WESTFIELD, NJ – Coming soon to a theater near you: “Movies at the Mansion,” a fun night featuring acclaimed shorts, wine, food and more.

Big Dreams & Silver Screens, producers of the annual Westfield International Film Festival, team up with Asbury Shorts USA to present “Movies at the Mansion” – a screening of specially selected, award-winning short films from past and present.

The film festival will take place at the James Ward Mansion in downtown Westfield on Saturday, May 7. The mansion, which has been called Union County’s “best kept secret,” features 24-foot ceilings, gold architectural details, spiral staircases, and fireplaces. – located on Broad Street

To kick off the evening, a wine and appetizer reception will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the film festival, which begins at 8 p.m.

The event is recommended for ages 16 and up, according to Asbury Shorts.

Founded in June 2013, the Westfield International Film Festival is a nonprofit film showcase that aims to create a “warm and welcoming home for independent filmmakers and movie fans in and around New Jersey.”

In addition to shorts, the festival includes feature films and music videos, as well as seminars and networking opportunities for those interested in the film industry.

Oscar-nominated director Jason Reitman, who has worked on films like ‘JUNO’, ‘Up in the Air’, ‘Thank You for Smoking’ and ‘Young Adult’, titled Asbury Shorts: ‘The Best Short Film I’ve Ever ‘ve ever seen” according to a press release.

After the film screenings, an unofficial after party will take place at 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro from 10:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Tickets to “Movies at the Mansion” are $35 general admission (includes pre-show reception).

For reservations, visit: https://tinyurl.com/matm22.

The James Ward Mansion is located at 169 East Broad Street in Westfield. For more information, call: 718.510.6929.

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