Burlington Review

Film enthusiasts can anticipate the return of the Burlington County Juried Short Film Festival this month, featuring a diverse selection of narratives and documentaries. Now in its third year, the festival will screen 23 short films over two days on Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15.

Organized by the Burlington County Parks Division with support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the event aims to showcase independent filmmakers. This year's lineup includes films selected from over a hundred submissions by local filmmakers and others from across the United States, Europe, and Africa.

“Burlington County is excited by the growing interest in film and filmmaking that’s occurring here,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “The Burlington County Juried Short Film Festival provides a fantastic showcase for numerous up-and-coming filmmakers, and this year’s lineup of films is one of our best yet with a mix of reality, horror, comedy and more. The next Steven Spielberg, Greta Gerwig or Christopher Nolan could be from Burlington County, so be sure to come view these amazing short films and help support filmmaking and the arts in our county.”

The first night of screenings will take place at the Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts at 432 High Street in Burlington City starting at 7 PM. The second night will be held at Mount Holly Mason’s Lodge #14 at 15 Garden Street in Mount Holly, also beginning at 7 PM.

During the event, winners and runners-up for best animation, documentary, narrative comedy, and narrative drama will be announced. A panel of professional filmmakers and educators judged this year's entries.

Among the films featured is "The Past, Present & Future of Moorestown High School" by Victoria DeNittis, Anne Coutinho, Ben Matsko, Chris Panzera, Nate Underwood—a documentary exploring Moorestown High’s history through interviews with alumni from various decades.

Other notable local films include:

- "Memories Withered" by Rafael De Moura from Marlton: a drama about a man with dementia awaiting his wife’s return.

- "TEDI: Keep on Dancing" by Dan Preston from Bordentown: a documentary about a public school dance program in Trenton.

- "Eternal Replay" by Brandon English from BCIT: a story about a boy reliving the same day repeatedly.

- "The Odd Man Out" by Olivia Sauer et al.: about a woman excelling at everything.

- "Charlieman" by Ava Bernstein et al.: about a superhero experiencing premonitions.

- "The Prank Call" by Ava Bernstein et al.: about prank calls coming from inside one's home.

- "Vampire Dinner" by Chris Adams et al.: about watching a vampire movie.

- "Student Again" by Victoria DeNittis et al.: focusing on a teacher who becomes a student again.

Additional selections include:

- "Vintage," set in a vineyard love story by Mio Hu from UCLA,

- "Heart of Gold," addressing cultural clashes by Jack Foley,

- "Ata Glance," exploring domestic violence suspicions during pizza delivery encounters by Ruud Satijn.

Admission to both nights is free. Each film runs under 30 minutes long with light refreshments provided each evening.

“The art of filmmaking is flourishing in Burlington County,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel. “Our Juried Short Film Festival continues to provide a platform for filmmakers from our county and beyond to showcase their talents. The films may have limited runtimes but they each tell captivating stories that entertain, enlighten and spark conversations.”

A detailed list of all films being screened:

**Friday Night (in no particular order):**

1. Memories Withered – Rafael De Moura

2. Ofrenda – Tyler Garcia

3. About the Wait – Julia Randolph

4. Hex – Cole Hertz & Cole Hazlett

5. Charlieman – Ava Bernstein et al.

6. The Odd Man Out – Olivia Sauer et al.

7. The Prank Call – Ava Bernstein et al.

8. Vampire Dinner – Chris Adams et al.

9. Student Again – Victoria DeNittis et al.

10. Lasagna – Joe DeMarchi

11. For the Love of the Game – Javy Cortez Jr.

12. Eternal Replay – Sean Stoney et al.

13. Bagged A Good One – Ruby Ofelia Garza

14. Art Kids – Renell Jie Test

15. Ash Wednesday – Grace O’Brien

16 . Vintage– Mio Hu

**Saturday Night (in no particular order):**

1 . Heart Of Gold– Jack Foley

2 . TEDI: Keep On Dancing!– Dan Preston

3 . The Fall Guy's Fight– George Parker

4 . A Generational Gift– Julia Randolph

5 . The Past Present And Future Of Moorestown High School– Victoria Denittis Et Al

6 . MEVO: From Farm To Feast– Bryan Huth

7 . At A Glance– Ruud Satijn