Film Festival Returns To Mendham For 14th Year

MENDHAM, NJ — For the 14th year, members of the Mendham community are invited to gather at Schiff Nature Preserve for this year's film festival, which will highlight the preserve and environment.

On Saturday, June 3, the Wood Badge Lodge will be transformed into a Woodland Theatre at 6:30 p.m. With the fire pit lit and picnic benches and seating scattered around it, attendees can catch up with friends and visitors while waiting for dusk to fall and the film to begin.

"Each year, we strive to show inspiring environmental films, offer a venue for the community to gather, raise funds for Schiff, and promote learning and discussion of important environmental issues," Schiff Nature Preserve officials said.

Schiff's "theatre-in-the-woods" is simple to find. Moviegoers can park at the Nature Center and hike 1.2 miles on a well-marked trail to the lodge, or they can take a hay wagon.

Free light refreshments, such as popcorn and water, will be provided. All guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and any beverages they desire. Snack boxes, both savory and sweet, will be available for purchase.

The featured film this year is "Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport." The one-hour documentary tells the story of the events, people, and politics that occurred between 1959 and 1968 in a rural area of New Jersey.

"Saving the Great Swamp: Battle to Defeat the Jetport" took two years to complete and was produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Scott Morris, co-produced by Larry Fast, and narrated by Blythe Danner.

In-depth interviews with residents, historians, and government officials are featured, as well as a rich visual tapestry of historic film footage, old photographs, and high-end cinematography of the Great Swamp today.

Following the film, there will be a question and answer session with Morris and the now-retired former park ranger from the Great Swamp, during which attendees will be able to discuss the film in greater depth.

"The film fest is really fun. If you have never been, you can either hike or take a hay wagon right up to Wood Badge Lodge. We have, kind of like a BYOB, bring your own food and we have s'mores," committee member Amalia Duarte said.

Ticket prices are $20 per person, $18 if you are a member and $12 for students and seniors. This event is appropriate for children aged 8 and up. Tickets and information are available online.