Jump into a conversation exploring why local storytelling matters and where the New Jersey film industry is headed with the directors and creative teams behind six films featured in the 2026 Monmouth Film Festival program. The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF), globally curated but locally rooted, showcases New Jersey’s emergence as a major hub for authentic storytelling. The state acts as both a backdrop and a creative engine for films reflecting its communities, landscapes

Dive into a conversation about Creative Freedom, Experimentation, and Emerging Voices Driving Short Film Cinema. The Bike Short (2026) At a time when audiences are bombarded with streaming content and algorithms constantly pushing familiarity, short films continue to offer something different: risk, experimentation, and discovery. The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) recognizes the power and broad reach of short filmmaking, which is why this year’s program features nearly 50

A post-screening interactive panel presented in partnership with CPC Integrated Health, exploring how Union County uses storytelling to spark conversation around addiction, recovery, and the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis. This year’s programming continues one of our favorite traditions here at the Monmouth Film Festival. In the world of cinema, we often see filmmakers pushing themselves through sensitive and heavy subject matter with their art, and the MFF likes to high

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) is proud to spotlight one of the most dynamic and often under appreciated forms of filmmaking—short films. This year’s Shorts Series features 47 short films across five curated blocks of storytelling that span documentary, drama, comedy, animation, and experimental work, each offering a distinct voice and creative perspective. Kicking off Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ, these thoughtfully assembled show

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will present All of the Above, a compelling and thought-provoking documentary feature from filmmaker Allison Walsh, as part of its 2026 program. The film will screen at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Friday, May 29 at 5:00 PM. All of the Above follows students from diverse faith backgrounds enrolled in a World Religions class at a public high school. Within a sheltered community, these students begin to confront preconceived notions about o

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will present Hen, a visually inventive and thought-provoking international feature from filmmaker György Pálfi, as part of its 2026 program. The film will screen at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Saturday, May 30 at 12:50 PM. Hen tells the unexpected and deeply resonant story of a farm hen who escapes captivity and finds refuge in the courtyard of a crumbling restaurant. There, she discovers love, navigates a fragile social hierarchy, and f

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will present You Know What You Are, a chilling and atmospheric feature from filmmaker Rose Trimboli, as part of its 2026 program, screening at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Saturday, May 30th at 4:45 PM. A contemporary reimagining of a classic archetype, You Know What You Are offers a fresh and intimate perspective on the vampire story. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil beach town during the early winter, the film follows Faith, a you

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will present Untouchables, a powerful and inspiring documentary from filmmaker Sabbuur Ikhlas, as part of its 2026 program screening at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Sun, May 31st at 1:00 PM Untouchables tells the remarkable true story of Coach Derrick Hoff, the first Black head coach in the United States to win a state fencing title. Over the course of his 13-year tenure at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, Hoff led

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will present Union County, a gripping and emotionally charged drama written and directed by Adam Meeks, as part of its 2026 program, screening at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Sunday May 31st at 5:00 PM. Starring Will Poulter alongside Noah Centineo, Kevin P. Braig and Annette Deao. Union County follows Cody Parsons (Poulter), a young man assigned to a county-mandated drug court program. Cody embarks on the tenuous journey toward recovery

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) is proud to present HAPPY BIRTHDAY, the acclaimed international feature from director Sarah Goher, as part of its 2026 program, screening at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Friday, May 29th at 1:15 PM. (SIFF News. “Happy Birthday - Seattle International Film Festival 2026 Trailer.” YouTube, April 15, 2026.) Following its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, the film arrives at MFF as one of the most emotionally resonant global entrie

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will feature Maddie’s Secret in its 2026 lineup as Magnolia Pictures presents the bold and darkly comedic new film from comedian and filmmaker John Early, screening at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on March 30th at 6:45PM. Starring Early alongside Kate Berlant, Eric Rahill, and Conner O'Malley, Maddie’s Secret follows a rising food influencer whose carefully curated online persona masks a far more complicated reality. As her digital fame acce

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will spotlight I Want Your Sex as Magnolia Pictures presents visionary filmmaker Gregg Araki’s latest feature, screening at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Saturday May 30th at 6:45PM. Starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman featuring supporting performances from Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs, and Charli XCX. I Want Your Sex delivers a provocative and seductive thriller exploring the volatile intersection of art, desire,

The 2026 Monmouth Film Festival (MFF) will kick off in unforgettable fashion as Lionsgate presents its highly anticipated new feature, Power Ballad, as the official Opening Night Film at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Friday, May 29th at 8PM.

Three-Day Celebration of Global Cinema, Industry Insight, and Innovation — May 29–31, 2026 HOLMDEL, NJ — The Monmouth Film Festival, presented by Bell Works, returns May 29–31, 2026 , transforming the iconic Bell Works campus into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the world. This year’s festival marks an exciting evolution for the event , bringing together international film premieres, industry-leading panel discussions, i

The Monmouth Film Institute proudly announces the return of the Monmouth Film Festival (MFF), taking place May 29-31,2026 inside the iconic Bell Works Metroburb. Long celebrated for its high-caliber programming and filmmaker-first experience, MFF is preparing its most ambitious edition yet, bringing together exceptional storytelling, industry voices, and a fully immersive festival environment—all under one roof.

Filmmakers across New Jersey and beyond can submit now through FilmFreeway. Use code BLOG15 to save 15% off your submission today! Whether you’re launching your first short or premiering your feature, the 2026 Monmouth Film Festival provides a standout platform to showcase your work.