2026 Program
July 26, 2026
Princeton Garden Theatre
Jury Favorites
The Eclipse
Animation
1:48
Dir. Laurence Arcadias, Robin Corbet
On April 8th, 2024, during an American Astronomical Society meeting in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, scientists gathered to observe a total eclipse of the sun.
This film was animated by astronomers during a workshop just before the eclipse, using the first film of an eclipse made by magician Nevil Maskelyne in 1900.
The Tradition
Drama
3:06
Dir. Matthew Jarzyna
A survivor of a nuclear apocalypse partakes in a daily tradition that carries an important weight in his heart.
Flint For Those Who Dare
Documentary
17:33
Dir. Raul Barquet
Early New York City graffiti writer and documentarian Roberto "Flint..." Gennari, has the opportunity to cement his legacy in the art world half a century later.
They Came In Peace
Animation
12:30
Dir. Bruce Lazrus, Robert Martens
In a seriocomic twist on the classic Alien Invasion theme, the denizens of Planet Znarg unite to fend off a colonizing team of bumbling astronauts sent by the EarthX Corporation. This film uses inter-titles written in the fictitious language of Planet Znarg.
Company
Puppetry
29:00
Dir. Brian Mortensen
When Candela, a young Colombian woman feeling isolated in her new life, discovers Larry — a small, quick-witted puppet living in her desk drawer — the two form an unlikely friendship that helps her find courage, joy, and belonging.
As they navigate work, loneliness, and life together, the film reveals that family isn’t always the people we’re born to… it’s the company we keep.
Falling Behind
Drama
14:00
Dir. Kayleigh Pierce
“Falling Behind” is a short film about a queer woman, Iris, struggling to connect with her peers romantically and platonically. Despite yearning for a romantic relationship, she learns what she truly needs is a friend who understands what she is going through.
A.I. Stars
Documentary
8:26
Dir. Kamron Saniee
A virtual starlet traces her cinematic lineage and path to celebrity. Composed of archival footage and clips from Hollywood films depicting synthetic actors, A.I. Stars gives voice to an image discovering its own desire to be seen.
Texas Strange
Sci-Fi
9:23
Dir. Justin Eugene Evans
After two months on a distant planet, John Thurston returns to his ragtag crew of criminals and thieves. He expects a heroes welcome...instead they've held themselves a vote.
About the Hindenburg
Documentary
8:48
Dir. Jennifer Suwak, Steve Abruzzese
Firsthand accounts of the Hindenburg Disaster that happened in Lakehurst, New Jersey on May 6th, 1937. The story is told through a series of eyewitnesses interviews spanning a period of 35 years.
Tenebrios
Horror
6:59
Ed. Tarik Antón Ferro
Jano, in the throes of a health crisis, watches his body inexplicably deteriorate. Enthralled by his neighbor's hypnotic flute, his obsession grows as worms emerge from his surroundings.
The Rusty Fish
Animation
6:15
Dir. Milad Fathiani
The Rusty Fish is a symbolic and thought-provoking narrative of the conflict between man and nature.
Jersey Fresh Film Institute
Comedy
3:24
Dir. Melissa Whitely
A satirical commercial promoting
one of the hottest film schools in
the Tri State area.
Paul Tells All: The Regrets of a
Sad Slasher
Comedy
14:20
Dir. Nicky Lazos
Paul may be a crazed axe-murderer, but he's not a bigot. Walk with Paul on this journey of rediscovery. As we study the sins of our past. And strive to create a world where slashing is socially acceptable.
Unstable Diffusion
Animation
3:10
Dir. Sophia Maggio, Eli Cohan
A beginner artist turns to AI to take a shortcut to improve his work, but he realizes he’s in for more than he bargained for when his AI creation turns on him.
