New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2026 Video Animation Panel

The New Jersey Film Festival’s Spring 2026 season is underway, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic voices. Two short films, “Come Home” by Katelyn Park and “Ball Lightning” directed by Catriona Trina Baker, are currently featured as part of the festival’s programming, offering audiences compelling narratives and artistic expression.

Exploring Personal and Historical Narratives

Katelyn Park’s “Come Home,” a five-minute film, centers on Della, a Korean American daughter grappling with a strained relationship with her father. The film utilizes a unique narrative structure, immersing Della in a sea of memories during a phone call, ultimately leading her to find renewed closeness. “Ball Lightning,” directed by Catriona Trina Baker, is a twelve-minute film that delves into the life of Gusta, a refugee who fled East Germany after WWII and immigrated to the United States in the 1960s.

Did You Know? The 44th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival began on January 23, 2026, and will continue through February 22, 2026.

Baker’s film is particularly poignant, told through the perspective of the surrogate daughter Gusta raised after being forced to give up her own infant daughter as the Iron Curtain descended. The film serves as a tribute to lost family connections and the resilience of the human spirit, dedicated to Gusta’s daughter, Esther.

Festival Format and Accessibility

The New Jersey Film Festival is presented in a hybrid format, offering both in-person screenings at Rutgers University’s Voorhees Hall #105, located at 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ, and virtual access via Video on Demand. Films are available online for 24 hours on their scheduled show date, beginning at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. In-person screenings begin at either 5PM or 7PM.

Expert Insight: The festival’s hybrid model demonstrates a commitment to accessibility, allowing a wider audience to engage with independent filmmaking, regardless of location or scheduling constraints. This approach is increasingly common as festivals adapt to evolving audience preferences and technological capabilities.

Tickets for individual programs are $15, while a Festival All Access Pass costs $120. Student tickets for in-person screenings are available for $10. Both virtual and in-person access are included with the purchase of a General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass.

Upcoming Screening Dates

“Come Home” will be screened on Friday, February 6, 2026, while “Ball Lightning” is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026. Both screenings will be available online for 24 hours and in-person at Rutgers University.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the runtime of “Come Home”?

“Come Home” has a runtime of 5 minutes.

Where is the in-person screening location?

In-person screenings are held at Voorhees Hall #105/Rutgers University, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ.

What is “Ball Lightning” about?

“Ball Lightning” follows Gusta, a refugee from East Germany, and her experiences raising a surrogate daughter while remembering her lost infant daughter.

What role do film festivals play in supporting emerging filmmakers and fostering a vibrant cinematic community?