Friday, September 13-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM

Long Day’s Journey Into Night - Bi Gan  (Kaili City, Guizhou, China)
In this noir-inspired, dream-like film, a man sets out on a quest to find a missing woman from his past.  Following various leads, he crosses paths with a series of characters, among them a prickly hairdresser played by the Taiwanese superstar Sylvia Chang. When the search leads him to a movie theater, he is plunged into a gravity-defying, labyrinthine cityscape that leaves him, and the viewer, breathless. In Mandarin, subtitled. 2018; 140 min. Co-sponsored by the Rutgers University Confucius Institute and the Rutgers University Cinema Studies Program!

Saturday, September 14-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM

Pit Stop – Mikail Ekiz (Hamilton, New Jersey)
A stop-motion film about a gas station convenience store clerk who has a Magic 8 Ball for a head that can predict the future.  Fearing that others will discover his secret, he lives in a constant state of paranoia. 2019; 4 min.

All-In-Madonna – Arnold Lim (Victoria, (British Columbia, Canada)
When 17-year-old Maddie discovers dark secrets about her father’s past, she must reconcile herself with the father she thought she knew, and the father he may actually be. 2019; 13 min.
Impossible Monsters –  Nathan Catucci (New York, New York)
Tony Award winner Santino Fontana plays an ambitious and well-liked psychology professor in this nail-biting thriller.  As he launches a sleep study, with a focus on nightmares, dreams, and sleep paralysis – hoping to land a lucrative grant--the line between dreams and reality starts to blur.  When a member of the sleep study is found murdered, everything begins to unravel, inside and outside his sleep lab.  2019; 84 min.  Q+A Session with Director Nathan Catucci! Co-sponsored by the Rutgers University Cinema Studies Program!

Sunday, September 15-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM

On Vinyl: Revival and Survival – Thom Leavy (South Amboy, New Jersey)
Filmmaker Thom Leavy reflects on the unexpected revival of the vinyl record in a world that has all but forgotten the physical medium. 2019; 15 min. Q+A Session with Director Thom Leavy!

Ex Disposer –  Daniel Ferrer (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Ex Disposer follows Andy, a destructively neurotic former drummer for a New Jersey hardcore band. Nostalgic for his days behind the kit, Andy attempts to reunite with his bandmates, but first, he must deal with the bad blood that was shed during his split from the group. 2019; 18 min.

Two Trentons– Brad Mays (Frenchtown, New Jersey)
In this hard-hitting yet affectionate portrait of urban decline and revival, filmmaker Brad Mays documents life in the “two Trentons” of New Jersey’s capital city.  Featuring compelling interviews with Trenton’s resilient citizens, an original score by Jon Negus, and shattering footage of the infamous 'Art-All-Night' shootout. 2019; 90 min. Q+A Session with Director Brad Mays! Co-sponsored by the Rutgers University American Studies Department!

Friday, September 20-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM

The Beginning –  Sonni Rossi & Megan McClelland (London, England)
Touching on independence, romance, and adventure, this experimental Super 8 film revels in the transition from youth into adulthood, as it follows a young woman on her voyage to Los Angeles to start a life of her own. Attentive both to grand vistas and close-up views of sly smiles, the film brims with the excitement of a spontaneous adventure. 2019; 4 min.

Unbinding – Mauraya Sharma (Gurgaon, Haryana, India)
This sensuous short film focuses on a beguiling and enchanting woman, and her uncanny relationship with a century-old Banyan tree. In Hindi, subtitled. 2019; 12 min.

As One – Tawny Sorensen and David Spaltro (New York, New York)
Jill must put one foot in front of the other to move through her grief, and with connection she discovers that every mile has a story. A moving short film by New Jersey Film Festival alumni. 2019; 15 min. Q+A Session with Producer Tawny Sorensen and Director David Spaltro!

Online Billie – Lou Assous  (Paris, France)
This modern love story begins in Paris, but the question is:  how and where will this story end? Jules, a lost, funny, and romantic actor meets a mysterious, beautiful woman called Esther. They flirt in a bar and end up spending the night together. In the morning, they leave on a whim for a weekend to visit Jules’ childhood home, in the countryside. There Jules discovers that Esther works as a “camgirl,” performing in erotic shows via webcam under the name of Billie.  Is true love still possible in a world where intimacy is packaged and sold on screen?  Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, Online Billie is contemporary independent French cinema at its best.  In French, subtitled. 2019; 83 min.  Co-sponsored by the Rutgers University French Department and the Rutgers University Office of Disability Services!

Sunday, September 22-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM

I Am He Who Created Himself – Emma Penaz Eisner (San Francisco, California)
This surrealistic film intermixes stop motion animation, time lapse photography, and live action sequences to re-imagine one of the paradigmatic creation myths recorded in antiquity.  The first god, joining with his shadow, creates himself, the progenitor of humanity. 2019; 4 min.

The Hearing of the Eye – Alessia Cecchet (Santa Cruz, California)
Thisexperimental film explores death through a post-humanist lens. Our understanding of an animal changes once it has died. We look away, no longer in awe and the wonder becomes abject. The film centers on the animal in its passing, compelling the viewer to reconsider its value and, thereby, to open the possibility for empathy. 2018; 6 min.

Babasha– Pol Rebaque (Barcelona, Spain)
Inspired by the latest album from underground artist Marina Herlop, Babasha is defined by reminiscences of classical contemporary music and hints of electronic influences.  Foregoing a conventional narrative, the film unfolds as a journey through several moods and inner experiences. 2019; 15 min.

Off The Rails - Damian Fitzsimmons  (Del Ray Beach, Florida)
This coming-of-age story centers on three young men. Set in the early 70s, it chronicles what came to be known as the Age of Aquarius, a period of social growth, political awareness, and unrest.  Freedom is the byword of existence for Chris, Liam, and Manny, who are floating aimlessly in this youth-fueled counter culture. Equally lovable as they are inept, they decide to open a bar without any concrete idea of what it will take to make a success of their joint venture. Through trials and tribulations, they come to discover who they are as individuals and what they really want in life. 2018; 92 min.

Friday, September 27-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM

No Al Muro – Luis Pena (San Francisco, California)
A short, lyrical film that celebrates Mexican border culture.  It documents what will be lost if a Wall is built, by capturing the life and vibrancy that is La Frontera-- the border. 2019; 2 min.

Post Election Works – Kate Haug (San Francisco, California)
Drawing on the work of Walter Benjamin, filmmaker Kate Haug examines her identity as it evolves within the context of contemporary politics. A collage of internet imagery and personal reflection, Post-Election Works becomes a dialogue between the online world, the digital archive, activism, and the narrator's subjective experience. 2019; 17 min.
Juanita –  Leticia Tonos Paniagua (Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic)
With Juanita, a poignant dramedy about migration, love, and survival, director Leticia Tonos rewards us with a beautifully modulated combination of pathos and laughter.  Juanita, a Dominican immigrant, has been living illegally in Madrid for some years, but as trouble closes in, she flees into the countryside. There she meets Mariano, a lonely Spanish farmer.  When Juanita brings Mariano to the Dominican Republic for Christmas, the clash and the blending of two cultures begins. In Spanish, subtitled. 2019; 93 min.

Friday, October 4-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM
Rebuilding History: Three Miles Across The Hudson – Adam J. Boyer and Eric Keneifel (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
Sixty years ago the historic Tappan Zee Bridge was built across the Hudson River to connect New York City to Westchester County.  As the bridge began to deteriorate, the highly skilled craftsmen of the Carpenters Union gave their all to ensure that the new bridge they were constructing would stand for generations for come. This documentary celebrates the work of these proud union members. We learn about their determination to get the bridge completed, and the pride that they took in building a colossal and glorious structure. 2019; 40 min Q+A Session with Producer/Directors Adam J. Boyer and Eric Keneifel!

Clean Hands – Michael Dominic (Queens, New York)
Shot over the course of seven years (2011-2018) in Nicaragua, Clean Hands is a poignant, feature-length documentary which chronicles the story of the Lopez family, and the difficult path this family takes to overcome extreme poverty and deprivation.  The film begins in the shadow of Central America’s largest garbage dump. This is the only life, and only world, this family has ever known. Through fortuitous circumstances, a foundation hears of their plight and comes to their aid.  As the family adjusts to the opportunity of a new home, more complications arise, making their promising new future uncertain. 2019; 98 min. Q+A Session with Director Michael Dominic!

Sunday, October 6-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM
Breaking Their Silence – Kerry David (Playa Vista, California)
The sordid world of wildlife trafficking and poaching is orchestrated by ruthless crime syndicates. Meet the courageous women who are on the frontline of this silent war, doing all they can to reverse these terrible offenses, and risking their own lives to prevent Africa's most vulnerable animals from becoming extinct. Breaking Their Silence shines a bright light on their intelligence, empathy, strength, and stamina as they face down poachers and conquer seemingly insurmountable odds.  A hopeful film at its core, Breaking Their Silence will challenge everyone to become part of the solution. 2019; 110 min. Q+A Session with Director Kerry David!

Friday, October 11-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM
Fallen Angels – Wong Kar Wai (Hong Kong, China)
An assassin, his boss, an entrepreneur and two women cross paths in Hong Kong as their professional and love lives collide and impact each other, mostly without their knowledge.  A must-see film by one of world cinema’s most important directors.  In Mandarin, subtitled. 1995; 99 min. Co-sponsored by the Rutgers University Confucius Institute!

Sunday, October 13-Voorhees Hall #105-7PM
JERSEY FRESH

Vigil – Sam Spencer (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
This mournful short film pays tribute to the animal rights activists who stand outside of a Newark, New Jersey slaughterhouse in order to witness the doomed animals before they die. 2019; 8 min.

Drown –  Kirsten Pasewaldt (New Brunswick, New Jersey)
Drown explores the subtle aggressions and sexual pressures of an emotionally abusive relationship through the eyes of Mei, a desperate young woman. 2019; 9 min.

Streetlight – Carmen Gray (Barcelona, Spain)
A diary-like rumination on the filmmaker’s stay in the USA last year that focuses on the street light outside of her apartment window that would be ever present as the seasons and her moods changed. 2019; 10 min. 

Sold South – Richard Sears Walling (North Brunswick, New Jersey)
Sold South focuses on the harrowing, true story of Samuel, a young African-American who was kidnapped from Philadelphia in 1818 and brought to the farm of Judge Jacob Van Wickle, a local magistrate in Middlesex County, New Jersey.  Van Wickle used his position to illegally send Samuel and nearly two hundred others to work as slaves in the sugar cane fields of Louisiana. The film concludes in the present day, as DNA research reunites families from north and south, across time and distance, and local residents begin working to create a permanent memorial to Samuel and the two hundred other lost souls. 2019; 17 min. Q+A Session with Director Richard Sears Walling!

Shield – Danielle Eliska Lyle (Princeton, New Jersey)
Zoe was put in foster care after the death of her brother, who was her sole guardian. She latches onto the only thing that reminds her of him – a blanket. Trauma has alienated her from everyone and has made it difficult for Zoe to find a permanent home. That is, until Rachel decides to become her caregiver. Rachel’s creative use of comic books is just the thing to help Zoe let go of her pain in this inspiring story about facing our fears, finding our inner strength and being brave enough to embrace the scars that make us beautiful. 2019; 18 min. Q+A Session with Danielle Eliska Lyle, Producer Lauren Sowa and Lead Actor Gisela Adisa!

To Make a Long Story Short: Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns – Sal Del Giudice  (Manahawkin, New Jersey)
To Make a Long Story Short is an inspiring story of a man from New Jersey who stands about 2 feet tall and is confined to a wheelchair yet heads the Jersey Horns, the most popular music group on the Jersey Shore. 2019; 29 min. Q+A Session with Sal Del Giudice!  

Chuck: A Funny Farm Story – Jason Penza (Millville, New Jersey)
A moving short documentary about a very special dog and the very special woman who runs an amazing animal sanctuary in New Jersey. 2019; 32 min. Q+A Session with Jason Penza!  Co-sponsored by the Rutgers University American Studies Department and the Rutgers University Office of Disability Services!

TIME
All Voorhees Hall programs begin at 7:00 PM. Films are screened in the order listed.

LOCATIONS
Voorhees Hall #105, 71 Hamilton Street/College Avenue Campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

NOTE: Our primary screening location, Voorhees Hall #105, features comfortable seats, stadium seating, and a state-of-the-art hi-definition projection and sound system. We can also provide listening assistive devices, without charge, to those who are hearing impaired.  Please contact us 48 hours prior to a screening so that we can arrange to have these listening assistive devices available for your use.

ADMISSION
$12=General; $10=Students+Seniors; $9=Rutgers Film Co-op/NJMAC Friends.
All films are subject to change. Call our information number 848-932-8482 the day of show to confirm titles.

TICKETS
Tickets are available on a “first-come-first-served” basis and can be purchased at the door beginning a half-hour before the start time.

Advance Tickets are available and can be purchased using Paypal up to the day before a screening (unless that screening is sold out). Log on to www.paypal.com, and use njmac@aol.com as the send money address. Tickets are $14 each in advance ($12+$2 processing fee). Include the names of the attendees and the date/time of the screening in the memo box. We will have a list of those who pre-paid at the door. Advance Tickets are non-refundable. Call or email us for more info on Advance Ticket sales.

DIRECTIONS
Voorhees Hall #105=Take the NJ Turnpike to Exit 9 and then take Route 18N (New Brunswick direction) and go for 2 1/2 miles to the College Avenue Campus/George Street exit and make a left at the light at the end of the exit ramp onto George Street, then go to the next light and make a right onto Hamilton Street, then go to the next light and make a right onto College Avenue. Almost immediately on your right hand side there is an University Parking Lot (#9) which is made available for our patrons to park in. Voorhees Hall is adjacent to the Zimmerli Art Museum and is 100 paces across the Voorhees Mall from Parking Lot 9. Patrons can also park in Rutgers Lots #1 (next to Kirkpatrick Chapel) and #16 (next to Murray and Milledoler Hall)
Map and Directions are also here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Voorhees+Hall,+71+Hamilton+St,+New+Brunswick,+NJ+08901/@40.5000688,74.4481033,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c3c65384be2723:0xee54027c4331b753!8m2!3d40.5000688!4d-74.4459146

Note: Parking in the lots listed above are only for visitors to the University. Faculty, Staff, and Students must park only in lots they are authorized to park in.
Visitor vehicles must be registered prior to parking at the link below:
https://rudots.nupark.com/events/Events/Register/0818ab33-621c-4e8c-a7b0-e0ece5278f6a

INFORMATION
New Jersey Film Festival
Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center
Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies
4170 Academic Building, 15 Seminary Place
New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901-8525 U.S.A.
(848) 932-8482 phone
NJMAC@aol.com, NJMAC12@gmail.com  e-mail
www.njfilmfest.com websit

SPONSORS
The New Jersey Film Festival is funded and sponsored in part by The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center; The Rutgers University Program in Cinema Studies/School of Arts and Sciences; Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant provided by New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; The Rutgers University Confucius Institute; Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program; Jungle Software;  The Rutgers University American Studies Department; The Rutgers University Office of Disability Services; Rutgers University French  Department; Johnson & Johnson; WCTC/WMGQ; WRSU; The Home News Tribune; The Asbury Park Press; New Jersey Stage; New Brunswick City Market; The Rutgers University Office of Community Affairs; The Rutgers University Digital Classroom Services Office; Design Ideas; Advanced Printing; Steven C. Schechter, Esq.; Share and Harris.

Rutgers Film Co-op/NJMAC 2019 Staff
Executive Director/Curator: Albert Gabriel Nigrin
Office and House Managers: Vanessa Bethea, Preeya Dave, Abigail Folvar, Sergio Gattica, Franne Magen, Joshua Reich
Volunteers/Interns: Jessica Birk, John DeJesus, Hayleigh Gronenthal, Joe Hazavei, Justin Holness, Stephanie Man, Bryana Martinez, Aimee Rabino, Angeli Reyes, Quinn Turon, Tyler Van Osten, Luis Veras
Advisors: Bob Brodsky, Victoria Connor, Dr. Susan Martin-Marquez, Dr. Daniel Nigrin, Dr. Meheli Sen, Toni Treadway, and Dr. Alan Williams
Board of Trustees: Dr. Irene Fizer, Bill Harris, Albert Gabriel Nigrin, and Steven C. Schechter, Esq.

The New Jersey Film Festival Fall 2019 is curated by Albert Gabriel Nigrin. Schedule Editor: Irene Fizer. Schedule compiler: Vic Fern. Schedule Designer:  Victoria Connor/Design Ideas. Schedule printed by Advanced Printing.  Cover Art: Light Far May See by Albert Gabriel Nigrin ©2019.