LIGHTHOUSE
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The Lighthouse International Film Society is the film festival's sister organization, bringing you cutting-edge, award-winning films all year long.

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TURTLE WALKER

Saving Turtles, one walk at a time.

FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING !

Reservations Required .

Turtle Walker takes you on an inspiring journey into the world of sea turtle conservation, following the passionate individuals working tirelessly to protect these ancient creatures from extinction. This breathtaking documentary goes beyond the shoreline to explore the challenges and triumphs of preserving fragile ecosystems, while showcasing the critical role these species play in ocean health.

Through stunning cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, Turtle Walker is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake—and what can be achieved when science, hope, and humanity come together.

Don’t miss this moving documentary that will leave you inspired and motivated to make a difference. Join us for an unforgettable screening and be part of the conversation on how we can all protect our planet’s most vulnerable wildlife. Subtitled in English.

Friday, September 18

7:00 pm

Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts & Sciences, Loveladies, NJ

RESERVE YOUR TICKET NOW!

Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences

Loveladies, NJ

Friday, February 27th, 7:30 p.m.

Individual Tickets $12.00 online

$15.00 at door

Free for Members
Advance Reservations Strongly Recommended

Step back into the golden age of the Catskills with a warm, joyful documentary from filmmaker Paula Eiselt celebrating the legendary Grossinger's Catskill Resort Hotel — a place where generations gathered, friendships were forged and countless love stories began.

Through personal memories, archival footage and heartfelt stories, the film captures the magic of a resort that helped shape American culture and inspired the beloved film Dirty Dancing.

WE MET AT GROSSINGER'S is “a warm, nostalgic tribute to the golden age of the Catskills” (Jewish Journal) and “a delightful slice of American cultural history” (Film Threat), WE MET AT GROSSINGER'S is a celebration of community, romance and a uniquely American moment in time.

Step back into the golden age of the Catskills with thIS delightful documentary.

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Award Winning Films From The Lighthouse International Film Festival

Princeton Garden Theatre

Sunday, March 22

4:00 p.m.

Individual Tickets $13.75

Free for Lighthouse International Film Society Members
Advance Reservations Strongly Recommended

MALKA

Director: Stacey Maltin
Malka, a Holocaust survivor, starts to see visions of her life at the camps during a present-day family seder. In order to survive this present moment, Malka must find the hope as she once had in the past. Director Stacey Maltin will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

TIGER

Director: Loren Waters
Dana Tiger was just five years old when her father, the legendary Muscogee Creek artist Jerome Tiger, passed away. As she grew she turned to her father's art as a way to know him, to learn the tribe’s rich culture, and to preserve the bounty of her family’s artistic tradition. In memory of Jerome's art, and to support their family, Dana’s mother and uncle started a booming t-shirt printing business in the 1980s. Then, tragedy struck once more when Dana’s younger brother, Chris Tiger, was tragically murdered. In the aftermath, their business faltered and faced ruin. But once again the family persisted, and working through immense grief and physical challenges, Dana and her family revitalized the iconic Tiger t-shirt brand.

LIFF Jury Award for Best Documentary Short

RETIREMENT PLAN

Director: John Kelly
Apathetic with life, Ray (Domhnall Gleeson) dreams of the beauty and joy he will find in retirement.

A 2026 Oscar Nominee for Best Animated Short.

UNPARALLELED WORLD

Director: Mohammed Yaraghi
Hana is a poor, motherless girl forced by her father to work as a peddler at a traffic light. She has a dream, but a tragic event sweeps away her hopes.

Winner of the LIFF Jury Social Impact Award

RAVIE (Behind the Mask)

Director: Christophe Hamon -Réunion
Hoping to solve their personal problems, Paul and Samy plan a kidnapping. In the trunk of their vehicle, Adeline refuses to behave like the passive, silent hostage. When she manages to escape instead of running from her hapless kidnappers she re-negotiates the continuing terms of her abduction.

QUIET LIFE

Director: Ruth Pickett
Geoffrey buries his phone and shuns technology in a mostly silent one-man rebellion against the modern world. After a bruising public breakup, Geoffrey (Luke Rollason) seeks a quiet life. But when potential new human connection comes knocking, Geoffrey is torn between the world he has created and the one he's left behind. Physical comedy and farce stumble into existential sadness in this comedy for a disconnected world.

Winner of the 2025 BAFTA for Best Short Film

JUSTICE BROTHERS

Director: Kieran Hodges
In Busua, Ghana, a group of young men who taught themselves to surf as children using wooden planks now extend their knowledge and skill to their community. Today, with their own surf school, they are empowering local girls, teaching them how to swim, surf, and embrace the ocean, rather than fear it. This short documentary captures this journey, showcasing the transformative impact of surfing, as well as the joy and freedom that comes with understanding nature and being with your people.

THE MISSING PEACE

Director: Michael Raymond-James
A man desperately searches the desolate streets of Atlantic City looking for a missing loved one lost to the scourge of the opioid epidemic. He leads with a belief in humanity, fighting to keep an impossible hope alive. Director Michael Raymond-James will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

LIFF Jury Award Winner and Winner of the Florence Tone & Pete Vanderveen Award.

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Lighthouse Film Society's Past Screenings

2025

Oscar Nominated Shorts

February 15-31

Porcelain War

January 24

Of Dogs and Men

March 13

Here's Yianni

August 27

Fairyland

October 8

Strange Journey: Making of Rocky Horror

October 23

Behold the Man

Nov.20

The Perfect Neighbor

Dec. 8

2024

Savage Waters- January 12

Oscar Nominated Shorts- Feb

Rose- February 20

Call Me Dancer- January 26

Oscar Nominated Shorts- March 2

In The Whale- March 15

William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill- March 29

Garland Jefferys: The King of In Between- August 11

My Old Ass - August 29

76 Days Adrift- Sept. 19&20

Mississippi Scholar- Nov. 2

Secret Mall Apartment- Nov. 14th

Every Little Thing- Dec 14

2023

Cinema Sabaya- Jan. 21

Oscar Nominated Shorts-

Feb. 18 & 19

Let It Be Morning- March 23

Patrick and the Whale- Sept. 14

Story Ave- Oct. 12

Another Body- Oct. 26

The Stones and Brian Jones-

Nov. 11

Femme Ocean- Nov. 24

Irena's Vow w/ Humo- Dec. 18

2022

Cat Daddies - Dec. 15

DashCam - Dec. 8

The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez - Nov. 23

Hold Me TIght - Nov. 5

Boblo Boats - Oct. 27

Facing Monsters - Sept. 30

Sweet Disaster – Sept. 16

A Rising Fury – Aug. 31

Birth of the Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis – May 21

OLGA – May 11

Broken Wings & Nest 38 – April 9

Oscar Nominated Shorts – March 18 & 19
The Automat & One All The Way – March 4
Flee – Feb. 20
France – Jan. 13-31

2021

Hive – Dec. 15
The Pine Barrens – Nov. 11-14
Velvet Underground Documentary – Nov. 5
Luzzu – Oct. 13
Oscar Nominated Shorts – April 9 & 10, 15 & 16
New York DOG Festival – March 22-29

New York CAT Festival – March 8-15
Minari – Feb. 12-25
Horse Latitudes – Feb. 11-18
Two of Us – Feb. 5-25
Some Kind of Heaven – Jan. 15 - Feb. 15
Big vs Small – Jan. 7-11

Explore profound, real-world stories that touch the heart and challenge the mind. From intimate portraits of personal triumphs to gripping accounts of social and environmental issues, the Documentary Short Film nominees capture humanity in its rawest and most inspiring forms. These extraordinary films amplify vital voices and stories, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives. Experience the power of documentary storytelling at its finest, making this an unmissable showcase of creativity and truth.

Incident

Directed by Bill Morrison, this gripping 30-minute documentary reconstructs the events surrounding a police shooting in Chicago using raw body-camera and surveillance footage. The film deftly examines the shifting police narratives and the emotional reactions of a community grappling with systemic issues. It's a haunting exploration of truth, accountability, and public perception.

Instruments of a Beating Heart

Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki, this poignant film delves into the healing power of music. Through vivid storytelling, it showcases individuals whose lives were transformed by rhythm and melody, offering a testament to music's ability to connect, comfort, and inspire.•

Death by Numbers

Director Kim A. Snyder masterfully transforms statistics into deeply moving stories in this thought-provoking film. By spotlighting the human impact behind a pressing global issue, Snyder challenges audiences to confront the realities hidden within the data and recognize the individuals whose lives are too often reduced to numbers.

I Am Ready, Warden

Directed by Smriti Mundhra, this deeply intimate documentary takes viewers to the emotional core of life on death row. By exploring the final moments of inmates, the film raises profound questions about redemption, justice, and the humanity often lost in conversations about capital punishment.•The Only Girl in the OrchestraMolly O’Brien tells the remarkable story of a musical prodigy who shattered gender barriers to become the first woman in a renowned orchestra. Through her journey, the film celebrates resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of breaking through societal norms.

Discover bold storytelling brought to life by emerging and seasoned filmmakers. The Live Action nominees span genres and cultures, delivering unforgettable narratives with emotional depth and stunning creativity. These films prove that powerful stories can be told in a matter of minutes.

I'm NOT A ROBOT

A hilarious yet deeply thought-provoking satire, this Dutch gem by Victoria Warmerdam explores a woman’s increasing frustration with CAPTCHA tests—those pesky "Are you a robot?" challenges. As her struggle grows, she begins to question not just her humanity, but the very systems we rely on to define it. Equal parts clever and relatable, I’m Not a Robot offers a refreshingly modern twist on the age-old quest for identity.

The Last Ranger

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of South Africa’s Amakhala Game Reserve, this powerful drama by director Cindy Lee immerses audiences in the struggles of wildlife conservation during the pandemic. A young Xhosa girl discovers the beauty and fragility of her natural surroundings, only to face the devastating impact of rhino poaching. With heart-stopping moments and a deep connection to the land, The Last Ranger is an unforgettable call to protect our planet’s treasures.

The Masterpiece

This captivating film explores the enigmatic life of a reclusive artist who finally unveils his long-awaited final work. Through stunning visuals and profound emotional depth, The Masterpiece delves into the complexities of creativity, the cost of isolation, and the societal obsession with genius. Prepare to be challenged and inspired by this bold, thought-provoking story about the meaning of art and legacy.

Room Taken

A tense psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final frame. In Room Taken, a traveler checks into a seemingly ordinary rented room, only to uncover eerie and unsettling secrets lurking within. With each twist, the line between reality and illusion blurs, pulling audiences into a spine-chilling tale of suspense. Perfect for fans of Hitchcockian intrigue, this film is a masterclass in building tension.

An Orange from Jaffa

Set in the culturally rich yet divided landscape of Jaffa, this poignant film follows the journey of a young boy determined to deliver a simple gift: an orange. Against the backdrop of political and cultural tensions, the boy’s mission becomes a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and resilience. With beautiful cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, An Orange from Jaffa offers a timely reminder of the human connections that transcend boundaries.

Experiencing the Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts offers a unique opportunity to witness diverse storytelling and innovative animation techniques from around the world. They provide profound insights into human experiences, emotions, and cultures, all within concise narratives. Attending screenings of these films not only supports the art of animation but also enriches your appreciation for the creativity and dedication involved in bringing these stories to life. Only screening at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences.

Beautiful Men

Directed by Nicolas Keppens, this film delves into themes of identity and societal expectations, presenting a visually striking narrative that challenges conventional norms. The animation style is noted for its bold use of color and abstract forms, enhancing the storytelling experience. Keppens' previous works have been celebrated for their innovative approaches, and "Beautiful Men" continues this tradition, offering viewers a thought-provoking exploration of self and society.

In the Shadow of the Cypress

Directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, this Iranian short portrays a former captain grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder while trying to connect with his daughter in an isolated seaside setting. The film employs a muted color palette and detailed character design to convey the emotional depth of the narrative. Molayemi and Sohani have crafted a poignant story that delves into the complexities of trauma and familial bonds, providing a window into personal struggles and cultural contexts.

Magic Candies

Directed by Daisuke Nishio, this enchanting story follows a young boy who discovers candies that allow him to hear the thoughts of others, leading to unexpected insights and adventures. The animation is vibrant and whimsical, capturing the innocence and curiosity of childhood. Nishio, known for his work on popular anime series, brings his expertise to this short film, creating a narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages through its universal themes of empathy and understanding.

Wander to Wonder

Directed by Nina Gantz, this imaginative piece takes viewers on a journey through fantastical landscapes, exploring themes of curiosity and the unknown. Utilizing stop-motion animation, Gantz creates a tactile and immersive world that invites viewers to ponder the mysteries of exploration and discovery. Her previous work, "Edmond," received critical acclaim, and "Wander to Wonder" continues to showcase her distinctive storytelling and artistic style.

Yuck!

Directed by Loïc Espuche, this humorous short captures the whimsical adventures of a character navigating a world filled with delightful disgust. The film's playful animation style and clever narrative engage viewers in a lighthearted exploration of aversion and attraction. Espuche's background in character design and animation is evident in the expressive visuals and comedic timing, making "Yuck!" a memorable and entertaining experience.

LIGHTHOUSE FILM society SCREENINGS