SUMMER CONCERT FUN — Hundreds of residents gathered outside UCPAC for Rahway’s free outdoor concert series that continues every Thursday in August. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside UCPAC.
RAHWAY, NJ — The Third Annual Rahway International Film Festival returns from Aug. 28 to 30, at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts.
This year’s lineup of films spans 12 different countries, featuring stars like Juno Temple, Evan Peters and Joey Lauren Adams.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the introduction of feature-length films, in addition to the standard short-films program, plus a special Saturday night outdoor screening.
The mission of the Rahway International Film Festival is to provide an opportunity for artists worldwide to showcase works that educate, inspire equality, empathy and awareness through film.
In keeping with equality, the festival is also dedicated to showcasing an equal ratio of films made by female and male filmmakers.
To accommodate its growing popularity, the 2015 Rahway International Film Festival will be a multiday event.
In addition to the event being extended to cover three days, Gina Marie Rodriguez, the festival’s founder and director will launch a new initiative.
Ten percent of the ticket sales will be donated to charitable endeavors: Integrity House “Boys of Bate Program” and the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
A primary objective of the festival is to enhance the creative community in the Rahway area and provide a platform for both local and international storytellers; to not only share their work but offer a place to forge new relationships for collaboration.
“The Rahway International Film Festival is a breath of fresh air in the artistic town of Rahway New Jersey. As a working actress, it’s so important to network. And this event allowed me to meet some amazing and talented people, not only in the film industry, but all walks of life,” said Mahogany Reynolds, an actress and executive director of Just Be You Performing Arts, a Rahwa- based mentoring organization.
During this year’s festival, attendees will enjoy a variety of screenings, including: documentaries, shorts, animation, and introducing feature length films.
The Rahway International Film Festival promotes diversity and provides a venue for both up and coming and established filmmakers from around the world to showcase their works.
The event highlight will be the Awards Ceremony, at which filmmakers and actors will be recognized. The Awards Ceremony will be hosted at Patria Latin Bistro, a RIFF primary sponsor.
“There was a great crop of films in each film block. It was a great honor to be included. We need this here and [this festival] is definitely filling the void,” said Temilolu Tokosi, director of “The Will to Want,” winner of the Rahway International Film Festival’s Audience Choice Award in 2014.
The Rahway International Film Festival is operated and run by volunteers; sponsorships and donations to the festival help support operational and production expenses.
“We believe that film can reach the mind and soul in ways nothing else can. For this reason, we present films that strive to promote equality, champion the oppressed, and promote open-mindedness. We aim to give a platform to those whose stories may otherwise go unheard,” said Rodriguez.
For the full line up of this year’s film screenings and event schedule, visit www.rahwayfilmfest.com.
Ticket prices range from $10 to $35 and can be purchased at the Union County Performing Arts Center’s website at www.ucpac.org. For daily festival updates follow the Rahway International Film Festival on Facebook and Twitter.