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    • 2024 HORROR FILM FEST
    • FOR FILMMAKERS
    • 2025 THEME
    • Submissions
    • 2023 WINNERS
    • 2022 WINNERS
    • 2021 WINNERS
    • 2020 WINNERS
    • 2020 DRIVE-IN MOVIES
    • 2019 MOVIES
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    • SUPPORTERS
    • RULES
    • About Us
    • Our Founding Members
  • Home
  • 2024 HORROR FILM FEST
  • FOR FILMMAKERS
  • 2025 THEME
  • Submissions
  • 2023 WINNERS
  • 2022 WINNERS
  • 2021 WINNERS
  • 2020 WINNERS
  • 2020 DRIVE-IN MOVIES
  • 2019 MOVIES
  • SPONSORS
  • SUPPORTERS
  • RULES
  • About Us
  • Our Founding Members

Enthusiastic Fans flock to the HIGHLANDS Film Fest

 

REVIEWS

Jill Letteney, Director SCOUT

Christopher A. Hoffmanm Director SALAMANDER

Christopher A. Hoffmanm Director SALAMANDER

 

Highlands Horror Film Festival 2024 was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Leading up to the event, Robert was super responsive and personable when sending out details or answering questions via email. Robert and Jay were just as welcoming and fun in person, greeting everyone at the theater and joking around. Hosting the event 

 

Highlands Horror Film Festival 2024 was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Leading up to the event, Robert was super responsive and personable when sending out details or answering questions via email. Robert and Jay were just as welcoming and fun in person, greeting everyone at the theater and joking around. Hosting the event at Smodcastle made it extra special, and seeing my work on the big screen with surround sound was a real highlight.

What really stood out was how much thought and care went into curating the festival. The Q&A sessions were run so professionally, with detailed, insightful questions that showed they had really taken the time to watch and understand each film. Jay didn’t ask surface-level questions but dove into the plot, character choices, and the production process, which made for engaging, meaningful discussions.

The overall atmosphere was fun and authentic. As part of the Women in Charge block, I found it easy to connect with the audience and other filmmakers. It was laid-back, collaborative, and I left feeling excited to stay connected with the people I met. Truly one of the best festival experiences I’ve had this year. Bonus: the awards are dope AF.

Christopher A. Hoffmanm Director SALAMANDER

Christopher A. Hoffmanm Director SALAMANDER

Christopher A. Hoffmanm Director SALAMANDER

  The Highlands Film Festival 2024 was such a fun and welcoming experience! The vibe was super laid-back, which made it easy to connect with other filmmakers and enjoy the films. The screening was really well put together, and it felt like the audience was engaged. Winning an award for my film Salamander was an amazing surprise and made t

  The Highlands Film Festival 2024 was such a fun and welcoming experience! The vibe was super laid-back, which made it easy to connect with other filmmakers and enjoy the films. The screening was really well put together, and it felt like the audience was engaged. Winning an award for my film Salamander was an amazing surprise and made the festival even more memorable. You can tell they really care about independent filmmakers and unique stories. It’s definitely a festival worth checking out if you’re into indie films or want to see some fresh new work! Thanks Rob & Jay!! 

Marc Marashi, Director THE LONELY PORTRAIT

Christopher A. Hoffmanm Director SALAMANDER

Marc Marashi, Director THE LONELY PORTRAIT

  These guys are great! We were thrilled to have our first film included in their program. We weren't able to attend due to scheduling conflicts, but communication was great and everyone involved were very welcoming and kind. We will for sure submit again!   (2024)

Michel Seabolt, Director SLEEP TIGHT

Antonio Pantoja, Director ONE MUST FALL

Marc Marashi, Director THE LONELY PORTRAIT

 Amazing festival! The communication was great and the festival team are super friendly! 

October 2020

Earl Martin, Director MR. MOPS

Antonio Pantoja, Director ONE MUST FALL

Antonio Pantoja, Director ONE MUST FALL

 

Obviously, this year is weird for festivals, but Highlands being able to utilize a drive-in theater was awesome! I wish I could've been there. I did email and ask how it went and Rob responded very quickly and told me Mr. Mops was well-received which made me happy!

October 2020 

Antonio Pantoja, Director ONE MUST FALL

Antonio Pantoja, Director ONE MUST FALL

Antonio Pantoja, Director ONE MUST FALL

" Hands down, one of the BEST film festivals that any up and coming filmmaker could be a part of!  It was truly an honor to have our film screened." 

Christina Anton, Producer TILLIE

Robbie Robertson, Director WHISTLER'S MOTHER

Robbie Robertson, Director WHISTLER'S MOTHER

"The NEW FILM FESTIVAL GEM OF THE JERSEY SHORE The setting is like none other with the gorgeous water & beach--overlooking NYC and attendees from all over."

Robbie Robertson, Director WHISTLER'S MOTHER

Robbie Robertson, Director WHISTLER'S MOTHER

Robbie Robertson, Director WHISTLER'S MOTHER

 "Great festival! Such organization and communication. Highly recommend submitting a film or attending their future festivals!"

A Great Venue!

Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the United States.

We Like Creative Film Makers!

The Beginning of the Jersey Shore

The Beginning of the Jersey Shore

The Highlands Film Fest is dedicated to showcasing the filmmakers who express their creative visions on low budgets fortified by a lot sweat and dedication. We are New Jersey's newest and funkiest film festival!

The Highlands Bridge is the gateway to the Jersey Shore.

The Beginning of the Jersey Shore

The Beginning of the Jersey Shore

The Beginning of the Jersey Shore

We are a film festival looking for the best entries from around the world, with special consideration given to "home grown" productions featuring 

New Jersey locations and themes. 

Bahr's Restaurant has been a favorite in Highlands, New Jersey for 100 years

Renowned Restaurants and Bars

The Beginning of the Jersey Shore

Renowned Restaurants and Bars

Highlands offers Film Fest attendees many excellent restaurants and bars  to patronize during the event.  And the National Park on Sandy Hook is right across the bridge! Make your film festival visit a vacation!

Highlands Horror Film Fest

Smodcastle Cinemas 82 First Avenue, Atlantic highlands NJ 07716

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