By BRIAN DONOHUE
It’s that time of year again, film lovers.
The eleventh annual Indie Street Film Festival (ISFF), presented August 17-23 by Basie Center Cinema House, announced its complete lineup Wednesday, with 50 short films and twelve independent features showing over the weeklong event.
“Once again, the films that we’re sharing this year moved us, challenged us, and delighted us, and we’re thrilled to bring these exciting independent voices to the Red Bank community,” ISFF Artistic Director Allyson Morgan said in a press release.
This year’s lineup will be presented across three narrative programs, three documentary programs, two New Jersey spotlight programs, and one dedicated to animation, which includes Academy Award-winning actress Renee Zellweger’s directing debut.
“For the past 10 years, Indie Street has shown that storytelling is most powerful when experienced together. By bringing honest stories and new perspectives to Red Bank, we’ve created moments of laughter, connection, and community that stay with audiences long after the credits roll,” Executive Director and festival founder Jay Webb said.
“We’ve always taken pride in championing international voices and exceptional films beyond the studio system,” Webb continued. “That commitment is reflected in our programming, with many official selections going on to major recognition—including last year’s Mr. Nobody Against Putin, which won the Oscar just six months after receiving the ISFF Jury Award.”
ISFF 2026 will kick off at the Vogel Theater with the NJ Premiere of feature narrative film In Memoriam, written and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and New Jersey-native Rob Burnett (The Late Show with David Letterman). The film stars Marc Maron, and features Michael McKean, Lily Gladstone, Judy Greer, and Sharon Stone. Burnett will be in attendance for a post screening Q&A.
The slate of Narrative Feature films in-competition this year are all New Jersey Premieres. They include Danny Madden’s Downbeat, Walter Thompson-Hernández’s If I Go Will They Miss Me, Charlotte Glynn’s The Gymnast, and Adam Meeks’s Union County.
The Feature Documentaries in competition include Shalon Buskirk and Drew Swedberg’s in love, in memory, Gabriela Díaz Arp’s Matininó, Amber Love’s One Another, Seth Porges’ Santacon, and Kaitlyn Schwalje and Alex Wolf Lewis’s Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong.For a complete schedule and to purchase festival passes, visit www.indiestreetfilmfestival.org.
ISFF offers 7 day All-Access passes for $139.00 that grant access to all films, discussions, parties, art events and complimentary food/beverages from participating sponsors. Individual Film Tickets are also now on sale for $14.95.
Festival sponsor Triumph Restaurant and Brewing Company will host a special toast to film, arts, and community in Red Bank with a first look at the festival on July 30.
The preview party can be attended by making free entry reservation or suggested donation. Tickets are available that include food and a craft beer: https://indiestreet2026.eventive.org/schedule/69aabb2fa80d235a7468262c
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
