GARDEN STATE FILM FEST WRAPS IN ASBURY PARK WITH A BLACK TIE EVENT

PHOTOS BY MARY WEIR AND TOM ZAPCIC

Thousands of film devotees attended the 17th annual Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park. The five day weekend in March welcomed celebrities, honorees, lm industry executives, and movie fans to multiple venues throughout Asbury Park. The Festival included networking opportunities, industry workshops, informative panel discussions, and parties; all in addition to the screening of 240 films from 20 countries. The weekend culminated with the Garden State Film Festival black tie Awards Dinner at the Berkeley Hotel, where this year’s honorees were recognized and Festival winners announced. The Festival was envisioned in 2003 by film industry veteran, Diane Raver, and the late Hollywood actor, Robert Pastorelli. Since then, thousands of films have made their public premiers and the total infusion of cash to local businesses has exceeded $8 million.