ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – The fifth anniversary of FilmOneFest, an event chosen last year as, “the best little film festival in the world” by SmartMovieMaking.com, will be held July 20.
The popular short-film festival showcases a creative range of films that run under 2 minutes, and this year celebrates the remarkable spirit of the Jersey Shore and tri-state area after the devastation of Super Storm Sandy in the fall of 2012.
FilmOneFest attendees will spend a warm summer evening by the bay in the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor.
The event is the collaboration of many different people and organizations to restore, rebuild, and recreate a unique waterfront resource less than a year after it was destroyed by the storm.
This free town-wide celebration of the short-short film has become an exciting exhibition of the art of filmmaking and a must-attend event at the shore. Filmmakers from around the world and across the country are showcased on a giant outdoor screen. Additionally, the audience can enjoy the work of local artists and tasty fare from local restaurants at booths set up along the harbor.
This year, FilmOneFest will include a special category titled “The Spirit of the Shore.” Films submitted in this category celebrate the strength and resilience of shore communities in the tristate area, and compete for $1,000 in cash prizes. The expert panel of judges includes television producer Jon Crowley, film critic Joan Ellis of The Two River Times™, film editor Susan Littenberg, sound editor Gedney Webb and film historian Victor Zak.
FilmOneFest’s free smartphone and iPad app will feature all 2013 entries, as well as selected films from previous years. Information can be found at filmonefest.org/ media-2/ipad-app/.
Earlier this year, FilmOne Fest won first place in the Green Mountain Film Festival Audience Choice Awards for 2013 in the Shorts Category. The festival took place March 22-31 in Montpelier, Vt.
FilmOneFest is an incredible showcase of creative talent worldwide in such a vibrant medium,” said Beth Herbruck, co-director of FilmOneFest 2013. “The shor film format allows our audience to view 60-70 films in one evening under the stars. It’s a great night out in Atlantic Highlands!”
The film screenings begin at dark, but the festivities run all day, with the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society’s Arts and Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on First Avenue. More than 60 artists and crafters will display and sell their work, with live music, food, games for children and more.
At 7 p.m. the party moves to the municipal harbor with artists and craftspeople exhibiting and demonstrating their creations, stilt-walkers, face-painters and clowns delighting children, and live music provided by the Matt Wade Band. Food vendors will offer dishes for all tastes from Thai stir-fry and Memphis barbecue to pizza, hot dogs and hamburgers and sweet treats. Popcorn and water are free, courtesy of Whole Foods Market in Middletown.
FilmOneFest supports the Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry, and accepts and encourages donations of nonperishable food and household items at the festival.
Admission and parking are free. Audience members may bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. A limited number of premium seats are available to purchase at filmonefest.org. In the event of rain or high winds, the festival will be held at the Charles Hesse Parish Hall, 55 South Ave.
This program is sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (filmonefest. org) and is made possible in part by the Monmouth County Arts Council through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the County Historical Commission, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National.
The AHAC is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. The mission of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council is to strengthen community through the arts.
