By Mary Ann Bourbeau
RED BANK – The New Jersey premiere of the Marc Maron film “In Memoriam” will kick off the 11th annual Indie Street Film Festival in Red Bank, which runs from Aug. 17 to 23. The opening night screening includes a Q&A with writer/director and New Jersey native Rob Burnett.
“In Memoriam” follows the journey of a self-absorbed actor who, after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, becomes obsessed with securing a spot in the Academy Awards “In Memoriam” montage.
Festival passholders are also invited to a VIP opening reception and afterparty at The Vogel at the Basie Center for the Arts.
Other Indie Street highlights include the New Jersey premieres of Charlotte Glynn’s “The Gymnast,” Danny Madden’s “Downbeat” and Walter Thompson-Hernández’s “If I Go Will They Miss Me.” Adam Meeks’ “Union County,” starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo, will close out the festival Aug. 23.All films will be shown at the Basie Center Cinema House on White Street.
“For the past 10 years, Indie Street has shown that storytelling is most powerful when experienced together,” said Jay Webb, executive director and festival co-founder. “By bringing honest stories and new perspectives to Red Bank, we’ve created moments of laughter, connection and community that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.”
Indie Street is a regional film and arts festival that combines its curated selections with community events to celebrate human creativity and storytelling. It presents documentaries, feature-length and short films that tell high-impact stories across all genres and brings innovative filmmakers from the United States and around the globe to connect with the arts community in Monmouth County. Since its founding, several of the festival’s films have gone on to be official selections/nominees and winners at Sundance, Slamdance, SXSW, Spirit Awards and the Academy Awards. Overall this year, organizers received 600 submissions and will include showings of 10 feature films and 56 short films. The films come from 14 countries.
The festival also helps nurture filmmakers in the ever-changing world of technology, distribution and audience engagement, regardless of budget or funding. Throughout the week, filmmakers and attendees enjoy panel discussions, live art, music, education and networking events sponsored by local breweries and restaurants.
“We’ve always taken pride in championing international voices and exceptional films beyond the studio system,” Webb said. “That commitment is reflected in our programming, with many official selections going on to major recognition, including last year’s “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” which won the Oscar just six months after receiving the ISFF Jury Award.”
Documentaries
Feature documentaries this year include an in-depth look at the phenomenon known as “Santacon” from Seth Porges, director of “Class Action Park” and “How to Rob a Bank.” Santacon is a dreaded day each year when tens of thousands of inebriated people dress like Santa and invade cities around the world to live out their drunkest and most violent instincts. The concept began as a piece of provocative Dada street theater designed to shock people out of their everyday lives by evoking awe and confusion. The film includes interviews with the men who inspired the event, who today want nothing to do with their Christmas creation.
Also being shown at the festival are Shalon Buskirk and Drew Swedberg’s “in love, in memory”; Gabriela Díaz Arp’s “Matininó”; Amber Love’s “One Another”; and Kaitlyn Schwalje and Alex Wolf Lewis’ “Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong.”
“Once again, the films that we’re sharing this year moved us, challenged us and delighted us,” said Allyson Morgan, artistic director. “We’re thrilled to bring these exciting independent voices to the Red Bank community.”
Several nights include an after-party or gathering with complimentary drinks and light bites at venues including The Vogel, Robinson Ale House, Red Bank Elks Lodge #233, Relic Music, Two River Theater, Triumph Brewing, A Time to Kiln and Five Dimes Brewery.
Closing out the festival Sunday, Aug. 23 will be an awards ceremony at Triumph Brewing, where winners of the jury and audience awards will be announced. This year’s jury members are filmmaker Alex Megaro, POV’s Cayla Clements, Tribeca Festival’s Tiana Harris, Firelight Media’s Nicole London and Two River Pictures’ Garrett Bess.
All-Access passes are $139 and allow entry to all of the films, parties, panel discussions, arts events and the awards ceremony. Tickets for individual screenings are $14.95. For a complete schedule of events and to purchase festival passes and tickets, visit indiestreetfilmfestival.org.
The article originally appeared in the August 6 – 12, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
