LAUREN CONCAR:
THE FORCE BEHIND THE "FILMMAKERS' FESTIVAL"
Executive director Lauren Concar shares the secrets of the Garden State Film Festival’s success at the start of its 25th year.
Written by Angela Matusik, Editor in Chief, Socko!
THE FORCE BEHIND THE "FILMMAKERS' FESTIVAL"
Executive director Lauren Concar shares the secrets of the Garden State Film Festival’s success at the start of its 25th year.
Written by Angela Matusik, Editor in Chief, Socko!
It’s 6 p.m. on a Friday in late March. The sun is setting over the Atlantic as the iconic beach town of Asbury Park, New Jersey, basks in the early spring glow. Crowds are filing into the Asbury Lanes concert hall, which is decked out with a large “step and repeat” sign and a pristine red carpet. Filmmakers and film-industry players alike are convening for the opening night of the Garden State Film Festival. One woman is at the center of it all, beaming, welcoming attendees as they arrive.
Meet Lauren Concar, the executive director of the Garden State Festival. She is clearly in her element. “I love a red carpet,” she gushes. But the smile on her face is about much more than savoring a well-deserved moment of glam upon the opening of the 24th festival. For the past 11 months Lauren and her team have been reviewing entries, nurturing talent, agonizing over details, and ensuring that these four days in March would be the most amazing celebration of film talent that anyone has experienced.
With more than 200 films from 19 countries, plus filmmaker parties, industry panels, and live podcasts, the GSFF is known for being the launching pad for filmmaking talent in New Jersey. This year the lineup included the opening-night film, The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo, the documentary Stronger Than You Think, and Lucky Jack.
SOCKO! caught up with Concar on the eve of this year’s festival. Despite her lengthy to-do list, it was clear that her sights were already firmly set on next year’s GSFF, destined to be the biggest one yet.
Meet Lauren Concar, the executive director of the Garden State Festival. She is clearly in her element. “I love a red carpet,” she gushes. But the smile on her face is about much more than savoring a well-deserved moment of glam upon the opening of the 24th festival. For the past 11 months Lauren and her team have been reviewing entries, nurturing talent, agonizing over details, and ensuring that these four days in March would be the most amazing celebration of film talent that anyone has experienced.
With more than 200 films from 19 countries, plus filmmaker parties, industry panels, and live podcasts, the GSFF is known for being the launching pad for filmmaking talent in New Jersey. This year the lineup included the opening-night film, The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo, the documentary Stronger Than You Think, and Lucky Jack.
SOCKO! caught up with Concar on the eve of this year’s festival. Despite her lengthy to-do list, it was clear that her sights were already firmly set on next year’s GSFF, destined to be the biggest one yet.
Even during the pandemic, when the world stopped rotating, we didn’t. Canceling was never a thought in my mind.”
Matusik: What’s a typical day like for you? Concar: I work in [film and TV] production full-time, so the festival work usually happens when I should be sleeping and eating and being a normal person. It’s a lot of late nights, lots of lists.
I’m so lucky that at the Garden State Film Festival we have a stellar team. I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and skills. I’m blown away by what we accomplish internally.
Even during the pandemic, when the world stopped rotating, we didn’t. Canceling was never a thought in my mind. Because of our production and post-production skills, we executed our own ticket platform and livestream platform. We were the only festival in the world not to cancel or postpone. At that moment, bringing art into people’s living rooms—something that wasn’t depressing—was so important.
Matusik: Did that experience during the pandemic change how you approach future festivals?
Concar: In 2021, we were the first to be hybrid—in person and online—when others were hesitant. People wanted to be back in person. It’s been wonderful to see attendance numbers return. This is a community. You don’t have to be a filmmaker to attend—you can just love film and art. You can see music videos, animation, features, shorts—so many varieties of media.
Matusik: It’s amazing. You’ve had such an impact on the local residents in and around Asbury Park, but also on the filmmaking community of New Jersey. What are you most proud of?
Concar: I am so proud that we take the time to personally communicate with all filmmakers—we even call them one by one. They’re amazed there’s a real human on the other end.
I’m also proud of our hospitality, our team, and our internal GSFF TV—we produce pre-interviews with filmmakers. I love watching our students grow technically and professionally over the years.
Once you’re part of the Garden State Film Festival, you’re family. You’re alumni. We celebrate your wins—distribution deals, new projects. We’re proud to be a springboard for emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike.
I’m so lucky that at the Garden State Film Festival we have a stellar team. I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and skills. I’m blown away by what we accomplish internally.
Even during the pandemic, when the world stopped rotating, we didn’t. Canceling was never a thought in my mind. Because of our production and post-production skills, we executed our own ticket platform and livestream platform. We were the only festival in the world not to cancel or postpone. At that moment, bringing art into people’s living rooms—something that wasn’t depressing—was so important.
Matusik: Did that experience during the pandemic change how you approach future festivals?
Concar: In 2021, we were the first to be hybrid—in person and online—when others were hesitant. People wanted to be back in person. It’s been wonderful to see attendance numbers return. This is a community. You don’t have to be a filmmaker to attend—you can just love film and art. You can see music videos, animation, features, shorts—so many varieties of media.
Matusik: It’s amazing. You’ve had such an impact on the local residents in and around Asbury Park, but also on the filmmaking community of New Jersey. What are you most proud of?
Concar: I am so proud that we take the time to personally communicate with all filmmakers—we even call them one by one. They’re amazed there’s a real human on the other end.
I’m also proud of our hospitality, our team, and our internal GSFF TV—we produce pre-interviews with filmmakers. I love watching our students grow technically and professionally over the years.
Once you’re part of the Garden State Film Festival, you’re family. You’re alumni. We celebrate your wins—distribution deals, new projects. We’re proud to be a springboard for emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike.
We take the time to personally communicate with all filmmakers—we call them one by one. They’re amazed there’s a real human on the other end.
Matusik: Who are some filmmakers who’ve grown with you?
Concar: Daniel Myers, from Shrewsbury, was a first-time filmmaker who made great connections through us. Sophia Parola received our Rising Star Award and has really progressed.
It’s hard to name everyone—it feels like picking a favorite child—but it’s amazing to watch the progress.
Matusik: Let’s talk about historic theaters. What does it mean to have venues like the Cranford Theater involved?
Concar: We’ve presented there for about five years. It’s important. When our founder, Diane Maber, launched the festival in Asbury Park, it was about revitalization. Supporting historic theaters like Cranford is part of that mission. They’re vital to their downtown communities.
Matusik: What shifts are you seeing in the New Jersey film world?
Concar: People are waking up to production happening in New Jersey. With Netflix coming in, there’s more awareness about the economic impact. It’s like a traveling circus—productions use local businesses, restaurants, dry cleaners. It benefits municipalities.
Now you can work where you live. Years ago, we had to go to New York for everything.
Matusik: What advice do you have for first-time Garden State Film Festival submitters?
Concar: FilmFreeway is the main submission platform. Upload everything correctly, choose the right category, and submit early. Include all names and correct contact information—you’d be surprised how many people don’t. Don’t create an email address just for the film and then never check it.
Also, strategize. Heather Britton at Film Festival Insider helps filmmakers determine which festivals best fit their project.
Matusik: For your 25th year, I know you said it is too early for any big announcements, but is there something new you have your sights set on?
Concar: I’d like to add a new venue outside Monmouth County. We already present year-round statewide, but I’d love to expand further. It’s too soon to announce anything specific.
Matusik: Well, we’ll just have to talk to you again to get the scoop once all the 2027 submissions are in.
Concar: Absolutely! We can’t wait to see next year’s entries.
Learn more about how to support the Garden State Film Festival or submit your film or screenplay for its 2027 event.
Concar: Daniel Myers, from Shrewsbury, was a first-time filmmaker who made great connections through us. Sophia Parola received our Rising Star Award and has really progressed.
It’s hard to name everyone—it feels like picking a favorite child—but it’s amazing to watch the progress.
Matusik: Let’s talk about historic theaters. What does it mean to have venues like the Cranford Theater involved?
Concar: We’ve presented there for about five years. It’s important. When our founder, Diane Maber, launched the festival in Asbury Park, it was about revitalization. Supporting historic theaters like Cranford is part of that mission. They’re vital to their downtown communities.
Matusik: What shifts are you seeing in the New Jersey film world?
Concar: People are waking up to production happening in New Jersey. With Netflix coming in, there’s more awareness about the economic impact. It’s like a traveling circus—productions use local businesses, restaurants, dry cleaners. It benefits municipalities.
Now you can work where you live. Years ago, we had to go to New York for everything.
Matusik: What advice do you have for first-time Garden State Film Festival submitters?
Concar: FilmFreeway is the main submission platform. Upload everything correctly, choose the right category, and submit early. Include all names and correct contact information—you’d be surprised how many people don’t. Don’t create an email address just for the film and then never check it.
Also, strategize. Heather Britton at Film Festival Insider helps filmmakers determine which festivals best fit their project.
Matusik: For your 25th year, I know you said it is too early for any big announcements, but is there something new you have your sights set on?
Concar: I’d like to add a new venue outside Monmouth County. We already present year-round statewide, but I’d love to expand further. It’s too soon to announce anything specific.
Matusik: Well, we’ll just have to talk to you again to get the scoop once all the 2027 submissions are in.
Concar: Absolutely! We can’t wait to see next year’s entries.
Learn more about how to support the Garden State Film Festival or submit your film or screenplay for its 2027 event.
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This story appeared in the inaugural issue of Socko! Magazine [May, 2026]. Click here to subscribe
