Hollywood Meets Red Bank This August at Monmouth Film Festival

RED BANK, NJ - Only days away Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) returns to Red Bank’s Two River Theater, from August 10-12th, 2018. Awarded as New Jersey’s Best Film Festival by NJ Stage, the three-day event will feature the finest quality of independent cinema from across the globe, along with unique opportunities to connect with the industry, meet special guests, get hands-on in workshops, and experience imagination like never before!

Friday, August 10th kicks off the festival weekend with an Opening Night, Exclusive New Jersey Film Premiere of “A Shot in the Dark” (Dir. Chris Suchorsky, Oliver Ferraro) - The true story of a blind St. John Vianney high school (Holmdel, NJ) wrestler who attempts to win a State Championship before the end of his senior year. The screening will also feature a Q&A with the filmmakers and special guests. Simultaneously we’ll roll out the Red Carpet (Sponsored by Theo Clothier of Red Bank), and walk the line where Hollywood meets Red Bank! The MFF Networking Event will host filmmakers, artists, agents, press, and industry professionals to network and collaborate during this spectacular evening filled with fine catering and complimentary drinks. Featured industry partners include Backstage and the New York Film Academy. Tickets are $10 for the Networking Event or Free with the all-access VIP Pass ($75), the best value for any festival pass - anywhere! The VIP pass also grants you exclusive access to the ‘Investors Bank VIP Lounge’, located at the Two River Theater throughout the festival weekend.

Saturday, August 11th begins with a mix of Short Film Blocks of all genres and Feature films with Q&As. The 2018 program of films includes New Jersey Premieres such as “A Shot In The Dark”. “All Square” (Dir. John Hyams) - a narrative film about a down-on-his-luck bookie (Michael Kelly - House Of Cards) who befriends an ex-girlfriend's son and begins taking bets on his little league games. “Roll Red Roll” (Dir. Nancy Schwartzman) - A documentary behind the headlines of the notorious Steubenville, Ohio high school sexual assault to witness the social media-fueled "boys will be boys" culture that let it happen. “Mary Goes Round” (Dir. Molly McGlynn), a Canadian drama about a substance abuse counselor with a drinking problem - the film stars the fabulous Aya Cash (You're the Worst) and Sara Waisglass.

Other feature films include: “Crime + Punishment” (Dir. Stephen Maing) - The documentary about the brave NYPD officers who exposed the truth about illegal quota practices in police departments. “306 Hollywood” - Elan & Jonathan Bogarin undertake an archaeological excavation of their late grandmother's New Jersey home as they embark on a magical-realist journey in search of what life remains in the objects we leave behind. In addition to international movies, the program will also host a fine selection of NJ and NY based short and student films. The complete film Program, ticket sales, and the Festival Schedule can be found at monmouthfilmfestival.org/18-schedule

Saturday (Aug 11th) will also feature the Industry Film Panel presented by the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation. The panel event is an eclectic mix of education and inspiration as some of the industry's finest professionals take the stage for 90 minutes; speaking about their beginnings and roles in the industry. Panel guests include Emmy Award-nominated Producer, Allison Vanore; Senior Director at Nickelodeon, Christopher Adams; New York Film Academy Professor & Casting Director, Roger Del Pozo; Associate Director of the NJ Film Commission, David Schoner; Aardman Nathan Love Studios Animation Director Ellen Su; and Entertainment Lawyer/Published Author Marissa Crespo.

But wait, there’s more! MFF is proud to present free workshops for all ages hosted by the New York Film Academy, taking place at the Two River Theater on Saturday, Aug 11th. Topics will vary from Acting, Directing, Producing, and The Business Of Film! Visit, monmouthfilmfestival.org/festival-workshops

Sunday, August 12th we’ll continue to spin the reel and present a great collection of Short and Feature Films including exclusive screenings, premieres, and Q&As. We’ll close off the night and the Third Annual Festival with our 2018 Awards Ceremony. Awards will be offered in multiple categories. MFF will also be presenting a special emerging filmmaker award, sponsored by the New York Film Academy, providing a full scholarship to a one-week filmmaking course with the Academy at any of their New York, Florida, or Los Angeles campuses; over a $5,000 value!

General admission tickets ($10-$15) are sold per Feature Film or per Short Film Block. Experience the entire event in style with All-access VIP Pass ($75). Receive exclusive access to the Investors Bank VIP lounge as well as free admission to the Networking Event. Tickets are on sale now, visit: monmouthfilmfestival.org/tickets

For complete information regarding the Festival, Tickets & Passes, volunteering, and the Film Lineup/Schedule, visit monmouthfilmfestival.org or contact info@monmouthfilmfestival.org. Don’t forget to follow MFF on social media @monmouthfilmfestival.