The Newark International Film Festival (NIFF) is dedicated to the art of storytelling through film. The 2016 NIFF put filmmakers in front of major players in the film industry and movie lovers from around the world. NIFF’s audience is important, affluent, and eager to celebrate. The city of Newark has a rich history of fostering great artists and innovators who have created definitive work. As the birthplace and/or workplace of names like Seth Boyden, Thomas Edison, Hannibal Goodwin, Brian De Palma, Savion Glover and many more, Newark continues to make its mark on the world. Read More>
Master Classes 2017
Narrative Features
film that tells a fictional or non-fiction story, event or narrative; believable narratives and characters help convince
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Documentary
a nonfictional motion picture intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or historical record
General submission information for...
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Shorts
any film not long enough to be considered a feature film
General submission information for Short Films:
Run Time: * 40 minutes or le
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Web Originals
an episode of a series that is distributed as web television. It can available as either download or streaming, as opposed to first airing on broadcast or cable television.
Genera
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Music Submissions
All music must be original & owned by the submitter. Music can not have been used in a film prior to festival.
Music must be submitted via email submissions@NewarkIFF.co...
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Celebrity Q&A and Panels
The Newark International Film Festival will host multiple celebrity artist talks, Q & A sessions as well as moderated panels for some of today’s hottest TV shows, web-series ...
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Screenplay Competitions
NewarkIIF Screenplay Contest
The art of the Table Read
Hosted by Hollywood Screenwriter Gregory A
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Master Classes
The Newark international Film Festival has Master classes in acting, cinematography, directing, crowd funding, casting and music in film. Please check back as we add classes to the...
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Newark International Youth Film Festival
The Newark IFF Youth Festival will take place September 8-10th and feature screenings, workshops and an awards show for Newark Metropolitan Area youth ages 14-21.
The Youth Fe...
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Submission FAQ’s
All entries (film and screenplay) require a submission fee of $45
All film entries must have English subtitles, no exceptions
All screenplay entries must be written in Engli...
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Our Team
Meet our team members.
Kenneth Gifford
NewarkIFF’s FounderBorn in Newark N.J Kenneth attended Arts High School where he honed his skill for art and found his love for entertainment. During the early 90’s Kenneth started his career in front of the camera with MTV on the hit show The Grind & then after a few independent acting roles Kenneth focused his sights behind the camera with a MTV show titled you write it you watch it.
In 2008 after years in the field of television Kenneth decided it was time to try his hand in movies. To date Kenneth has worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest films with some Hollywood’s A list amazing talent. Some of the movies he is credited for working on are Hancock With Will Smith, Charlize Theron & Jason Bateman, Motherhood with Uma Thurman, Minnie Drive, Anthony Edwards & Jodie Foster, Cadillac Records With Beyoncé, Jeffrey Wright, Adrian Brody, Cedric the Entertainer & Columbus Short just to name a few. While enjoying a long list of Hollywood projects, Kenneth still kept his interest for independent film making. Since starting his career Kenneth has worked on over 20 independent films.
In 2009 Kenneth founded Area 21 Studios, a film and television production company based in Newark NJ. Area 21 Studios was created to assist urban film makers gain access to industry resources and opportunities that would not ordinarily be available to them.
Starting with a focus on making a change in 2014 Kenneth was tapped to be the Director of the Newark Office of Film & Television, seeing this as a great opportunity to bring more resources to urban filmmakers & improve the image of his beloved city of Newark to the film industry & the world; he humbly & graciously accepted the challenge.
“ Life is amazing when you control the ending.”
Savvy Marketing
Marketing & Publicity Manager
SAVvy MARKeting Entertainment Group, LLC (SMEG) was formed by owners Savoy (SAVvy) Walker and Mark (MARKeting) A. Forrest. They were prompted to start their company under the guise of then-aspiring artists who were in dire need of guidance and honest managerial representation in the entertainment business. The concept and goal was to create a family based organization that would provide a conducive and supportive familial environment for clients while building and/or rebuilding their clientele’s brands and also guiding their respective careers.
Matt DV
Web Design and Social Media Specialist
Matt DV Williams, New Media Specialist and Web Admin for the Newark International Film Festival.
Matt DV, Owner of Risen, and I’m So Newark. Matt has over 20 years of experience creating digital content for film, TV, and Web. His latest venture, I’m So Newark is A non-profit organization dedicated to spotlighting positive images throughout the great city of Newark, NJ and it’s vicinity. Training unemployed young adults in New Media, and assisting reentry programs in training of it’s clients.
Leslie Peters
Leslie Peters, incoming Executive Director, is a life-long resident of and advocate for Newark, New Jersey. She has dedicated a lifetime to the city through her career work and philanthropic endeavors.
From her tireless efforts at the forefront of Newark’s political scene to her vast cultural influence, Leslie’s reach into the city is deep. Working hand in hand with Symphony Hall, WBGO and the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District to name a few of the city’s anchor institutions, she has made an impact on the way Newark is viewed internationally.
Her grace, tenacity and focus have prepared her for this ambitious role as ED and she is dedicated to forging an upward path for the Newark International Film festival.Leslie
Khairah L. Walker
Submissions & Filmmaker Relations
Khairah L. Walker is a multifaceted talent with multiple irons in the fire. She is a writer by birth, a yoga teacher by choice and a publicist by trade. She founded and runs the successful mobile branding, marketing and planning firm Lai.La! Management est. in 2009 and is involved in multiple projects on both the east and west coast. She manages authors, athletes, wellness experts and corporate and personal event clientele. She has been in and around the film and entertainment industry for decades and will be submerged in a Film Intensive with Directing as the concentration in the Fall. Khairah serves as the Chair of the Submissions Committee for the Newark International Film Festival
Jennifer Wager
Submissions & Filmmaker Relations
Jennifer Wager is a Newark-based media educator and filmmaker. Her films have screened in international film festivals such as the Al-Jazeera Film Festival, the Washington Independent Film Festival and been broadcast on major television networks in Latin America. She also produces periodic radio news for 99.5 FM in NYC. She is Assistant Professor and Director of the New Media Technology, Communications and Digital Media programs at Essex County College. She holds two Masters of Arts from Ohio State University and Georgetown University.
Raymond Spencer
Production Manager
Raymond Spencer is an award winning film maker, published author, accomplished actor and professional photographer. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Spencer holds an Associates Degree in Communications and a Bachelors Degree in Film Production. His award winning film project entitled “What Kind Of Man,” explores the role of black men in the raising of black youth. .The film questions, What kind of men have we become?
Lisa Payne
Producer, Workshops and Special Events
Lisa- Worked for Eddie Murphy Productions, where I worked on films and television shows in Los Angeles at Paramount Studios. Just to name a few projects. Boomerange,Harlem Nights and the television show Royal Family starring Redd Foxx,Della, Reese,Larzene Tate and Naya Rivera. Also produced,hosted a television show called “Celebrity Conversations” which aired on CBS. Lastly, a producer for BET Entertainment where I developed,wrote and produced a daily entertainment magazine show.
Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin
Film Distibution
Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin joins the NIFF family with over 2o years of experience in Film Distribution through her position as Director of Sales at 20th Century Fox Film, Inc. She began her illustrious career as a Fox Film Sales Trainee upon her graduation from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Mastering all facets of Film Distribution, Shaunda was hired out of the Sales Trainee program as part of the startup of Fox Searchlight Pictures. After a wildly successful run on the international hit, The Full Monty, Shaunda returned to “Big Fox”with a promotion to Branch Manager. In this role and most recently Director of Sales, she expanded sales in theatrical and non-theatrical venues throughout the East Coast, South and MidWest. She has marketed and distributed blockbuster films like Avatar, Deadpool, Independence Day, Cast Away, and The Martian; targeted releases like: The Revenant, Gone Girl, Red Tails, Life of Pi, Joy, and Passion of the Christ and award-winning franchises including Star Wars, X-Men, Ice Age, Taken, Rio, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Big Momma’s House, Night at The Museum and Planet of the Apes.
Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin has served on the Executive Board of News Corporation’s Diversity Team and Mentoring Program, the Executive Board of the Motion Picture Club, and is co-founder of the Mama Luke Movement for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin is the Youth Minister at Clear View Baptist Church and is the southward coordinator of the newly formed Youth and Young Adult Alliance, both located here in the great city of Newark, NJ.
Tami LaMorn
Tami LaMorn is a business powerhouse with years of experience as a producer, real estate investor, philanthropist and successful restaurateur. Tami has always been a woman willing to put in the work to achieve success.
Today, Tami works closely with her team to expand her brand which include Taste Venue Restaurant & Lounge, will soon include a Spirits Line of Whiskey-Brownstone and Wilson Place Productions.
As an Innovator:
Founder of Wilson Place Entertainment for Music, Film & TV Projects.
Dramatic Expressions as Supervising Producer for Film, Theatre & TV Projects.
- Co-Producer “I AM CRE8TIV LIVE- music series
- Co-Creator of Indie Live Shows
- Executive Producer “Indie LIVE” music series
- Partner: Stone Gate Records
Tami LaMorn is a force to be reckoned with.
The quintessential mentor, Tami has committed to sharing her success with young women with the hopes that they too will follow their dreams and see them through.
Tami LaMorn has committed or still commits her time to the following organizations:
- Marketing Committee: New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- Council Member: St. Barnabas NICU Family Advisory Council
- Vice President 2008: Mocha Moms-Essex County Chapter
- Vice Chair- National Association of Black Female Entrepreneurs
- Advisory Board Member: Purple R.E.I.G.N. – Social Services Advocate
- Committee Member: Downtown “Entertainment” District, Newark N.J.
- Advisory Board: Y.E.S.: Young Enterprising Sisters-Mentoring
- Member: National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc.
- Member: The Boss Network
- Executive Member :Wegen LeWegen Global: Atlanta Chapter
- Board of Directors: Newark International Film Festival
Marjorie Fields Harris
Marjorie Fields Harris, J.D., is the Press Secretary for Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. Since assuming this role in March 2015, she has managed the messaging for the Mayor’s economic development and public safety community initiatives and led the development of the overall communications strategy and media relations for the various departments in City Hall. As the City’s spokesperson, Marjorie brings a wealth of public relations experience and political expertise to her role. From her introductory experiences as a staffer at the Democratic National Committee to her work in the office of an esteemed D.C. Council-member and her role on political campaigns at the federal, state and municipal levels, she has affirmed her passion for people, communications and politics. She also spent seven years at the helm of the civil rights organization the National Action Network and then served as the Deputy Director of Outreach for ONE, the global nonprofit founded by entertainer/philanthropist Bono. Marjorie’s articles, essays, and editorials have appeared in national publications and online magazines and she has co-hosted and appeared on several radio and television programs. Marjorie received her Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, studying in Paris as a part of the Tulane Law School Summer Abroad study program and her undergraduate degree in journalism from Howard University, where she had internships at Gannett News Service and Jet Magazine. An animal rights activist and rescuer, she is doggy-mom to two pups. She sits on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and is an active and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Junior League.
Twitter: @marjoriefharris Instagram: iammissmarjorie
Pam Gibson
An Independent film/content producer, and screenwriter, that got her start as a music video producer/director in the early years of Hip-‐hop. Known for the 90’s film, “Strictly Business”, and a decade of work on the Paramount Pictures lot.
Keith Martin
Keith Mooka Martin is a member of the Camera Department in The International Cinematographers Guild Local 600. He entered the industry as a Digital Utility/ Film Loader and was quickly promoted to a TechnoCrane Technician. Over the past few years, Keith has worked on and has received credit for various films and shows including:
- The Sony PlayStation Series ‘Powers’ (Season 2)
- CBS Series ‘Macgyver’ (2016 Season 1)
- HBO Original Movie ‘The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks’ (which brought the legendary Oprah Winfrey out of acting retirement)
- IFC TV Series ‘Stan Against Evil’
- Florida Power & Lighting (commercial)
- National Geographic Movie ‘Killing Regan’
Keith aspires to write and direct his own films in the near future. In the interim, he’s adamantly sharpening his skills and contributing his time to the unification of teens and young adults aspiring to be filmmakers in the urban communities, with hopes to strengthen the diversity within the major film and TV world.
Keith has earned a reputation for being a true ‘Jack of all trades’. He’s previously worked as a Voice & Data Technician for 8 years before moving up to the Global Data Center Company ‘Equinix’ as a Network Engineer. While working as a Technician, he completed courses in Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Digital Editing and Cinematography at the New York Film Academy.
When he’s not shooting, Keith also runs his very own company ‘VS Installations’. They offer a wide variety of installation services including: Home Theater Systems, Surveillance Camera Systems, TV Wall Mounting and Voice & Data Systems. He has recently moved back to New Jersey from working in the Atlanta industry for the past 2 ½ years. Upon his return, he has quickly delve into his most recent ventures which include joining the Newark International Film Festival Board and working at The Office of Newark Film & Television.
Egypt Young
Audrey Egypt Young, Founder/Editor in Chief of The Movement Magazine REMIXED
Egypt is no novice to the entertainment industry. Early in her career she was signed to A&M Records and Whitney Houston’s label Landlord Records as a rap artist, writer, composer and arranger, Landing on the Billboard Charts Top 100 singles. She is known and respected throughout the industry as a gifted lyricist with a work ethic that is contagious. She’s worked with some of the world’s most prolific talents. Her work history, stage performances and/or collaborations looks something like this, Jay-Z, Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, Wyclef Jean, Faith Evans, Monica, Usher, The Wu Tang Clan, Naughty by Nature, Aaron Neville, DMC of RUN DMC Just to name a few.
Egypt is the “Editor in Chief” of the strongly acclaimed, internet, software and former paper back publication, “The Movement Magazine REMIXED.” Interviewed the likes of Singer/Actor/Author – Tyrese, Comedian/Actor – Kevin Hart, Actor Larenz Tate, CEO of TV One – Cathy Hughes, Senator – Cory Booker, Basketball Legend – Shaquille O’Neal, Legendary Entertainer – Sean Puffy Combs, Rapper/Actor – T.I. and his wife Tiny, Legendary author – ZANE, Creator of Love & Hip Hop Franchise – Mona Scott-Young, Actor Lamman Rucker, Legendary group – Kool and the Gang, Former Editor of Essence Magazine – Cathy Hughes, Activist – Rev. Al Sharpton, Host of the Hit TV Show The REAL – Adrienne Bailon, Talk Show Host – Roland Martin just to name a few. It was an honor for the Movement Magazine REMIXED to be named the premier magazine for the (NIFF) Newark International Film Festival due to the fact that Egypt was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey.
Egypt has also Co-Executive Produced a TV show Pilot called What Women Want Primetime with other half of the QueenTeam Adrienne Harris as well as Produced a radio show with the same title.
Egypt is also the Founder/CEO of YOUNG Royalty Enterprises. YOUNG Royalty Enterprises is a Film/Production Company designed to create content for NETWORK Television and Film Projects. Also, she exclusively shoot all of The Movement Magazine REMIXED footage for the website. Presently she is shooting (Real Talk With Real People).
Presently Egypt and Adrienne has a segment on iHeart Radio/Accelerated Radio’s Hit Radio Show called “GoDaWork” Radio Show Starring Nicshelle Farrow and our segment is called The QueenTeamMedia Wrap Up Show, wrapping up events and everything current that happen in the entertainment industry as well as different industries around the globe.