Local Filmmakers To Be Showcased At 2nd Annual Cranford Film Festival

CRANFORD, NJ — The 2nd Annual Cranford Film Festival is here, and this year's showcase features a selection of locally-based films with lots of celebrity cameos.

This year's film fest begins April 23 and goes until May 8, including an in-person screening at the Cranford Theater on April 30 showing the "Best of the Fest."

According to the festival's announcement, this year's selection of films includes cameos from Jane Kaczmerek from "Malcolm in the Middle," Kevin Smith from "Clerks," Fred Melamed from "A Serious Man," "Lovesick" and "Law & Order," as well as Linda Purl from "Happy Days" snd Norm Lewis from "Phantom of the Opera" and "Miss Saigon" on Broadway.

The selected films span several dramas — from comedy and suspense to drama, animation and music videos. In addition, the festival will show a selection of 9 Cranford-related films, which are all either set in Cranford or directed, produced or performed by a Cranford resident.

The "Best of the Fest" screening from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday will include some Cranford-based films, and the complete festival selection of 45 films will be available for viewing online from April 23 to May 8. A pre- party will be held at Ciao Amici before Saturday's screening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with filmmakers in attendance.

The screening also coincides with Arts Day in downtown Cranford, which will show case the performing arts departments in the Cranford Schools, including acting, chorus and jazz band. Arts groups like Beyond Dance and the Cranford Dramatic Club will be featured.

All proceeds from the festival will go to Cranford Schools Friends of the Performing Arts (CSFOPA) — a non-profit organization that helps fund the performing arts programs within the Cranford Schools.

In years past, CSFOPA has helped to fund the new stage curtain in the high school auditorium, the tents for the classes held outdoors (chorus and band), as well as other activities and resources for the arts.

For more information on the film festival and to buy tickets, visit www.cranfordfilmfestival.org.

Tickets range in price from $20 - $45 per person, or $65 for 2 VIP tickets. A discount is available for students and seniors.

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