The internationally recognized Garden State Film Festival (GSFF), New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival returns for its 24th anniversary, showcasing 205 carefully curated films from over 19 countries across 9 venues in Asbury Park, Monmouth County, and Cranford, Union County, March 26–29, 2026.
This year’s program proudly includes Baseball: Beyond Belief, from filmmaker FR. Tom Gibbons. The screening will be hosted by The Reverend Jesse Ray Lassiter, Pastor of the Church of St. Uriel the Archangel in Sea Girt, NJ. The intersection of faith and America’s pastime makes Baseball: Beyond Belief a natural fit for Rev. Lassiter to shepherd this special event. The film explores the compelling depths of how baseball and faith intertwine in powerful and surprising ways. Filmmaker John Scheinfeld centers this engaging, uplifting and poignant film on the significant and everyday relevance the beloved pastime of baseball has in our lives. Whether sitting in a stadium or in a place of faith, a sense of community inspires fans and followers alike across the globe.
Screening Details:
Baseball: Beyond Belief
3/29/26 2:50 pm-5:00 pm
Berkeley Hotel, Crystal Ballroom | Asbury Park
About the Host
The Reverend Jesse Ray Lassiter is a priest in the Episcopal Church and Pastor of the Church of St. Uriel the Archangel in Sea Girt, NJ. Rev. Lassiter earned a Master of Divinity with honors from Nashotah House Theological Seminary. His undergraduate studies at the University of Florida yielded a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies with a focus on classical civilizations and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Economics.
Rev. Lassiter’s wife, Sophia, is a professional violinist at the Amadeus Academy of Music in Sea Girt. The couple’s two-year-old son John is enthusiastically embracing toddlerhood. Outside the parish, Jesse enjoys movies, books, podcasts, rock climbing, surfing, and seeking out really good food—making him an ideal companion for a film festival weekend.
Festival Highlights
The four-day event runs primarily in Asbury Park and includes a full day of screenings on Saturday, March 29, at The Cranford Theater. The festival offers accessibility features, including subtitled films and the returning “Cinema for the Ears” series for attendees with no or low vision.
Key Events:
- Statewide Field Trip: Exploring Cinema Careers
Special Effects Makeup workshop with award-winning artist Joe Cola at Brookdale Community College - Thursday, March 26 | 1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
NEW THIS YEAR: Matinee of delightful films at Asbury Lanes - Meet the Filmmaker | Festival Preview Event
Connect with filmmakers before the festival begins - Friday, March 27 | Gala Reception: Red carpet, light fare, industry professionals, photos and screening of the feature drama The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo
- Saturday, March 28 | Breakfast & Paneldiscussion with industry leaders
- Sunday, March 29 | Table Reading: Live reading of winning Feature Length Screenplay “BEDBUGGERS” by New Jersey native Tom Cavanaugh
- Sunday, March 29 | Awards Dinner
Evening celebration at Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch honoring Honorary Chair Jason Fisher, Educator of the Year Tim Byrne, Legends Beyond the Lens Award recipients, and other distinguished honorees
Why Attend?
Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, established industry professional, or passionate film lover, GSFF offers an unparalleled opportunity to:
- Connect with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals
- Gain valuable insights into the film industry
- Network in an intimate, collaborative setting
- Fuel your creativity with compelling content and meaningful conversations
- Engage with the stories and people shaping the future of independent cinema
“The action-packed GSFF has something for everyone,” adds festival founder Diane Raver. “Come one, come all—it only happens once a year and we don’t want you to miss it.”
Tickets and Information
GSFF offers a variety of ticket packages to fit every schedule and budget:
- Single Screening Block: Starting at $21.98
- Parkway Pass: $109.96 (inclusive of fees) – includes Meet the Filmmakers event, Gala Reception, and unlimited screenings of all films
- Sunday Awards Dinner: Separately ticketed event
For complete ticket details and pricing, visit gsff.org.
About the Garden State Film Festival:
The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is New Jersey’s premier independent film festival and a globally recognized celebration of cinematic excellence. Now in its 24th year, GSFF honors New Jersey’s rich legacy as the birthplace of film while serving as a vital platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles worldwide. The four-day festival offers an unparalleled cinematic experience filled with screenings, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exclusive events.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: @GardenStateFilmFestival
Facebook: @GardenStateFilmFestival
X: @GardenStateFilm
YouTube: GardenStateFilmFestival
The 24th Annual Garden State Film Festival is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:
“In four days, attendees can experience 205 films and film-centered events from filmmakers worldwide, along with parties, professional panels, celebrity appearances, networking opportunities, special honors, and more,” says Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s Executive Director. Festivalgoers can explore feature and short-length films, documentaries, comedies, children’s films, thrillers, pilots, student films, and “Home-Grown” productions shot in New Jersey.