The 5th Annual Rahway International Film Festival heads to the James Ward Mansion in Westfield this year from Friday (9/22) through Sunday (9/24). The event includes seven feature-length films and 36 short films from across the world. Global filmmakers from NJ to India will share the screen as they showcase their indie films during the three-day event.
The festival’s Opening Night Gala takes place Friday from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm; it will include catering, an open bar and a screening of the feature film Life Hack. Afterward, an after-party lasts until the early morning in downtown Westfield. The two latter days of the event offer 11 straight hours of feature-length and short film blocks; as well as a filmmaking seminar and a screenplay competition, all beginning at 11:00 am. There’s also a spectacular Closing Night Awards Ceremony following the final short film block on Sunday!
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A Film Festival Unlike Any Other
The Rahway International Film Festival prides itself on being a women-led film festival in a male-dominated industry. Its mission is to present “films that promote equality, awareness, and open-mindedness,” and as such, the festival is dedicated to showcasing an equal ratio of films spotlighting female and male filmmakers in a leading role, whether it be director, writer or producer.
The festival team also proudly announced it is now officially a program of Big Dreams & Silver Screens Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the state of New Jersey. The organization encourages the state’s youth, from grades three through 12, to showcase their original films and amaze audiences; as well as each other.
Ticket prices for the 5th Annual Rahway International Film Festival range from $10 to $75 and can be purchased on the festival’s website. Tickets for the event are only available online (not at the door) and only for a limited time.
All Photos: © Rahway Interntaional Film Festival / Website
