RAHWAY – Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) will hold its second annual Film Fest on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. The festival’s opening ceremony, which starts at 7 p.m. at UCPAC’s Main Stage, will feature remarks from keynote speaker and Chairman of the Union County, NJ Motion Picture & Television Advisory Board, Lamar Mackson, followed by a digital screening of the classic 1952 film, “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Mr. Mackson is a producer and assistant director from Plainfield NJ. His most recent work on Alex Stapleton’s “Tawana” and the documentary “How Music Got Free” gained his induction into the Director’s Guild of America. His film credits include, “Damages” starring Glen Close, and Spike Lee’s “Summer of Sam.” Mr. Mackson currently runs Nonstop Show Group, a film and tv production company. He is the founder of the Queen City Film Festival, now in its 8th year and has launched the careers of many students through the Future Film Club, an afterschool program that provides free training in film & television production for students interested in careers in the industry.
“I am extremely honored to be invited as the keynote speaker for the 2nd Annual UCPAC Film Festival. It is terribly important to foster safe environments that encourage and nurture our creative community in Union County. I look forward to sharing my experiences and perspective with filmmakers to encourage their careers while advancing the filmmaking industry in my home of Union County, New Jersey,” said Mr. Mackson.
Built in 1928, UCPAC’s Main Stage was originally a movie house known as the Rahway Theater. The Main Stage still screens films on 35mm and 16mm and now offers the chance to screen digital films as well. On the second day of the festival, starting at 11 a.m. at the Main Stage, UCPAC Film Fest passholders will be able to enjoy independent short film screenings in the following categories: Indie (Non-Student), Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Drama, Comedy, Action / Thriller / Mystery, Non-Fiction (Documentary), Experimental/Musical/Music Video, High School Student, and College/University Student.
The screenings will culminate in an awards ceremony at 7 p.m. celebrating the art of motion pictures and honoring outstanding submissions. Watch the UCPAC Film Fest trailer here: https://youtu.be/ c7_KAJsrg1E?feature=shared.
UCPAC Film Fest passholders can also take part in discussion panels and workshops throughout the day on May 17. More details will be announced soon. Two-day festival passes are $50 and include all events. Students receive a $10 discount by using their school’s discount code or presenting their Student ID. A $5 discount is available for Leader/HAWK readers; use code PRESS at checkout. Visit ucpac.org/event/ucpac-film-fest-2025 or call (732) 499-0446 for more information.
Tickets for UCPAC Film Fest’s opening ceremony featuring keynote speaker Lamar Mackson and a digital screening of “Singin’ in the Rain” at UCPAC’s Main Stage in Rahway on Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m. can also be purchased separately for $18. Call UCPAC’s Box Office at (732) 4990446 or visit ucpac.org for tickets.
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating the Main Stage, built in 1928 and listed in both the State and National Register of Historic Places, at 1601 Irving St., and the modern and intimate Hamilton Stage, at 360 Hamilton St., in the heart of Rahway, New Jersey’s Arts District. To learn more, visit ucpac.org.
