‘A Celebration Of Independent Cinema’: Monmouth Film Festival Sets 2026 Return

HOLMDEL, NJ — A celebration of independent cinema is set to return to Monmouth County in May with the Monmouth Film Festival.

From Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31, the festival is set to take place at Bell Works.

At the three-day event, attendees will be able to see a variety of films, as well as engage in panels, workshops and networking events.

“[Monmouth Film Festival] provides a filmmaker-first experience that fosters connection, career development, and artistic growth,” the website reads.

“With a commitment to creativity, community, and industry access, the Monmouth Film Festival is where powerful independent voices are discovered and celebrated.”

Founded in 2016, the festival will be celebrating its 10th year as a Premier East Coast showcase “dedicated to elevating independent cinema and spotlighting bold, diverse, and innovative storytelling from around the world.”

According to the Monmouth Film Institute, the event will bring “the finest films from around the globe to New Jersey,” uniting filmmakers, industry leaders and audiences together under one roof.

The schedule for the 2026 Monmouth Film Festival is as follows:

Day 1: May 29 (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.)

• Networking Event
• Opening Night Film Block
• Spotlight Feature Film
• Festival Kickoff Party

Day 2: May 30 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.)

• Feature Films + Q&As
• Short Film Blocks
• FrameWorks - Workshops
• Reel Insights - Panels
• Reel Tech - Digital Film Expo
• Filmmaker Party

Day 3: May 31 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

• Feature Films + Q&As
• Short Film Blocks
• FrameWorks - Workshops
• Reel Insights - Panels
• Reel Tech - Digital Film Expo
• Awards Ceremony
• Cocktail Reception

Not only will the festival bring films and creators to Bell Works, but the venue itself has its own TV history, as it serves as the main filming location for the Apple TV+ hit “Severance.”

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To learn more about the Monmouth Film Festival and how to purchase passes, you can visit their website.

The festival will take place at Bell Works, located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.