telling the story of a local family’s journey from grief to action after their daughter, Vienna, suddenly passed away in 2017.

• Read More: Grief To Action: Film On Holmdel Girl Who Died To Premiere At Garden State Film Festival

At this year’s GSFF, attendees will be able to explore a variety of films and events, such as:

• Statewide Field Trip: Exploring Cinema Careers
  • Special Effects Makeup workshop with award-winning artist Joe Cola at Brookdale Community College (Tuesday, March 24)
• Thursday, March 26 | 1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
  • NEW THIS YEAR: Matinee of delightful films at Asbury Lanes
• Meet the Filmmaker | Festival Preview Event
  • Connect with filmmakers before the festival begins
• Friday, March 27 | Gala Reception:
  • Red carpet, light fare, industry professionals, photos and screening of the feature drama The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo
• Saturday, March 28 |
  • Breakfast & Panel discussion with industry leaders
• Sunday, March 29 |
  • Table Reading: Live reading of winning Feature Length Screenplay "BEDBUGGERS" by New Jersey native Tom Cavanaugh
• Sunday, March 29 | Awards Dinner
  • Evening celebration at Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch honoring Honorary Chair Jason Fisher, Educator of the Year Tim Byrne, Legends Beyond the Lens Award recipients, and other distinguished honorees

"The action-packed GSFF has something for everyone," Festival Founder Diane Raver said. "Come one, come all — it only happens once a year, and we don't want you to miss it."

To learn more about the Garden State Film Festival or purchase tickets, you can visit their website.