New Jersey Stage 2016: Issue 1 | Page 38

more are selected as finalists. Scoring is based on originality, creativity, production values, and performances. All total, the Spring 2016 festival includes 21 films from over 300 submissions by filmmakers around the world. Many of the films screened include an introduction and Q&A session with the director or a principle member of the film’s cast. Over the years, the festival has had some of the biggest names in cinema make appearances. “One of the most amazing sessions we had was when Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonrmaker-Powell came to present Powell/Pressburger’s The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp back on a frigid evening in February of 1994. Over 700 people came to see the show,” recalled Nigrin. “Other great ones included when Todd Solondz came to present his very controversial film Happiness back in 1999. Over 1000 people came for that screening at the State Theatre in Martin Scorese appears on a panel at the NJ Film Festival NewJerseyStage.com 2016 - ISSUE 1 Table of Contents 38