The second annual Garden State Film Festival showcasing film, video, and animated works by independent filmmakers, will be held from March 25 through March 28, 2004 at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park.

In addition to a series of film screenings, the festival features a professionally juried film competition, panel discussions, and workshops for young people.
"This is a celebration of the independent film genre and a wonderful opportunity to expose New Jersey audiences, young and old, to new cultural and artistic experiences through the medium of film," says Festival Executive Director Diane Raver. "The panel of judges has sifted through more than 100 film entries from around the world to select the best for this event. We are especially excited that this Festival is being held in the historic Paramount Theatre, which has showcased some of the world's greatest artists."

The Festival begins with two morning screenings for young people on Friday March 26th. Tickets are $2.00 and advanced reservations are required.
On Saturday and Sunday, March 27th and 28th, there will be two-hour blocks of screenings beginning at 10:00 a.m. and running throughout the day. Screenings are open to the public each two-hour block will include a variety of film-types, including animated films, film shorts, and full-length feature productions. General admission tickets are $6.50 for each two-hour block, and can be purchased at the Paramount Theater box office just before each screening.

Panel discussions, such as "Writers on Writing" and "Music in the Film Biz," will be headed by industry professionals at posted times. In addition, workshops will provide young people with the opportunity to meet with film makers and receive hands-on instruction in various aspects of this popular art form. Tickets to the workshops and panel discussions are $12, and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

An Opening Ceremony and Reception will be held on Friday, March 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the historic Berkeley Carteret Hotel, followed by a live performance and screening of the first films at the Paramount Theater.