Atlantic City Cinefest Returns After Covid Hiatus
The 14th annual Atlantic City Cinefest returns this year after skipping 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The film festival, which runs Oct. 22 and 23, screens some 30 shorts, documentaries, and feature films from New Jersey filmmakers or with a New Jersey presence.
All films will be screened at the Residence Complex on the Atlantic City campus of Stockton University, at 3701 Boardwalk. Masks will be required. Tickets are on sale now at https://filmfreeway.com/atlanticcitycinefest/tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Returning filmmakers from New Jersey include Mark Clauburg, Larry Rosen, CJ Cullen, board member Sebastian Foxworth, Keith Vaile, and Keith Collins. The annual panel discussion will take place between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. moderated as usual, by Ned Eckhardt, retired professor of film at Rowan University and a board member.
“This intimate film festival has been the showcase for over 300 emerging and independent filmmakers, as well as hundreds of writers, actors, critics, and producers,” said Eckhardt. “Rarely do you find so many lovers of film and storytelling in one place as you do at the Atlantic City Cinefest. What could be more fun than the Boardwalk, the casinos, and a spunky film festival on the cutting edge of independent film making.”
Mark Mazzeo of Washington Township has screened movies at the festival a couple of times and this year has two shorts and a feature film. “It’s always a fun experience and a great atmosphere. I was really disappointed when I couldn’t submit my latest films last year due to the pandemic so when I saw the festival was back this year, I was ecstatic to submit all of my recent work,” Mazzeo said.
In addition to the screenings, the after-party Friday night will be held at the Water Dog in Bally’s Atlantic City, 1900 Pacific Avenue, from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight. Food will be provided. Attendees must produce ticket stubs or a badge for admission.
William Sokolic, founder and board chair was glad the festival returned this year. “We missed being part of the October fabric of Atlantic City as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Think of it this way: we skipped year 13 and just went from 12 to 14,” Sokolic said.
If You Go:
Atlantic City Cinefest will be held October 22 and 23 at the Residence Complex on the Atlantic City campus of Stockton University, at 3701 Boardwalk. They are available online or at the door. To order, visit atlanticcitycinefest.org.
Tickets are priced at:
Single block @ $5
All Festival @ $20
Family of filmmakers pay half price but must purchase tickets at the door.
For the schedule of films and to order tickets online, please visit atlanticcitycinefest.org
For promotional video, visit https://vimeo.com/625080408
