New Jersey Stage

Thursday, March 10, 2011

9th Annual Garden State Film Festival Returns to Asbury Park, NJ March 31-April 3, 2011


(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The GardenState film Festival is gearing up for it's 9th year.  This year's festival weekend will feature 150 films shown in 5 locations over its 4 day run, along with a casting call with Talent Agent Renate English, Seminars with the Stars and Career Makers including Steve Sabol, President of NFL Films and Lainie Kazan, Movie, tv, music and Broadway star, lavish parties and networking with film makers, producers and actors.

Honorees Include:
  • Honorary Chairperson, John Lloyd, President of Meridian Health Care
  • Spirit of NJ Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band
  • Beacon Award Lainie Kazan, Movie, TV, Music and Broadway Star
  • Lifetime Achievement Award-Steve Sabol, President of NFL Films
  • Plus-Ann Reinking acclaimed BroadwayStar and Choreographer
  • Michael Uslan, Executive Producer of the Batman Movie Series
  • Ronnie Marmo, General Hospital

The Festival officially begins Friday April 1st with the traditional Gala Cocktail Party in the Arcade on the Boardwalk and guests immediately enter the historic Paramount Theater for the screening of "Expecting Mary" (A Very Mary Christmas), a sweet comedy that features an all star cast, including Lainie Kazan, Linda Gray, Cloris Leachman, Cybill Shepherd, Gene Simmons, Fred Willard and Della Reese.

The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday, beginning with a 9am casting call with Talent Manager Renate English, Seminars including;"How to get into SAG" "The Nfl Films Story" with Steve Sabol, "Stories from the Star" with Lainie Kazan, "Understanding Marfan's" with Ann Reinking and "Reel Women of Film" a historic perspective on the first woman director.  Simultaneously,150 films will be screened in 5 different Asbury Park locations and at the Axelrod Theater in neighboring Deal.  Some of these films include "Jackie Robinson- My Story", a critically acclaimed first person docu-drama by award winning film maker Marino Amoruso, West of Brooklyn" and "Limbo Lounge" from General Hospital's Ronnie Marmo, and "My First Guitar" a documentary love song to the instrument with appearances from Les Paul, Slash, Bill Wyman, Jeff Lynne, Peter Frampton and a huge cast of other musicians. The film comes via producer Nick Mead, who also brings us "Who Do I Think I Am" the Clarence Clemons bio on his spiritual journey throughout China, which screens on Saturday evening.

"We are extremely pleased with all we have to offer everyone and welcome all to attend." Says Diane Raver, Executive Director of the GSFF.  "Every year its as if the heavens shower us with exciting films, amazing celebrities and the chance to promote the creative arts. This year is really turning out to be a standout, thanks to the diverse collection of honorees and films.  We are also delighted to have John Lloyd and the Meridian Health Care team with us this year, who believe that good health and creative self expression have a direct link. While the economy has been tough, we are so grateful that people are still eager to join us for this very special weekend. "

Tickets for the Festival are available on the website www.gsff.org.  Friday night gala cocktail party and film, $25, individual screening passes for a two hour block of films, $10 or an all access weekend pass, which includes the Friday night gala, just $50.

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