July 16 FilmOneFest: 40+ Top Supershort Films, Awards, Live Music, Even A Real Drive-In, Under the Stars - Atlantic Highlands

Atlantic Highlands’ popular festival of supershort films – FilmOneFest – invites all to celebrate its eighth year on July 16. This must-see festival screens more than 40 of the ‘best of the best’ short films from among nearly 400 US and international entries. All genres and narrative styles are represented; formats include live action, animation, and CGI. “Viewers will be hooked on the variety, creativity, and originality, as filmmakers rise to the challenge of telling a complete story in less than 2 minutes,” said co-founder Robert O’Connor. “This year, we had a record number of entries from 52 countries.”

Distinguished judges award the top films, and viewers select a People’s Choice favorite. This year's judges’ panel includes movie producer and manager Carol Cuddy (True Detective), television network executive and producer Jon Crowley (Impractical Jokers, Marriage Boot Camp), film critic Joan Ellis, film editor Susan Littenberg (Charlotte’s Web, Solaris), sound editor Gedney Webb (The Hundred-Foot Journey), and film reviewer/historian Victor Zak.

New this year is the Gartenberg Memorial Award, named in honor of FilmOneFest co-founder Julie Gartenberg, who passed away in 2015. Gartenberg was also an active community arts organizer and Atlantic Highlands Arts Council President. The annual award will be the top choice of a distinguished guest judge. This year’s guest judge is acclaimed filmmaker Nina Davenport, who will select the Gartenberg Memorial Award winner from among the 44 films being screened. Davenport, from Brooklyn, is a professor at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her semi-autobiographical documentary-style films have all been festival selections and award winners.

Also added this year was a new viewing option – a drive-in theater area, with space for 50 cars. “It’s the return of a Jersey invention,” said O’Connor. “Viewers, young and old, can relive a classic American experience that has nearly disappeared.” Event host Jon Crowley added, “We are so happy about the enthusiastic response we received. All 50 spaces are booked, and there is currently a waiting list.”

Event Day

At 5pm, FilmOneFest opens at the marina, with arts and food vendors, a stilt walker, face-painters, and clowns. Organizer Corinna Thuss said, “Guests arrive at our beautiful marina by a giant digital screen, pick a comfortable viewing spot on the grass under the stars, and settle in with friends, family, food and drink.” The main stage will first feature films submitted by filmmakers under 18 – ‘FilmYoungFest’ – and multiple live bands, including popular local band Sam Sims Band, singer/guitarist Regina Bonelli, and Working Class Hussys, a Southern-flavored, NJ alternative rock band. At 9 pm, the main screening begins. Judges’ top picks will be announced, with $250 for the Gartenberg Memorial Award and $250 for the top FilmYoungFest entry. The Audience Choice award is selected in real time by the audience.

Local food trucks offer Thai, Memphis barbeque, Mexican, and other cuisines. Hotdogs, burgers, and treats will also be available. Seeking to outdo last year’s bicycle-powered smoothie blender, Whole Foods promises a must-see tent, with food surprises from exciting vendors.

Planning Your Attendance

The new drive-in viewing area is completely booked, but walk-in admission is free and open for the main screen/lawn. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted. There are limited $20 premium seats with exclusive screen and cushioned bleachers. For these seats, visit www.FilmOneFest.org; click ‘Attend’ tab.

Rain date is Sunday, July 17. If rain on July 17, event will be indoors; see website for details.

Volunteer and Sponsor Supported

FilmOneFest is 100% volunteer-produced; proceeds support Monmouth County Foodbank, Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (AHAC), and Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry. Food donations accepted.

FilmOneFest thanks sponsors Wells Fargo, Valkyrie Squash Club and The Thomas Paine House, for their generous support. FilmOneFest is a project of AHAC, a registered 501(c)3 organization. Its mission is to strengthen community through the arts. For information, visit www.aharts.org.

This program is made possible in part by Monmouth Arts through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and The New Jersey State Council on the Arts. FilmOneFest is grateful for the continued support of Tom Bernard/Sony Pictures Classics.