Film Fest
FESTIVAL DETAILS & REGISTRATION
Timeline
Open for submissions 10/10/25
Early Bird Deadline 02/06/26
Deadline 03/02/26
Notification Date 03/27/26
Event Date 04/25/26
2025 BREAKTHROUGH FILMMAKER FEST:
Wrap-Up: This Year’s Big Winners
Event Photos here
Step & Repeat Photos here
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 3/02/26.
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 11-25, 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 FEB 7 • 12PM
Documentary Filmmaker Masterclass (In-Person): With Jose Pichardo
Before our screening of last season’s documentary selections, immerse yourself in a masterclass exploration of Documentary Filmmaking. This session delves into the precision and intuition behind powerful and authentic documentary filmmaking. From visual strategies that unveil deeper truths to directing approaches that help your subjects inhabit genuine and present emotion, this masterclass invites emerging filmmakers to elevate their craft and explore the world of non-fiction narratives.
Register Inscribase
UPCOMING EVENTS
SAT FEB 7 • 2PM
Close-Up Series: Documentary Films
The Close-Up Series continues with a special screening of last season’s documentary official selections; powerful, intimate stories created by emerging filmmakers from across our community. After the films, audiences are invited to stay for a lively panel discussion with the student directors themselves. Hear firsthand how these young storytellers found their subjects, shaped their narratives, and navigated the challenges unique to documentary filmmaking. It’s an opportunity to witness the next generation of nonfiction voices up close and in conversation.
