Seven Made in New Jersey Films to Premiere at Sundance Film Festival

NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), a branch of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), proudly announced that seven movies filmed across New Jersey will be featured at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. This announcement underscores New Jersey's burgeoning role as a sought-after location for filmmakers and its contribution to the arts and culture sector.

The 40th Sundance Film Festival will include a diverse array of films shot in New Jersey, such as "I Saw the TV Glow," "Your Monster," "Rob Peace," "Ponyboi," "Presence," "Exhibiting Forgiveness," and "A Different Man." These productions spanned multiple counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, and Union, showcasing the state's varied landscapes and urban settings.

Tim Sullivan, NJEDA Chief Executive Officer, expressed pride in New Jersey's contribution to the film industry. 

“The Garden State offers an array of diverse landscapes and backdrops, and under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey’s commitment to protecting and bolstering civil liberties has enhanced an already compelling case for filming in New Jersey. We look forward to welcoming even more productions in the months and years to come as we become an East Coast hub for the film industry,”said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan.

The selection of these films at Sundance is a testament to New Jersey's increasing influence in the film industry. Recent successes of other New Jersey-filmed productions, like Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" and HBO's "Succession," further highlight the state's potential as a film and television production hotspot.

The films selected for Sundance offer a glimpse into the wide range of storytelling and creative talent thriving in New Jersey:

• "I Saw the TV Glow" is an A24 horror film about two teenagers obsessed with a canceled TV show, filmed at various locations including Verona and Cedar Grove High Schools.
• "Your Monster" tells the story of a woman confronting a childhood monster, shot in East Orange General Hospital and several cities.
• "Rob Peace," a true story of a Newark kid's journey from Yale to life's harsh realities, was filmed in multiple Newark locations and other sites.
• "Ponyboi" features an intersex sex worker's survival tale, shot at locations like the L&P Laundromat in Palisades Park.
• "Presence," a suburban thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh, was entirely filmed in Cranford.
• "Exhibiting Forgiveness" explores an artist's life interrupted by his father's return, filmed in various towns including Allendale and Bayonne.
• "A Different Man" follows a man obsessed with an actor portraying him post-surgery, with scenes in Maplewood and Montclair.

These films not only highlight New Jersey's cinematic allure but also the state's economic investment in the arts. The NJMPTVC, integral in promoting film and TV production in New Jersey, and the NJEDA's support underscore the state's commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive economic environment.

The Sundance Film Festival, known for launching some of the most critically acclaimed films each year, will offer a global stage for these New Jersey-based projects, further solidifying the state's position in the national and international film landscape. As these films make their debut at this prestigious festival, they carry with them the essence of New Jersey's diverse culture and scenery, offering audiences worldwide a glimpse into the state's rich storytelling potential.

Filmed in New Jersey:

Mean Girls

Filmed in Florham Park, Middletown, Morris Township, North Arlington and Woodbridge.

Cady Heron is a hit with the Plastics, an A-list girl clique at her new school when she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George. Starring Jon Hamm, Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows and Auli’i Cravalho. Only in theatres January 12.

FBI: Most Wanted, filming in New Jersey

Dylan McDermott and the production team of the CBS television series FBI: Most Wanted discuss the advantages of filming in New Jersey.

Now/Upcoming Filming:

"Father, Mother, sister, Brother" - Filming in Passaic County, January - February

"It Ends with Us" - Filming in Hudson County, January

"Winston" - Filming in Moonachie, December '23 - March '24

"The Prepared Mind" - Filming in Central Jersey, February

Film in New Jersey: The State Where Filmmaking Began

Actor, director, and proud New Jerseyan Danny DeVito hosts this exciting look at the explosion of film and television production in the Garden State. Find out more about New Jersey’s varied locations, extensive production infrastructure, deep talent pool, outstanding cooperation and robust financial incentive program. The experienced staff of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission is ready to assist you every step of the way.
Produced by Black Watch Productions.

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