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10th Annual GDIFF

Sep 23-25 2021

Submit on Film Freeway

Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, New Jersey proudly accepts entries via FilmFreeway.com, the world’s best online submission platform. FilmFreeway offers free HD online screeners, unlimited video storage, digital press kits, and more. Click to submit with FilmFreeway.

About

Golden Door International Film Festival

Year

Films Screened

Countries Represented

Attendees

We Are…

We Are Independent Film

Golden Door Film Festival was founded with the ideal that every film selected for our program and its team should have the keys to the “Golden Door”. Whether an emerging or established artist, you will treated like a star. We are an elite festival but never elitist.

We Are Independent Spirit

The concept of the “Golden Door” was derived from the last line of the poem inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty (which is technically in Jersey City) written by Emma Lazarus. It reads, “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”. Jersey City, New Jersey is that golden door and Ellis Island (also in Jersey City waters) served as the door to opportunity several decades. This four day film festival holds the opportunity for filmmakers, actors and crew to network with colleagues and share their work with the public in the heart of the NYC area filmmaking landscape.

We Are…Jersey City

Screenings, after parties and gala celebrations all take place within some of the most beautiful local treasures Jersey City has to offer. Located immediately next to New York City, yet firmly entrenched in New Jersey, Golden Door Film Festival is a filmmaker’s dream come true.

History

Founded in 2010 by actor Bill Sorvino, Golden Door International Film Festival has grown to become one of the foremost film festivals on the east coast. GDIFF has been twice named #1 film festival in New Jersey by New Jersey Stage Magazine and has been placed on the 2018 Top 50 Film Festivals by Movie Maker Magazine.

Indie Films

Indie Spirit

Jersey City

Autism Awareness

In addition to providing a forum for independent filmmakers, in 2014 we established a philanthropic arm dedicated to raising awareness about autism. We are committed to screening narratives and documentaries about autism from a variety of perspectives. In particular we seek to offer autistic people a platform to share their stories. We believe in the power of the arts, and especially film, to give a voice to those people who previously had none. Along with our annual festival we host events throughout the year that provide a space for people to experience and learn about autism.

GDIFF ’19

GDIFF is more than just a film festival. It is a networking event, a learning repository, a hotbed of new talent and a host of generous galas and afterparties!

Watch Trailer

Film Submissions

Why submit to GDIFF?

Set amidst the iconic backdrop of the beautiful NYC Manhattan skyline, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Golden Door Film Festival is recognized as being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established filmmakers and directors. In our first 4 years, the festival has screened over 300 films from over 40 countries and has attracted more than 10,000 attendees and generated renewed interest in Jersey City. The Selection Committee is comprised of a distinguished panel of film industry professionals and board members. Each and every film is evaluated by a selection committee and evaluated for possible competition in the Festival. The Awards Committee is comprised of a distinguished panel of jurists who are screenwriters, editors, film professors and other film industry colleagues. The awards are presented at our Gala Closing Ceremony at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theater on the last day of the festival. The submissions process is managed by the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City through a third party vendor.

Who Should Submit To GDIFF?

Any filmmaker with a film completed within the last 2 years as of submission date can submit their film the GDIFF. Selections are made based upon the quality of story first, however production quality is essential in the storytelling process. It is therefore recommended that both components of your film be driven by an artistic vision or “voice” to score highly in our selection process.

When To Submit To GDIFF?

Our call for entries is currently open on FILMFREEWAY.COM. Please click the button to submit your film

Submit Here

Sponsorship

Why Be a Sponsor?

Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City is one of the premier events in Northern New Jersey where filmmakers, celebrities and industry leaders gather for four incredible days in the heart of Jersey City. The Festival provides a unique opportunity to reach a sophisticated audience in a fast growing market. The GDIFF team works closely with sponsors to develop a one of kind experiences for their brands and businesses.   Why be a sponsor of Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City?

•High visibility throughout Jersey City and the New York metropolitan area •Your business logo on our website, program, step and repeat (red carpet banner) and all promotional materials (dependent on sponsorship level) •VIP seating •Priority event entrance •access to all afterparty VIP sections

•Highly desirable audiences •Affluent •Educated •Two Universities located in Jersey City •Proximity to New York City •Highly diverse arts & culture scene.

PATH, NJTransit and Hudson/Bergen Light Rail access located across the city.

• Sponsorship of film programs and special events • Custom advertising opportunities • Alignment with the independent film industry

• The Golden Door Film Festival encompasses a diverse community • “A Conversation With” featuring A-List celebrities discussing their films and the industry Nightly “After Parties” hosted by GDIFF and our sponsors • Opening and Closing Gala Events in the landmark Loews Jersey – an iconic theater built in 1929

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