May 14, 2025, Montclair, NJ — Today, Montclair Film, New Jersey’s leading film non-profit, announced the lineup for the annual Montclair Film Summer Showcase, taking place June 26-29, 2025 at The Clairidge in Montclair, NJ as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival. The program will feature the season’s leading independent, documentary, and international films prior to their theatrical release.
SORRY, BABY, directed by Eva Victor, is set to open the showcase on Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 PM at The Clairidge in downtown Montclair, NJ. Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least. Sure to be one of the most talked about debuts in recent years, Eva Victor wrote, directed, and stars in this breakthrough drama about recovery and friendship that demonstrates a warmth and humanity that announces the arrival of a transcendent new cinematic artist. SORRY, BABY is an A24 release.
On Saturday, June 28, James Sweeney’s TWINLESS will screen as the showcase’s Centerpiece Film, beginning at 7:00 PM at The Clairidge. James Sweeney wrote, directed, and stars in TWINLESS, a delightful comedy that follows two friends who meet in a twin bereavement support group and form an unlikely, fragile bond that will go on to redefine their relationship to the past. Witty and moving, Montclair Film is proud to present TWINLESS as the Centerpiece Film of our 2025 Prudential North to Shore Summer Showcase. TWINLESS is a Roadside Attractions release.
The Closing Film of the showcase is Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s FOLKTALES, screening on Sunday, June 29 at 7:30 PM at The Clairidge. Weary of the often crushing pressures felt by members of Gen Z, three teenagers make the daring decision to leave the comforts of home to enroll in the Pasvik Folkehøgskole in the wilds of northern Norway. Dropped in the arctic wilderness for one year, Hege, Romain, and Bjørn Tore must rely on themselves and a pack of loyal sled dogs as they take the daunting step from childhood to adulthood. Freed of technology, social media, and the noise of modern life, this brave trio learn to face themselves for the first time — and experience an unexpected, wondrous transformation. A Q&A with directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady follows the screening. FOLKTALES is a Magnolia Pictures release.
Other Summer Showcase highlights include Sophie Brooks’ OH, HI!, a dark romantic comedy starring Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman, the Emmy nominated THE BODY POLITIC and the Emmy nominated short film AMERICAN SEAMS, presented in partnership witH POV and NJPBS, Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman’s documentary SPEAK., NJ filmmaker Rachael Holder’s LOVE, BROOKLYN starring André Holland, Alex Ross Perry’s unforgettable essay film VIDEOHEAVEN, and many more. A complete list of films is attached to this release.
Individual film tickets for films in the Montclair Film Summer Showcase are now available to Montclair Film members online at theclairidge.org or in person at The Clairidge box office. Tickets for NJPAC members are on sale May 15 at 12:00 PM, with public tickets available beginning Friday, May 16 at 12:00 PM. A full list of films and more information about this event can also be found online at theclairidge.org and montclairfilm.org.
This year’s Montclair Film Summer Showcase is presented as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, featuring all the talent, diversity and creativity that New Jersey has to offer, packed into three extraordinary weekends of performances, screenings, parties and conversations in three of the state’s most iconic cities. Hosted by Asbury Park and Newark, the Prudential North to Shore Festival brings together events for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision of a celebration worthy of the Garden State’s long legacy of innovation in the arts, film, and technology.
“Montclair Film’s commitment to the power of cinematic storytelling remains an unwavering part of our mission,” said Montclair Film Artistic Director Tom Hall. “As proud partners of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, we look forward to welcoming audiences for a weekend of conversation and cinema, sharing the best of what the season offers.”
ABOUT MONTCLAIR FILM
Montclair Film, a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, seeks to transform lives and communities through the power of film and filmmaking. The 14th Annual Montclair Film Festival will take place from October 17-26, 2025. All programs are made possible with funds from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, as well as the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Montclair Film provides unique and meaningful ways to engage with diverse, creative, and sophisticated audiences and seeks sponsors for its signature film festival and year-round film, education, and community programs that attract more than 100,000 annual attendees and generate more than 900 million media impressions yearly. For more information about Montclair Film, visit www.MontclairFilm.org
Join Montclair Film Online:
Websites: http://montclairfilm.org and theclairidge.org
Facebook: facebook.com/MontclairFilm and /TheClairidge
Instagram: instagram.com/MontclairFilm and /TheClairidge
YouTube: youtube.com/montclairfilmfest
ABOUT THE PRUDENTIAL NORTH TO SHORE FESTIVAL
The Prudential North to Shore Festival, launched in 2023, features all the talent, diversity and creativity that New Jersey has to offer, packed into two extraordinary weeks of performances, parties and conversations in three of the state’s most iconic cities. Hosted by Atlantic City, Asbury Park and Newark, the Prudential North to Shore Festival brings together events at more than 100 venues for an over-the-top showcase of Jersey excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision of a celebration worthy of the Garden State’s long legacy of innovation and excellence in the arts. For the latest updates and new concert listings, visit northtoshore.com.
ABOUT NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 12 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997 and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit njpac.org for more information.
ABOUT PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better and create financial opportunity for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for 150 years. For more information, please visit news.prudential.com.
