BRIDGEPORT FILM FEST CELEBRATES 5 YEARS WITH GLOBAL CINEMA,LOCAL STORIES, AND FAMILY FRIENDLY VENDOR VILLAGEFAMILY-FRIENDLY VENDOR VILLAGE, WORKSHOPS, PANELS, AND A STAR-STUDDED CTPREMIERE HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL AT THE KLEIN MEMORIAL IN SEPTEMBERBRIDGEPORT, CONN.than ever! Now in its 5th anniversary year, this three-day celebration of cinema will transform thecity into a hub of storytelling, culture, and connection. With the support of City Lights /Bridgeport Art Trail as fiduciary sponsor, the fest continues its mission of lifting up diverse voiceswhile putting Bridgeport on the global film map.This year’s lineup features over 95 short and feature films from 12 countries, spanning genres,cultures, and generations. Audiences can expect to discover fresh perspectives from localConnecticut filmmakers, alongside powerful shorts from New York, Los Angeles, Boston, andPhiladelphia, as well as thought-provoking stories from across the globe including Australia, theUK, Spain, Iran, Palestine, Italy and France, among others.Spotlight Feature Film: Queens of the DeadSaturday evening at 6:00 PM, the festival proudly presents the Connecticut premiere of the indiequeer horror-comedy Queens of the Dead, directed by Tina Romero, daughter of horror iconGeorger Romero, and starring Jaquel Spivey, Katy O’Brian, Margaret Cho, Jack Haven, andCheyenne Jackson. The film made its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025,and now makes its highly anticipated Connecticut premiere in Bridgeport. Outrageous, heartfelt,and genre-bending, Queens of the Dead is poised to be one of the festival’s most talked-aboutscreenings!Beyond the Screen● Panels & Conversations: Creative Hustle: Making Moves, Making Connections, hosted incollaboration with the Connecticut Film and TV Alliance, explores how filmmakers andcreatives can build genuine networks and claim their seat at the table. With strategies,inspiration, and insider advice, this panel offers tools to strengthen your creative journey.● Directing Actors Workshop: Led by Victor Verhaeghe (Boardwalk Empire, Bridge ofSpies, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), this interactive session gives emerging filmmakershands-on tools for collaborating with actors and bringing scenes to life.● Vendor Village: A family-friendly festival favorite, the Vendor Village offers local vendors,food trucks, live entertainment, and more—all completely free and open to the public.This community hub creates space for families and film lovers to gather, shop, and celebrate creativity together.

● Venues: The festival’s home base is the historic Klein Memorial Auditorium, withadditional screenings and events at CT State Community College at Housatonic andBPT Creates, deepening community ties across the city.Jurors Who Know StorytellingA prestigious jury will select this year’s winners, including:● Eugen Bräunig, producer ( Netflix’s Harry and Meghan, Welcome to Chechnya)● Nicholas Bruckman, director (Minted, Netflix’s The Price of Milk)● Laurence Caso, Emmy Award-winning producer and Executive Director of The Klein● Nettie Marquez, award-winning filmmaker and founder of Ofelia Media Productions, LLC● Elisha Miranda-Ramirez, writer, director, producer, and professor at San Jose University● Lorna James-Rodriguez, producer with the 48 Hour Film Project New HavenCelebrate in StyleThe weekend wraps up with a lively closing party at Berlinetta Brewing in downtown Bridgeport,sponsored by Colorful Bridgeport/DSSD—a chance for filmmakers, film lovers, and communitymembers to toast five years of storytelling and connection.A Word from Jason A. Coombs, the Co-Founder / Executive Director“We are overjoyed to celebrate five years of cinematic storytelling that continues tounify our community and reshape the narrative of Bridgeport,” says Jason A.Coombs, Co-Founder & Executive Director. “What started as a local dream hasbecome a cultural force, bringing filmmakers from across the globe while makingsure our local voices shine just as brightly. This milestone isn’t just about lookingback—it’s about launching forward into the next chapter of creativity, collaboration,and impact.”Tickets & InfoThe 5th Annual Bridgeport Film Fest runs September 12–14, 2025. Tickets are available now atKlein.org or directly at the Klein Memorial Auditorium box office. More information, including thefull schedule, can be found at BridgeportFilmFest.org.