The Lighthouse Film Festival on Long Beach Island, NJ is more than just a film festival, but a unique beach-centric experience like no other. Join us for the sun, the sea and the cinema. An event that was recognized twice by MovieMaker magazine as one of "The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World" (2018, 2020).
The 16th edition of the festival will take place on June 5-9, 2024. Beyond extraordinary screenings of new buzzing films from Sundance, SXSW, Toronto, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, etc, LIFF offers engaging panels, networking events, and masterclasses. Elevating the festival experience, our epic beach and bayside catered parties make for a weekend of fun on the beach, uniting filmmakers from the United States and around the world.
Located in close proximity to NYC and Philadelphia, LIFF is an ideal destination for both filmmakers and film lovers alike.
Some of the filmmakers who attended the festival over the years are Academy Award winners Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar (American Factory), Oscar nominees Nisha Pahuja, Guy Nattiv, Tomer Shushan, Jean de Meuron, Joan Stein Schimke, and Raphaela Neihausen; acclaimed filmmakers Niels Arden Oplev, Ondi Timoner, Ellie Fiombi, Jack Sholder, Keith Maitland, Sonia Kennebeck, Lynne Sachs; producers Meredith Kaulfers, Chester Algernal Gordon, Lee Broda, and Jonathan Duffy; programmers Thom Powers and Meira Blaustein, Dan Sullivan; international critics Nathalie Chifflet and Wilfred Okiche as well as film scholars and industry executives.
SUBMISSIONS AND COMPETITIONS
LIFF accepts submissions of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, TV/web episodic pilots, surf films, and (high school) student films.
Selected films participate in various competitions with award winners decided by the festival jury and audiences.
TWO CASH AWARDS INCLUDE:
The Honey Levine & Ed Sinatra Audience Choice Award ($1,000 prize) for narrative and documentary features.
The Jennifer Snyder Bryceland Award ($2,000 cash award) for exceptional environmental/social issue documentaries.
LIFF ACCEPTS SUBMISSIONS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
- Narrative Features
- Documentary Features
- Narrative Shorts (up to 45 minutes)
- Documentary Shorts (up to 45 minutes)
- TV and Web Series Pilots (up to 45 minutes)
- Darkhouse Genre Films (Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy Features & Shorts)
- Surf Films (Features and Shorts)
- High School Student Short Films
WOMEN IN FILM INITIATIVE
Our Write by the Beach Retreat takes place every Fall and is dedicated to female screenwriters in various stages of their literary work. (Submissions accepted at a later date).
OUR VISION
LIFF, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to showcasing diverse, dynamic storytelling with a focus on unique voices. It combines a carefully curated lineup of films, shown in the highest standards (DCP or 422 ProRes) at the intimacy of local screening venues.
Every year, the festival offers jury awards in numerous categories. Jurors for these awards represent some of the most talented leaders in the industry, including the likes of Oscar-winning filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar ("American Factory") and Guy Nattiv ("Skin"); Oscar nominees Tomer Shushan, Jean de Meuron, Joan Stein Schimke, and Raphaela Neihausen; acclaimed filmmakers Ondi Timoner, Jack Sholder, Charlotte Regan ("Scrapper"), Keith Maitland ("Tower"), Sonia Kennebeck, Lynne Sachs; producers Meredith Kaulfers, Chester Algernal Gordon ("The Inspection"), Lee Broda ("Tesla"), and Jonathan Duffy ("Sorry To Bother You"); programmers Thom Powers (TIFF) and Meira Blaustein (Woodstock FF), Dan Sullivan (Lincoln Center); international critics Nathalie Chifflet and Wilfred Okiche as well as film scholars and industry executives.
The Jennifer Snyder Bryceland Filmmaker Award
This special prize recognizes documentary filmmakers whose projects embody the generous, thoughtful, and positive energy demonstrated by beloved Long Beach Island resident Jennifer Snyder Bryceland in all aspects of her life. The $2,000 award is given to a filmmaker whose feature-length documentary displays artistic excellence, incorporates environmental and social themes (local, regional, or global), and inspires optimism in audiences. The award is offered by the family of Jennifer Snyder Brycelan
The Honey Levine and Ed Sinatra Audience Choice Award
LIFF offers an award for narrative and documentary features on the festival's program that are eligible for audience voting. The festival wishes to commemorate the legacy of Honey Levine and Ed Sinatra, local patrons of the arts and cinephiles. The winning film will receive a $1,000 cash prize.