ABOUT THE LIFF TEAM
The Lighthouse International Film Festival is powered by a passionate team of filmmakers, film lovers and community members who believe independent stories deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated.
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Each year, we bring bold, original films from around the world to Long Beach Island, creating an intimate festival experience where filmmakers and audiences can connect, exchange ideas and experience the unique power of storytelling together.
We seek out films that take creative risks, challenge assumptions and engage with the defining issues of our time. We are committed to amplifying diverse voices and creating space for stories that might not otherwise reach an audience.
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Above all, we believe film can bridge cultures, deepen understanding and remind us of our common humanity. Our goal is to leave audiences educated, enlightened, engaged and always entertained.
About LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
ThE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
The Lighthouse International Film Festival brings five days of independent cinema to the shores of Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
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The festival features narrative films, documentaries, shorts and episodic work from emerging and established filmmakers, along with filmmaker Q&As, panels, networking events, beachside parties and, in true LBI fashion, a little surfing.
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Our relaxed coastal setting creates an unusually intimate festival experience where filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals can connect beyond the theater. Through screenings and special programs held throughout the island, LIFF brings people together to discover original work, exchange ideas and celebrate the art of film.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON LBI
Long Beach Island is an 18-mile barrier island set six miles out to sea, known for its beautiful beaches, welcoming communities and unmistakably relaxed coastal spirit.
During LIFF, the island itself becomes part of the experience, with beach gatherings, outdoor screenings, boat rides and parties in special locations across LBI.
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For five days each June, the festival brings bold independent cinema from around the world to this singular seaside setting. Screenings are complemented by filmmaker conversations, thought-provoking panels and plenty of opportunities for audiences, artists and industry professionals to connect.
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The program spans narrative features, documentaries, shorts, episodic work, comedies, dramas, horror, surf films and more. Whether you’re a devoted cinephile or simply looking for a memorable night at the movies, LIFF offers a uniquely LBI way to experience film.
Director
Wilhelm Kuhn
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Managing Director
Christine Rooney
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Artistic Director
Amir Bogen
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Founder/Deputy Executive Director
Charlie Prince
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Senior Programmer
Natalie Caricato
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Directors of Shorts Programming
Chip Parham
Carolina Gimenez
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Shorts Programmers
Aaron Carnahan
Larry Fried
Anu Narayan
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Director of Episodic Programming
Jesse R. Tendler
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Director of Darkhouse Programming
Joanna Bruno
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Darkhouse Programmers
Ryan Guiterman
Luke Miller
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Director of Surf Films Programming
Jasmine Dorothy Haefner
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High School Student Films Programmer
Jesse R. Tendler
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Film Society Director
Natalie Caricato
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Treasurer
Bernice Schoket
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Venue Managers
Sandy Bargiel
Trish Bianco
Phyllis Carile
Barbara Duff
Andrew Flack
Brendan & Debbie Floyd
Nancy Hammer
Anne & RussJohnson
Barbara Karen
Mary Lyons-Kim
Lisa Lombardi
Dan Marcus
Karen & Raphael Martinez
Sharon McKenna
Maggie O'Neill
Amanda Pullinger
Launa Ruoff
Janet Rosoff
Becky Tarditi
Mary Ellen Twomey
Lisa Willoughby
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Screeners
Elayne Aion
Michele Batignani
Nicole Caricato
Sharon Dailey
Lisa Lombardi
Marc Sternberger
Mike Tramutola
Amy Williams
Maggie O'Neill
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Sponsorship Director
Charlotte Prince
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Technical Director
Karl Mehrer
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Sound/Lights
Stirling Audio Services
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Radio
WBNJ 91.9 FM
WJRZ 100.1 FM
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Photography
Fred Bercari
Matt Brawn
Sean Connelly
Lisa Dolan
Betty Forkin
Pat Marino
Steve Moran
Dayna Otto
Peter Russo
Ed Shin
Jesse R. Tendler
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On-Line Technical Director
Terry Yuen
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Board of Directors
David Baram
Wendy Dibell
John Dieterich
Denise Grayson
Eric Johnson
Shirit Gal Kedar
Jerry Levine
John Miller
Charlie Prince
Christine Rooney
Damian Schaible
Terry Yuen
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Volunteer Coordinators
Lisa Bennett
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Special Events Coordinator
Laury Hamilton
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Welcome Center Coordinator
Sharon Dailey
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Photo/Media Content Manager
Alex Daly
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Access Coordinator
Lisa Willoughby
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Film Society Membership Coordinator
Diane McCabe
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Legal Advisors
Damian Schaible
Adam Shpeen
Gabriella Mazero
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Public Relations
Diana Drumm
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Administrative Coordinator
Hope Gardiner
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Community Outreach Coordinator
Joan Bercari
Andrew Flack
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Guest Coordinator
Michelle Batignani
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Hospitality & Housing Coordinators
Barbara Karen
Miranda Ring
Carole Rogin
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Marketing/Branding Director
Hot Buttered Media - Beth Mann
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Website Design
Code Nimbuzz, Inc
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Write By the Beach
Abbessi Akhamie
Shea Davies
Judi Krantz
Sola Faeshun
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2025 Poster Creation & Design
Michele Guerriero-Shore Design
Printers
Coastal Sign & Design
Evergreen Printing Company
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Commercial
Oakleaf Media
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Interns
Zachary Ciappa
Siobhan O’Hea
Jillian Kane
Richard Engebretsen
Mary Kate Palmisano
Joseph Cabornero
Cathryn Bogart
Grace Puskas
Naniyah McClain
Kara McKennedy
John McTigue
Sam Rentos
Daniel Oltman
Ryan Bruzzese
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Advisory Board
Jason Alexander
Suzan Bymel
Michael Jackman
Tyler Nilson
Howard A. Rodman
Michael Schwartz
Nina Tassler
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