Monmouth Film Festival

09/08/2026

🎬 SAVE THE DATE: THE MONMOUTH FILM FESTIVAL IS BACK!

The 8th Annual Monmouth Film Festival is back at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey, May 20–23, 2027!

For eight years, MFF has brought independent filmmakers, storytellers, industry professionals, and audiences together to celebrate the art and craft of cinema. From groundbreaking films and emerging talent to panels, workshops, seminars, networking opportunities, and more, it’s an experience built for storytellers and story lovers alike.

And after the incredible response and community surrounding last year’s festival, we’re continuing to grow that experience and create even more ways for filmmakers and audiences
to connect. The 8th Annual Festival is just the beginning. We have plenty more to share about MFF 2027, so stay tuned! 👀

09/03/2026

🎓 NEW FOR MFF 2027: THE STUDENT FILMMAKER SHOWCASE!

This year, we’re creating a new space at the Monmouth Film Festival for the next generation
of filmmakers.

The Student Filmmaker Showcase will feature an hour-long block of short films from high school and college filmmakers, giving emerging storytellers the chance to experience the film
festival environment, connect with an audience, and see their work on the big screen.

Whether you’re a high school filmmaker or a college filmmaker, we want to see what you’re creating. Narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and other short-form work
are welcome, with submissions evaluated through a student-focused standard that considers originality, storytelling, creative vision, technical ex*****on, experience level, and available
production resources.

The Showcase is separate from the festival’s general student film category and is not eligible for the festival’s general jury awards. Instead, this is about creating a meaningful entry point into the festival experience and giving young filmmakers the opportunity to have their work seen and celebrated.

📅 Early Deadline: November 1, 2026
📅 Regular Deadline: January 31, 2027
📅 Late Deadline: March 14, 2027

Student Showcase submission pricing and full eligibility information for both High School and College submissions are available on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/MonmouthFilmFestival

🎬 Your film deserves to be seen. Your festival journey can start here.

09/02/2026

✍️ NEW FOR MFF 2027: SCREENPLAY PITCH MEETINGS!

This year, we’re taking screenwriting beyond the page.
All Short and Feature Screenplay finalists at the 8th Annual Monmouth Film Festival will receive an exclusive 45-minute Pitch Meeting, a dedicated opportunity to present their screenplay directly to festival attendees, fellow filmmakers, and industry guests in a professional festival setting.

Whether you’re submitting a Short Screenplay or Feature Screenplay, finalists will have the opportunity to share their vision, talk about their story, make meaningful connections, and bring their screenplay to life beyond the page.

Accepted screenwriters are strongly encouraged to attend the festival in person for their Pitch Meeting. For finalists located outside New Jersey or outside the United States, remote presentations via Zoom can also be accommodated.

📅 Early Deadline: November 1, 2026
📅 Regular Deadline: January 31, 2027
📅 Late Deadline: March 14, 2027

Screenplay submission pricing information for both Short and Feature Screenplay submissions, including Student and Gold Member rates, is available on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/MonmouthFilmFestival

09/01/2026

🎬 SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN!

It’s time to start the road to the 8th Annual Monmouth Film Festival! Filmmakers and screenwriters from New Jersey, across the country, and around the world are invited to submit their work for MFF 2027, taking place May 20–23 at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ.

We’re looking for bold stories, fresh voices, and filmmakers with something to say. Submit your feature or short narrative, documentary, New Jersey film, student film, foreign film, animation, or short or feature screenplay for consideration.

This year also brings new opportunities for filmmakers to be part of the festival, with more ways to connect, share their work, and experience MFF beyond the screen.

📅 Early Deadline: November 1, 2026
📅 Regular Deadline: January 31, 2027
📅 Late Deadline: March 14, 2027

Submission pricing varies by category and deadline, with student and Gold Member rates available for select categories. Full submission information, eligibility requirements, deadlines,
and pricing can be found on FilmFreeway:
https://filmfreeway.com/MonmouthFilmFestival

🎬 Tell your story. Share your vision. Join us for MFF 2027!

08/26/2026

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

Today, as our nation celebrates 250 years of history, hope, and the enduring spirit of freedom, we’re reminded of the stories that bring us together and the communities that make America so special!

As we look back on this moment from the 2019 Monmouth Film Festival, we’re reminded of the incredible people who have joined us throughout the years to celebrate service, community, and the values that unite us. It remains one of many cherished memories that reflects the heart of our festival!

Rooted here in New Jersey, the Monmouth Film Festival is proud to celebrate the storytellers, artists, and dreamers who help shape our communities while welcoming filmmakers from across America and around the world. Through the power of cinema, we’re reminded that every story has the ability to inspire, connect, and build understanding.

On this Independence Day, we celebrate not only our nation’s remarkable past, but the promise of its future, and the freedom that allows creativity, expression, and new voices to flourish.

From our Monmouth Film Festival family to yours, thank you for being part of our American story!

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸🎬✨

06/24/2026

The film industry is building up in NJ!!!

Fort Monmouth's 12 planned sound stages, hotel and visitor attractions are expected to create thousands of jobs and revive the local economy.

06/20/2026

The word is spreading about the return of this great showcase for independent films in NJ!

HOLMDEL – As the red carpet rolled out at Bell Works, the venue that brought Apple TV+’s series “Severance” to life was transformed into a bustling hub for filmmakers, industry professionals, students and educators for the return of the Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) after a five-year hiatus.

06/20/2026

It's all happening in Monmouth County!

Alongside a big name in the film business, Monmouth County is getti...

06/18/2026