Film Fest
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Timeline
Open for submissions SEP 8
Early Bird Deadline FEB 5
Deadline MAR 5
Notification Date APR 5
Event Date APR 24
FINANCIAL AID
In order to provide equal access to our festival, The Count Basie Center for the Arts provides Financial Support towards the Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival’s submission fees.
If you require support with your submission fees please click here
If you require educational assistance: filmfest@thebasie.org
All entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on 3/05/27.
ABOUT US
The Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for student emerging filmmakers across New Jersey and fostering a creative community.
Throughout the year, the Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest provides programming to support young talent, space and platforms for screenings and visibility, and educational opportunities throughout the year. The festival itself aims to provide an event that offers professional pathways, diverse workshops, roundtables, and development platforms.
The Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest includes:
• Free Virtual Webinars
• Free In-Person Workshops
• Classes at Count Basie Center’s Turner Academy of the Arts (scholarships available)
• Industry panels including today’s relevant professionals and artists
• Networking opportunities with peers and panelists
• Career development classes for the film and television industry
• Educator collaboration to develop skills and share resources
At the time of submission, emerging filmmakers must be between the age of 14-25, and have proof of a residential mailing address in the state of New Jersey.
HISTORY
For nine years, the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank has conducted an annual youth-based Film Festival for young filmmakers across the state of New Jersey. Each year, 35 films are screened at the event which highlights professional networking and most recently, workshops, panel discussion, and other educational opportunities. Awards are given in several categories including Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and Best Film.
Formerly the Count Basie Center’s High School and College Film Festival and Project FX, the festival has hosted celebrity guests and representatives from such production companies as Sony Pictures Classics and Netflix as guests on their panels.
WORKSHOPS
SAT NOV 14 • 1PM
Audition Workshop and Casting Call – Facilitated by Actors Playground School of Theatre
The Audition Workshop and Casting Call brings together student directors and aspiring actors from across New Jersey, creating opportunities for filmmakers to discover new talent and for actors to gain real-world audition experience.
Led by the experts at Actors Playground School of Theatre, participants will explore the casting process through interactive exercises, mock auditions, and professional feedback. Student filmmakers will learn how to evaluate talent and communicate their creative vision, while actors will practice audition techniques, take direction, and strengthen their on-camera presence.
The experience concludes with live casting sessions, giving participants the chance to connect with potential collaborators, build creative relationships, and prepare for future opportunities in film and television.
Register Inscribase
RESOURCES
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
The Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival hosts free virtual workshops for New Jersey students and emerging filmmakers alongside seasoned industry professionals from across North America. These workshops focus on skill-building, creative development, and professional growth.