South Brunswick Resident’s Film Heads To State’s Biggest Independent Festival

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A film by a Monmouth Junction resident will be featured at the 24th annual Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) this spring, bringing local talent to one of New Jersey’s largest celebrations of independent cinema.

Stefano Da Fre of Monmouth Junction, whose film "A Slice of the Family Business" will screen at the Cranford Theater on March 28.

The film centers on Anthony Mongiello, an Italian-American entrepreneur who built a global cheese empire called Formaggio and is preparing to sell the company and retire. His eldest daughter, Anna Rose, hopes to take over the family business, raising questions about legacy, leadership and whether she has what it takes to guide the company into the future.

Stefano Da Fre represents exactly what GSFF was built to champion—bold, original storytelling from accomplished New Jersey filmmakers," said Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s executive director. "We're extremely proud to present this work and hope audiences will come out to celebrate the talent and dedication behind these productions."

The internationally recognized festival returns March 26–29, 2026, with 205 curated films from more than 19 countries, screening across nine venues in Asbury Park, Monmouth County, and Cranford, Union County. GSFF showcases feature-length and short films, documentaries, comedies, children’s films, thrillers, pilots, student work and “Home-Grown” productions filmed in New Jersey.

Here’s the screening information A Slice of the Family Business Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 3:45–7:20 p.m. Cranford Theater, Cranford

The festival reflects the state’s growing role in film and television production.

“New Jersey’s film-friendly environment is resulting in record numbers of productions, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission and Governor Murphy’s competitive financial incentives,” Concar Sheehy added.

In addition to film screenings, the four-day event features panels, workshops, networking opportunities, celebrity appearances and special honors.

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