Film Festival Schedule
Schedule at a Glance
Friday (4/19)
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm — Reception with Free Jammin' Crepes
5:30 pm - 8:20 pm — Screening of John Wick: Chapter 4 - Trailer
8:35 pm - 9:35 pm — Q&A w/ John Wick: Chapter 4 Screenwriter Michael Finch ‘90 (joining Via Zoom)
Saturday (4/20)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm — Emerging Filmmakers Screening Block
12:15 pm - 2:00 pm — Screening Block: Eclectic Mix > See the Lineup
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm — Speaker Session with Chris Naoki Lee: Actor, Writer, Director (joining Via Zoom)
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm — Screening Block: Heartfelt Connections > See the Lineup
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm — Red Carpet Awards Ceremony and Best of Fest Screening > See the Lineup
Join us for Red Carpet Photos, Pizza, and a screening of our favorite films!
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Fill out this form to receive your ticket confirmation over email — you must show up at the door with a ticket!
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Film Lineup
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Emerging Visions (4/20, 10:00am - 12:00pm)
Content Warnings: Swearing, Violence, Blood
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"Emerging Visions" showcases the future of filmmaking with works by filmmakers under 21, spanning from middle schoolers to college students. From chilling horror films to insightful documentaries to suspenseful dramas, these films represent the creative talent and innovative storytelling of tomorrow's filmmakers.
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First Date by Michael DeMar and Caroline Sheridan
Comedy | NJ High School
Zoe May is more than thrilled when Trent Calloway asks her on a date, but she seems to be missing something…
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Encapsulated by Bella Catherine Pianko
Drama, Mystery | High School
A man takes a look into his past and is surprised by what he finds.
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Grandma’s Cookies by Syrus Gupta and Derian Herrmann
Horror | High School
In a twisted tale of love turned sinister, young Elijah becomes ensnared in the unsuspecting clutches of a grandmother's heartrending grief.
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Knockout by Joseph Mosca and Andrew Kearney
Comedy | NJ High School
A best friend tries to help the other win over a date with a girl to the movies, but not without countless zanny and outlandish critiques that threaten to bring an end to their friendship.
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Unseen Heroes: Caregivers in America by Brianna Johnson and Leah Cerulli
Documentary | High School
Caregivers sacrifice time, energy, and money supporting those in need. It is time to support caregivers.
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The Cabin by John Monaco
Drama | High School
An unsuspecting, young girl dances through a cabin unaware that hidden eyes watch her every move, creating a false sense of safety within its walls.
At Odds by Anthony Truncale
Drama | NJ High School
A high school student struggles with negative thoughts as he copes with the stress of life and school
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Death is Near by Nick Alifirenko
Horror | NJ High School
As she packs up for the night, a girl is confronted by a masked figure.
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Dandies of LA by Todor Pophristic
Crime, Drama | NJ High School
Two men on their way to rob a deli storing cartel bricks cross paths with an older man on the way to the same deli but to buy a sandwich.
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Nickel and Dime by Audrey Lowell, Kai Smith, Esha Vaikhary, David Bloom
Documentary | High School
Some of San Francisco’s poorest residents spend their nights collecting bottles and cans in exchange for nickels—revealing something deeper about one environmental law.
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The Final Dream by Jacob Ofray
Fantasy | NJ Middle School
Kid falls asleep in class and wakes up to a new world.
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Places to Go by Andrew Kearney
Drama | Regional Short Film
Struggling to cope with the passing of a family member, a man cannot bring himself to open their Aunts final gift
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Right Now! By Claire Delaney
Drama | College
A teenage girl who spends too much time in her own head has to balance reality and fantasy in this coming of age tale.
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On the Paths Awakened by Axel Dahan
Action, Thriller | International High School
During WW2, under the German Occupation in France, Two French teenagers are recruited by the Resistance. They face danger and intimate conflicts on the paths for Freedom…
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Eclectic Mix (4/20, 12:15pm - 2:00pm)
Content Warnings: Flashing Lights, Sexual Assault, Needles, Blood, Swearing
From gripping dramas to whimsical animations to insightful experimental works, these films push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking.
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Status: Addicted by Harrison Chinchar
Experimental | College Student Film
A college student struggles with an addiction to manipulative technology they cannot escape.
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Key Lime Pie by Allen Delgado
Comedy | Princeton University Student Film
Wrongfully accused busser Sergio races to find a missing watch in a NJ diner, facing obstacles that challenge stereotypes and his dignity.
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Light Break by Luke Shannon
Experimental Animation | Princeton University Film.
A generative light algorithm studying reflection, refraction, and materiality.
To Cry on Moonlit Nights by Christian Lee
Drama | College Film
Homesick and lonely, two South Korean teenagers adjusting to college in the states spend the night together, roaming around their desolate campus while unearthing burdens from the past.
Sheepish by Vincent Gerardi
Comedy | Princeton University Film
A woman takes an elevator ride to visit her fiancè, remembering key moments in their relationship on the way.
Paint Loss by Paige Morton
Comedic Horror | Princeton Pictures Film
When she is given an assignment on “loss,” a gifted painter is forced to confront the loss of her boyfriend.
No Birthday Party by Magnolia Wilkinson
Experimental Animation | Princeton University Student Film
An experimental animation collaged from found advertisements and images.
The Bellmaster by Madeline McDonald
Documentary | Princeton University Student Film
A behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest instruments in the world–the Princeton University carillon.
Night In by Tyler Wilson
Dramatic Sci-Fi | Princeton University Student Film
An anxious college student locks herself out of her dorm room, only to realize that she has entered a time-bending trance.
Candy by Jacquelyn Chin and Melanie Kardos
Drama | College Student
What happens when the past you’re running away from is the one thing you can’t say out loud?
Hypnopompia by Tiffany Deane
Comedic Animation | Princeton University Student Film
A young woman's subconscious comes to life after she sleeps through her alarm.
Flag Act by Susana Darwin
Comedy, Social Justice
Two cops, a hippie of a certain age, and a flagpole. What could go wrong? courage vs. control in an increasingly authoritarian state
Twenty by Jason Hogan
Drama
A homeless ballet dancer undertakes a potentially life-changing audition. While Emily is graceful and poised, in the real world, she struggles to find somewhere to sleep, let alone focus on her artistry.
Heartfelt Connections (4/20, 4:00pm - 6:00pm)
Content Warnings - Drug Use, Sharp Objects, Blood, Swearing
Description: A collection of films that delve into the depths of human relationships and experiences through a diverse array of genres. Grab a tissue and join us on a journey of love, loss, and laughter with "Heartfelt Connections" at the Princeton Film Festival.
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Pizza Dreams by Alexander Campo
Experimental Documentary | College Film
Michael Graziano was my great-grandfather. This is the true story of my development as a chef and as a man told through our shared canvas: pizza.
John D by Lily Webb
Animation, Documentary | Princeton University Student Film
A tribute to John Donovan, Princeton Field Hockey’s biggest supporter.
Running Circles by Payge Neals
Comedy | Princeton University Student Film
Charlie and Malcolm, two university students, have a “running” feud with their best friend Oliver, and they are determined to bring it to a halting stop once and for all.
The Blood Orange by Anthony Figliano
Dramatic Musical
4 strangers with 4 different mental illnesses, struggle in a carousel of inner struggles. The only thread that connects them is their therapist.
Queen of the Dog Wash by Ammon Love
Documentary | Princeton University Student Film, USA
Terri, a retired single mother, convinces her son and his partner to open a pet-store in hopes to reconnect with him and finds renewed purpose in washing dogs from across the Tri-State area.
Passenger by Eric Fenno
Romantic Drama | Princeton Pictures Film
A girl uses songwriting to cope with her boyfriend’s accident.
A Capsule for Robin by Lalithra Fernando
Sci-Fi, Drama
An optimistic host's dinner party goes awry when her husband reveals he doesn't want to have kids in the face of humanity's impending extinction.
Passenger by Elijah Patterson
Experimental | Princeton University Student
A short experimental film depicting a murder resulting in the loss of a family.
Scammers by Carl Kelsch
Comedy
Single dad Nick trolls the parking lots of New Jersey for the next target of his dent repair scam. But with his fed-up teenage daughter in tow, the day quickly goes off the rails.
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Babá by Dorothy Chan
Documentary | Princeton University Student Film
A reflection on a father-daughter relationship in the context of the Asian-American immigrant experience.
Fatih the Conqueror by Onur Yagiz
Comedy | French Short Film
Fatih, 21, wants to get married. He has set his sights on Ipek, Recep’s sister. But neither Murat, his best friend, nor Recep, nor even Ipek are aware of this yet.
BEST OF FEST (4/20, 8:00pm - 9:30pm)
Content Warnings: Swearing, Drug Use
Description: From gripping dramas to captivating documentaries, these films have captured our hearts and minds, leaving a lasting impression that defines the essence of the Princeton Film Festival. Join us as we celebrate these talented filmmakers!
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Pizza Dreams by Alexander Campo
Experimental Documentary | College Film
Michael Graziano was my great-grandfather. This is the true story of my development as a chef and as a man told through our shared canvas: pizza.
The Blood Orange by Anthony Figliano
Dramatic Musical
4 strangers with 4 different mental illnesses, struggle in a carousel of inner struggles. The only thread that connects them is their therapist.
No Birthday Party by Magnolia Wilkinson
Experimental Animation | Princeton University Student Film
An experimental animation collaged from found advertisements and images.
Grandma’s Cookies by Syrus Gupta and Derian Herrmann
Horror | High School
In a twisted tale of love turned sinister, young Elijah becomes ensnared in the unsuspecting clutches of a grandmother's heartrending grief.
Key Lime Pie by Allen Delgado
Comedy | Princeton University Student Film
Wrongfully accused busser Sergio races to find a missing watch in a NJ diner, facing obstacles that challenge stereotypes and his dignity.
Babá by Dorothy Chan
Documentary | Princeton University Student Film
A reflection on a father-daughter relationship in the context of the Asian-American immigrant experience.
On the Paths Awakened by Axel Dahan
Action, Thriller | International High School
During WW2, under the German Occupation in France, Two French teenagers are recruited by the Resistance. They face danger and intimate conflicts on the paths for Freedom…
Fatih the Conqueror by Onur Yagiz
Comedy | French Short Film
Fatih, 21, wants to get married. He has set his sights on Ipek, Recep’s sister. But neither Murat, his best friend, nor Recep, nor even Ipek are aware of this yet.
Twenty by Jason Hogan
Drama
A homeless ballet dancer undertakes a potentially life-changing audition. While Emily is graceful and poised, in the real world, she struggles to find somewhere to sleep, let alone focus on her artistry.
