“Checkpoint Zoo,” directed by Joshua Zeman set to kick-off week-long festival August 18, 2025
New Jersey’s rich film evolution takes center stage in festival panel led by state film commission
Red Bank, NJ — July 7, 2025 — The 2025 Indie Street Film Festival (ISFF) today announced its return for the 10th annual edition, running August 18-24, 2025. The festival celebrates a decade of independent filmmaking within the local vibrant arts community at the heart of Red Bank, New Jersey.
When founders Jay Webb and Jim Scavone, long-time Monmouth County arts advocates, set out to launch a film festival, they envisioned a space where film and community could intersect. Now, in its 10th year, ISFF is recognized for its bold programming, strong community partnerships and commitment to showcasing diverse, thought-provoking films.
This year’s milestone edition will feature more than 70 films across documentary, narrative and animation categories, spotlighting emerging filmmakers and stories that challenge the boundaries of traditional storytelling with messages of hope, inspiration and excitement.
Festival founder and director Jay Webb expressed his excitement for the milestone: “Our entire team and the community are all so excited to hit the ten-year mark! Sharing stories from around the world and opening ourselves to different perspectives and voices is really more important than ever with all that is happening. The world of independent film has always been a space where passion, humanity, and creativity can be amplified, and this year's festival promises to honor that in every way possible.”
This week-long event will kick off with a special opening night ceremony followed by the New Jersey premiere of Checkpoint Zoo, on Monday, August 18 at the Vogel Theater.
Checkpoint Zoo, slated for Opening Night on Monday, August 18 at The Vogel, centers on the early days of the Ukraine-Russian war, when the Feldman Ecopark, a beloved animal refuge in Ukraine's second largest city, finds itself caught in the crossfire. With the invading Russian army on one side and the Ukrainian front line on the other, thousands of animals were left trapped with little food and water. Against all odds, a courageous team of zookeepers and volunteers risked their lives to embark on a seemingly impossible mission: bringing these innocent creatures to safety.
As part of the festival’s tenth year of programming,The New Jersey Film Commission will lead a featured panel at this year’s festival on Friday, August 22, spotlighting the state’s growing opportunity within the film industry and the local impact of Netflix’s expansion. This timely conversation will explore the creative, logistical, and economic growth happening in the state and shed light on how filmmakers can tap into the expanding support systems within the state’s film ecosystem.
The highly anticipated full lineup will be revealed later this month, promising a diverse range of narratives and documentaries that highlight innovation, bold storytelling, and social impact.
All-Access passes are now on sale and single film tickets will be on sale starting July 16th at indiestreetfilmfestival.org For more information on the festival, its programming, and events, please visit the official Indie Street Film Festival website or follow @IndieStFilmFest on social media. The Indie Street Film Festival is proudly supported by Monmouth Arts Council, and its platinum sponsors, Basie Center Cinemas and Triumph Restaurant & Brewery
ABOUT INDIE STREET INSTITUTE:
INDIE STREET INSTITUTE is a non-profit organization formed to create interactive art & film experiences that challenge people to connect with and be inspired by new ways of thinking. The organization’s flagship event, THE INDIE STREET FILM FESTIVAL, brings the most talented storytellers from across the globe to the screens of Red Bank, NJ. Born from a cooperative of filmmakers, Indie Street Film Festival combines top-notch independent cinema with industry discussions, live art and music experiences, and social gatherings that look to spark important conversations within our diverse communities. For more details on festival events: indiestreetfilmfestival.org
ABOUT COUNT BASIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. The Basie Center mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through its distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that embrace and amplify the diversity of the region. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie Center is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with schools, collaborating with other mission-based organizations and driving regional economic prosperity. To learn more about the Count Basie Center for the Arts, including events at its historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, its new performance venue, The Vogel, or film screenings at Basie Center Cinemas, visit www.thebasie.org
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New Jersey’s rich film evolution takes center stage in festival panel led by state film commission
Red Bank, NJ — July 7, 2025 — The 2025 Indie Street Film Festival (ISFF) today announced its return for the 10th annual edition, running August 18-24, 2025. The festival celebrates a decade of independent filmmaking within the local vibrant arts community at the heart of Red Bank, New Jersey.
When founders Jay Webb and Jim Scavone, long-time Monmouth County arts advocates, set out to launch a film festival, they envisioned a space where film and community could intersect. Now, in its 10th year, ISFF is recognized for its bold programming, strong community partnerships and commitment to showcasing diverse, thought-provoking films.
This year’s milestone edition will feature more than 70 films across documentary, narrative and animation categories, spotlighting emerging filmmakers and stories that challenge the boundaries of traditional storytelling with messages of hope, inspiration and excitement.
Festival founder and director Jay Webb expressed his excitement for the milestone: “Our entire team and the community are all so excited to hit the ten-year mark! Sharing stories from around the world and opening ourselves to different perspectives and voices is really more important than ever with all that is happening. The world of independent film has always been a space where passion, humanity, and creativity can be amplified, and this year's festival promises to honor that in every way possible.”
This week-long event will kick off with a special opening night ceremony followed by the New Jersey premiere of Checkpoint Zoo, on Monday, August 18 at the Vogel Theater.
Checkpoint Zoo, slated for Opening Night on Monday, August 18 at The Vogel, centers on the early days of the Ukraine-Russian war, when the Feldman Ecopark, a beloved animal refuge in Ukraine's second largest city, finds itself caught in the crossfire. With the invading Russian army on one side and the Ukrainian front line on the other, thousands of animals were left trapped with little food and water. Against all odds, a courageous team of zookeepers and volunteers risked their lives to embark on a seemingly impossible mission: bringing these innocent creatures to safety.
As part of the festival’s tenth year of programming,The New Jersey Film Commission will lead a featured panel at this year’s festival on Friday, August 22, spotlighting the state’s growing opportunity within the film industry and the local impact of Netflix’s expansion. This timely conversation will explore the creative, logistical, and economic growth happening in the state and shed light on how filmmakers can tap into the expanding support systems within the state’s film ecosystem.
The highly anticipated full lineup will be revealed later this month, promising a diverse range of narratives and documentaries that highlight innovation, bold storytelling, and social impact.
All-Access passes are now on sale and single film tickets will be on sale starting July 16th at indiestreetfilmfestival.org For more information on the festival, its programming, and events, please visit the official Indie Street Film Festival website or follow @IndieStFilmFest on social media. The Indie Street Film Festival is proudly supported by Monmouth Arts Council, and its platinum sponsors, Basie Center Cinemas and Triumph Restaurant & Brewery
ABOUT INDIE STREET INSTITUTE:
INDIE STREET INSTITUTE is a non-profit organization formed to create interactive art & film experiences that challenge people to connect with and be inspired by new ways of thinking. The organization’s flagship event, THE INDIE STREET FILM FESTIVAL, brings the most talented storytellers from across the globe to the screens of Red Bank, NJ. Born from a cooperative of filmmakers, Indie Street Film Festival combines top-notch independent cinema with industry discussions, live art and music experiences, and social gatherings that look to spark important conversations within our diverse communities. For more details on festival events: indiestreetfilmfestival.org
ABOUT COUNT BASIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. The Basie Center mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through its distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that embrace and amplify the diversity of the region. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie Center is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with schools, collaborating with other mission-based organizations and driving regional economic prosperity. To learn more about the Count Basie Center for the Arts, including events at its historic Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, its new performance venue, The Vogel, or film screenings at Basie Center Cinemas, visit www.thebasie.org
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