Join us at one of the most scenic Jersey Shore summer destinations for the inaugural AVALON FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL, August 27-29, 2026!
MonaVision Films will present the Festival at the iconic Bobby Dee’s Rock n’ Chair, steps from the beautiful beach in the picturesque town of Avalon on the Jersey Shore.
The Avalon Family Film Festival will provide a space where families can experience independent cinema, showcasing a diverse array of high-quality films that are accessible to all ages. We invite filmmakers to submit any works that meet our criteria below.
MonaVision Films exists to entertain, uplift, and move the human heart through storytelling and we are excited to share this mission with a community of filmmakers. Submitted films should be family-friendly and can explore stories of redemption, triumph, hope, faith, love, nature, and shared humanity. Films should not exceed a “PG” rating and this is not the festival for any explicit sexual content or gore. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit a note with their submissions sharing how their films align with this mission.
FILMMAKERS:
We are accepting submission solely through FilmFreeway. Please visit filmfreeway.com/AvalonFamilyFilmFestival for official guidelines and submission information.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
For more than a century, Avalon has been a popular vacation destination for beach lovers everywhere. Located on the 7 Mile Beach, sharing the island with Stone Harbor to the south, this island offers a unique charm that you won’t find anywhere else, with a seven-mile stretch of white-sand beaches, touched by the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy unlimited activities including boating, sailing, wave running, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, surfing and more in the island’s ocean and back bays. Avalon’s downtown shopping district has everything you need including high-end boutiques and retail stores featuring clothing, shoes, accessories, beach toys, books and much more. Family activities abound, including several mini golf locations, family dining, and local spots for homemade ice cream. Avalon also sits in close proximity to the nightlife of Atlantic City, and other iconic south Jersey beach towns including Ocean City and Cape May.
Bobby Dee’s Rock n' Chair restaurant, affectionately known as “The Chair”, is the favorite spot for locals and visitors who want live music, great food and signature cocktails. Festival events will take place in the upstairs screening room, while the downstairs restaurant and bar will remain a hub for filmmakers to network and mingle as the events are in full swing.
The three-day festival will host panels of experts, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, NYC agents, networking opportunities with distributors with plenty of time to explore the surrounding beaches and attractions. Please stay tuned as events and activities are announced in early 2026.
AWARDS AND PRIZES:
Awards will be given to the Best Film in each category, along with an Audience Favorite Award, and a cash prize for Best of Fest.
Submitted films may be considered in multiple categories:
Drama
Comedy
Animation
Documentary
Faith-based
Sci-fi/Supernatural
Surf/Skate/Snowboard
Children’s
Student
Home Grown (NJ filmmakers)
Short Film (under 40 minutes)
Music Video
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
Thursday 8/27 Feature film, red carpet opening, opening party
Friday 8/28 Film screenings, industry panels
Saturday 8/29 Film screenings, awards ceremony, closing party
QUESTIONS?
Please contact us and we'll respond right away.
We look forward to seeing you in August!