Bell Works Holmdel hosts 2026 Monmouth Film Festival May 29–31

Bell Works Holmdel will host the 2026 Monmouth Film Festival from May 29 to May 31, marking the first time the festival returns to an in-person format since the pandemic. The three-day event will include film screenings, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, showcasing works from New Jersey filmmakers alongside international selections. The festival kicks off with a preview of *Power Ballad*, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, both of whom are from New Jersey. Other screenings include *Untouchables*, a film about Newark fencing coach Derrick Hoff and his championship team, and *You Know What You Are*, a horror feature set in a desolate winter beach town. International films such as *Happy Birthday from Egypt* and *HEN* from the Mediterranean region will also be featured. Bell Works Holmdel, a 2 million-square-foot mixed-use complex, serves as the festival’s venue, offering office space, retail, dining, and entertainment. The site includes the 285-seat Bell Theater, a rooftop area, indoor pickleball courts, and the Holmdel Public Library. The festival’s founder, Nicholas Marchese, stated that the event aims to create an inclusive cinematic experience, celebrating storytelling from New Jersey and beyond. The Monmouth Film Festival previously held events at Two River Theater before shifting to a virtual format during the pandemic. This year’s return to Bell Works was intentional, according to Paola Zamudio, founder and CEO of npz studio+, who noted the venue’s potential to highlight arts and culture in the region. The festival underscores New Jersey’s growing presence in the film and production industry.