WESTWOOD, FRIEND OF the silver screen as a special setting in several major films and series—and now endorsed by the state for many more—also stars when the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival (RGIFF) celebrates its 13th year with a program of independent films and special events spanning four nights and two locations. The RGIFF explains that with the recent, lamented closure of Ridgewood’s venerable movie theater, the Warner, Westwood—the Hub of the Pascack Valley—has stepped up in a big way so that the show can go on.
And this year, RGIFF welcomes best-selling author and storyteller Harlan Coben to its lineup.
- Sunday, April 14: The Westwood Public Library hosts a selection of shorts and documentaries, setting the stage for the festival’s opening night.
- Tuesday, April 16: Embark on a journey around the world at the Ridgewood Public Library, where a curated selection of international films from Japan, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and beyond will be showcased.
- Thursday, April 18: Indulge in the best of French cinema and cuisine at the Ridgewood Public Library’s World Film Night. “The Taste of Things,” France’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards, will take center stage, accompanied by complimentary food and dessert from Paris Baguette.
- Thursday, April 25: The festival’s main program, held at the newly designated venue, Westwood Cinemas, will feature the much-anticipated New Jersey premiere of “The Zombie Wedding.” This romantic comedy promises to deliver laughs amidst a zombie apocalypse, with a star-studded cast including Cheri Oteri, Seth Gilliam, and Heather Matarazzo. Zombie costumes welcome! Additionally, audiences will be treated to the documentary “Daughter of Mine,” which sheds new light on a Hillsdale family’s quest for justice and its profound impact on the community.
Harlan Coben is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers with more than eighty million books in print worldwide, including his award-winning Myron Bolitar series. Several of his books have gone on to be developed into Netflix original series, including the No. 1 global hit “Fool Me Once,” “The Stranger,” “The Innocent,” “Gone for Good,” “The Woods,” “Stay Close,” and “Hold Tight,” as well as the Amazon Prime series adaptation of “Shelter”
“Daughter of Mine” (2023), a documentary short film from critically acclaimed local filmmaker Vanessa Martino, recounts how one Hillsdale family’s tragedy and a mother’s determination to keep her daughter’s abuser and murderer in prison impacted an entire community and helped make landmark changes to the justice system.
The film has already made waves with screenings in prestigious venues in the Hamptons and California. Teasers offering a glimpse into the compelling narrative are available for viewing on the film’s official website at DaughterofMineFilm.com.
Joan’s story has captured the attention of podcast audiences, with two upcoming shows featuring her experience. Listeners can tune in to “True Crime Convos” and “The First Degree,” both set to release this month.
Meanwhile D’Alessandro’s book “The Message of Light Amid Letters of Darkness” continues to receive widespread acclaim. Notably, the New York Times bestselling author and co-author of “Mindhunter,” Mark Olshaker, describes the book as “an extraordinary work,” highlighting its unparalleled insight and compelling narrative.
After-party and awards ceremony
The 13th Annual Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival After Party and Awards Ceremony follows the main program on Thursday, April 25. This networking and celebratory event takes place at Tavern at the Iron Horse in Westwood from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
For tickets and much more information on The 13th Annual Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival visit ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com.