New Jersey Documentary Film Festival

Festival Schedule:

12:00pm: System Makeover

HONORABLE BUT BROKEN: EMS IN CRISIS

A documentary about the realities of working in EMS and the systemic shortcomings that are causing critical workforce shortages, especially in rural parts of the country.

TRUTH TO TRANSFORMATION

Truth to Transformation is an unflinching and powerful look at child welfare in America through the eyes of three people who experienced firsthand the trauma and complexities of being a part of the foster care system. Through their voices, lived experiences, and willingness to co-design the future, NJ’s child welfare system is being transformed into a children and family serving agency that aims to assist, empower and heal.

SHAME ON YOU!

This film exposes the untold personal costs of victims of the debt collection industry that is enabled by fear of the judicial system and hidden shame about debt.
In this animated documentary, we recreate our telephone interviews and the personal stories of people trapped in debt collection lawsuits. We want audiences to openly discuss how shame is used in relation to debt, and to assertively talk about their own debt collection cases. The low value/high volume debt collection business is massive - 1 in 4 people have been pursued by a debt collector. But the stories are untold and cases are unopposed because of shame. Consequently, in some states 90% of debtors are unrepresented in courts and many of those end in default judgements against debtors. Here, our interviewees start a conversation about an industry that uses shame and the courts against people who have everything to lose. This is the shame that should be carried by those who put them in these debts in the first place.

2:30pm: Sustainable Futures

THE ASBESTOS CITY

This documentary captures the human story of small-town America in Manville, New Jersey throughout and beyond the storm events of Hurricane Ida in 2021. This is a borough in the heart of the state that is in a constant struggle for economic resilience and famous for tragedy, yet it remains strong in its community values, American pride, and cultural history.

MEVO: FROM FARM TO FEAST

The youth-led farmers of MEVO take us on a tour of the land and the importance of reaching your local community by hosting an annual farm-to-table gala.

SAVE OUR SOIL

A Student created Documentary that highlights the Great risk to Global Soil within the next 50 years and what we need to drive legislation for.

STEWARDS OF THE LAND

Before it makes it to your plate, American Lamb is raised by farmers and ranchers with a shared connection to caring for the land, the animals, and the local communities they serve across America. The nation’s shepherds and their families help to sustain working farmland and farm communities. Stewards of The Land follows family farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. who are passionate about producing high quality protein in a way that sustains industry, supports communities, and preserves our land and ecological resources for future generations.

From large scale range operations in the west to smaller farm flocks in the east, raising sheep improves the quality of our land, supports rural communities, and provides food and fiber for our nation.

5:30pm: Echoes of Humanity

SENSE OF URGENCY

She is about to celebrate her 36th birthday when she is diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Now in the throes of chemotherapy, she has an epiphany… and a message to anyone listening.

Queen hopes this film inspires people to start living their lives before it’s too late - the message about not wasting time; about finding joy now before tragedy strikes; of cancer awareness especially to black women and the importance of cancer screenings - Queen Stewart may have found her purpose
through cancer but cancer is certainly not her message. Create urgency in your life. Find your joy. However small.

J.B.

Jeff (J.B.) Kline, hailing from Lambertville, NJ, wears many hats: musician, proprietor of J.B. Kline Vintage Musical Instruments, and a captivating storyteller. Within our film, Jeff graciously opens up about his rich musical journey and life's adventures, weaving tales that entertain and inspire. Affectionately dubbed the "Unofficial Mayor" of Lambertville, he holds a special place in the hearts of the tight-knit community nestled in this quaint New Jersey river town.

HOMELESS NOT HELPLESS

This student documentary appeals to local, state and federal officials to develop stronger plans to fight homelessness and help those who are fighting to stay on their feet on the poverty line.

LOOK UP

A short documentary exposing the control that phones have on our lives and uncovering college-aged students' new hobby of "scrolling".

8pm: NJ Homegrown: Turnpike Tales

HOW THE WAVES WERE WON

The ocean can be a scary place, but ocean life savers stand watch as guardians of our beaches. These brave men and women showcase their skills in global tournaments, demonstrating mastery of their craft. It's a heart-pounding journey as the Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol strive for a record seventh consecutive Long Beach Island Lifeguard Championship - a grueling 2-day, 19 event tournament battling against both rival squads and the relentless sea. How the Waves Were Won chronicles the importance of our lifeguards, celebrating teamwork, competition, and the invaluable dedication of those who "risk a lot to save a lot."

THE GREAT NJ DEBATE: PORK ROLL VS. TAYLOR HAM

An exploration of the great New Jersey debate that delves into the hearts of all those who dare to ask: Is it called Pork Roll or Taylor Ham?

POWER OF THE PRINTED SHIRT

How did four high school friends create a nationwide surf/skate apparel phenomena?

THE CLOCK KEEPER

An examination of time, life, and death. In this short documentary follow an elderly couple who collect and maintain Antique clocks. Although it may look like a simple hobby, an essence far more spiritual and meaningful lies within the gears of these mechanical heartbeats.

THE HEEL

The look into the life of an Indie female wrestler

THE FALL GUY FIGHT

The Fall Guy's Fight explores the lack of representation stunt performers and coordinators have within the Academy Awards despite their massive contribution to the global box office each year

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