Now in its 16th year, the Lighthouse International Film Festival will screen more than 110 documentary, narrative, horror, thriller, surf and short films Wednesday through Sunday at various venues on LBI.
At 6 p.m. Wednesday at the LBI Historical Museum, LIFF will present a specialpre-opening film,"Once Again (For The Very First Time)"by Boaz Yaki, who will participate in an audience discussion following the East Coast premiere.
"Los Frikis," theopening headliner, screens at 7 p.m. Thursday at LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences. This energetic period drama, co-directed by Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson, takes place in Cuba during the 1990s and features a standout performance by Adria Arjona. The film was produced by Academy Award winners Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and features a score by Academy Award winner Steven Price.
This year’s festival will also screen two centerpiece headlinerfilms."Thelma,"an action-comedy starring93-year-old June Squibb as a grandma on a mission to reclaim what was stolen from her by scammers, screens at 8:30 p.m. Friday at LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences. "Ghostlight," an interpersonal drama that explores the power of theater as a means of self-discovery, shows at 7 p.m. Saturday at LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences. It's directedby LIFF alums Alex Thompson and Kelly O'Sullivan.
The festival concludes at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences with "Dandelion," directed by Nicole Riegel, andstarring Kiki Layneas a young musician struggling to find her voice.
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In addition to watching films, festivalgoers can rub shoulders with producers and directors, attend filmmaker panels, master classes, and party into the night at special events. Tickets for films are $12 to $15. Passes are available for $120 or $150. For more information, including a complete schedule, visit lighthouseff.com.
Go: Lighthouse International Film Festival, Wednesday to Sunday, various venues on LBI, $12 to $15 per film; lighthouseff.com.
Here are more things to do this weekend at the Jersey Shore, including a grand opening celebration for Asbury Park Brewery, and "Gem of the Ocean" at Two River Theater in Red Bank.
'Queer 90s' films at ShowRoom Cinema, Asbury Park
The ShowRoom Cinema has announced the "Queer 90s" film series, a celebration of groundbreaking LGBTQ+ films from the 1990s. Screenings take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. Here's the schedule:
"Trick" (1999), 7:30 p.m. Thursday: A romantic comedy that captures the magic and mishaps of an unexpected night in New York City. When aspiring composer Gabriel and go-go dancer Mark find themselves thwarted at every turn in their attempts to find a private place, their night becomes a journey of connection, humor and discovery. Tickets are $18.
"Bound" (1996), 7:30 p.m. June 20: A neo-noir film directed by the Wachowskis (directors of "The Matrix" series), "Bound" tells the story of Violet and Corky, two women who become romantically and criminally entwined. As they plot to steal millions from the Mafia, their relationship faces tests of trust and loyalty. Known for its stylish direction, suspenseful plot and powerful performances, "Bound" broke new ground in its portrayal of a lesbian relationship in mainstream cinema. Tickets are $18.
"The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" (1994) – 7:30 p.m. June 27: This special 30th anniversary screening follows two drag queens and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian Outback in a lavender bus named Priscilla. Celebrated for its dazzling costumes, infectious soundtrack and heartwarming story, "Priscilla" is a joyous celebration of identity, friendship and resilience. Tickets are $20 for the "Priscilla" screening, a fundraiser for The Center in Asbury Park, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS.
Go: "Queer 90s" film series, opening at 7:30 p.m. Thursday with "Trick," ShowRoom Cinema, 707 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, $18; showroomcinemas.com.
Celebrate Asbury Park Brewery's new location
Asbury Park Brewery, which operated on Sewall Avenue in Asbury Park since 2016, has moved to Cookman Avenue and is celebrating with a grand opening.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at the new space, which features a 2,000-square-foot tasting room with a glass wall that shows through to the brewery, a bar pouring 12 beers on tap, live music and an outdoor area. The grand opening will kick off with a ribbon cutting with Mayor John B. Moor.
“It’s been a grind the last few years trying to get this new space open,” founder Bob McLynn said in a news release. “We can't wait to welcome back our old friends who used to come to punk shows at the old space along with everyone hitting us up on social media waiting for this place to open."
Go: Asbury Park Brewery grand opening, 614 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, asburyparkbrewery.com.
'Gem of the Ocean' at Two River Theater
Two River presentsAugust Wilson's'Gem of the Ocean,"theseventh production in the Red Bank theater's commitment to stage all 10 of the playwright's American Century Cycle.
Performances begin Saturday and run through Sunday, June 30.
In "Gem of the Ocean," Citizen Barlow is looking for peace. To get it, he’ll knock at Aunt Ester’s door every day if that’s what it takes. Set in 1904, the opening installment in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle includes the playwright’s most fantastical journey, where the secrets of the past point toward future liberation.
The cast includes:Stephanie Berry as Aunt Ester,Brian D. Coats as Eli,Crystal A. Dickinsonas Black Mary,Brandon J. Dirden as Caesar Wilks,Tony Award winner Bill IrwinasRutherford Selig,Stephen Tyrone Williamsas Citizen Barlow,andJames A. Williamsas Solly Two Kings.
With this production, directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Dirden will have worked on all 10 of Wilson's visionary epics.
Tickets are $45 to $75.
Go: "Gem of the Ocean," Saturday through June 30, Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank, $45 to $75; 732-345-1400, tworivertheater.org.
'Summertime Punchline' book chat in Spring Lake
Betty Corrello's first novel, "Summertime Punchline," is set at the Jersey Shore. A release calls it a "sharp, tender and relatable cross between HBO's 'Hacks' and Carley Fortune's 'Every Summer After.' "
Corrello will be at Thunder Road Books in Spring Lake from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday in conversation with fellow author Courtney Preiss.
Corrello leverages her stand-up comedy background in "Summertime Punchline," which is "packed with messy people, perfect chemistry and emotional depth," a release states. Examining ideas of forgiveness, the pursuit of authenticity, family dynamics and self-discovery, the book "is a celebration of the tangled web of relationships that shape our lives, both romantically and otherwise."
Go: Betty Corrello, 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Thunder Road Books, 1108 3rd Ave., Spring Lake; thunderroadbooks.com/events.
'Pride and Picture Books' in Ocean County
Katy Tanis introduces inclusivity to youngsters through gentle verse and colorful art. Tanis will share her methods and lead an art workshop for adults during “Pride and Picture Books,” a program that will be given at four Ocean County Library branches.
The author and illustrator will share her experiences in the publication of children’s literature, and the science and inspiration behind books such as "Love Under the Stars" and "Love in the Wild," both available at the Ocean County Library.
The books, according to a release, celebrate the joy of love by exploring LGBTQ+ themes in the animal kingdom based on scientific observations of non-binary gender expressions, adoption and more. Here are her upcoming appearances:
Brick: 6 p.m. Thursday, 301 Chambers Bridge Road; 732-477-4513, register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBrickTanis.
Berkeley: 3 p.m. Saturday, 30 Station Road, Bayville; 732-269-2144, register at https://tinyurl.com/OclBerkeleyTanis.
Jackson: 3 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2 Jackson Drive; 732-928-4400, register at https://tinyurl.com/OclJacksonTanis.
Little Egg Harbor: 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 290 Mathistown Road; 609-294-1197, register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLEHTanis.
Inspired by one of the pages in "Love in the Wild," everyone who attends the free sessions will be invited to create their own two-wing watercolor butterflies.
Go: "Pride and Picture Books," Thursday through June 27, Ocean County Library branches, registration required; theoceancountylibrary.org.
Book sale in Lacey
Looking for a summer read? How about a Father’s Day gift? Shop, save and show your support during the annual book sale at the Lacey branch of the Ocean County Library.
The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Attendees will find gently-used hard and soft cover books, compact discs, and DVD movies and programs. Each cash-only transaction supports Friends of the Lacey Library.
Go: Book sale, Ocean County Library, Lacey branch, 10 E. Lacey Road, Forked River section of Lacey; 609-693-8566, or oceancountylibrary.org.
Paws for a Cause in Toms River
Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home will host the Paws for a Cause adoption event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
This family-friendly event in Toms River invites you and your furry friends to the parking lot at 703 Main St. for fun, community and pet adoption. Local shelters will be on site, offering the opportunity for attendees to find their new best friend.
There will be complimentary nail clippings for pets. Attendees can also enjoy free pet essentials giveaways, food available for purchase, raffles and ice cream.
All proceeds will benefit the participating shelters. Attendees will also have the chance to meet Barbara Faragher and the 100.1 WJRZ Street Team, who will be hosting games and offering prizes.
Rain date is Sunday.
Go: Paws for a Cause adoption event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home parking lot, 703 Main St., Toms River; 732-349-5700, Diana.Daly@DignityMemorial.com.
North Jersey Pride in Maplewood
Did you see New Jersey native Brian Falduto at the Pride festival in Asbury Park on June 2? If not, you can see the gay country singer on Sunday at North Jersey Pride at Memorial Park in Maplewood.
The singer, who grew up in Pequannock, is part of the entertainment lineup at the festival, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. There will be lots of vendors, a food court, plus a huge Rainbow Kids Zone with inflatables, games and a live interaction kids stage. Admission is free.
Other acts on stage include Ali Caldwell, Ryan Cassata, Meg Toohey, Antigone Rising, and Harmonica Sunbeam's Drag Runway.
You may not recognize Falduto's name, but he played Fancy Pants in the film "School of Rock." In 2023, Brian released his first country music song, "Same Old Country Love Song.” His “Gay Country (Deluxe Edition)” will be available for streaming on Friday.
“People are always shocked when they learn I’m a gay guy from New Jersey who loves country music,” Falduto said in a news release.“I grew up on '90s country and dreamed of earning my spot on the Grand Ole Opry stage.”
Go: North Jersey Pride, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Park, 580 Valley St., Maplewood; northjerseypride.org.
Sarah Griesemer contributed to this story.
Have an event coming up? Tell us about it. Email Bill Canacci at bcanacci@gannettnj.com.
