Montclair Film

Originally estimated to attract 5,000 visitors, the event reached 7,500 motion picture enthusiasts, arts patrons, and cultural tourists. Over 45 films were presented. Notable attendees included Oliver Platt,[8] Kathleen Turner,[9] Olympia Dukakis,[10] Patrick Wilson, Michael Moore and author Judy Blume. Early screenings included The Oranges, Your Sister’s Sister, 2 Days in New York and Robot and Frank.[11] MFF was the winner of the Discover Jersey Arts 2012 People's Choice Awards for the favorite film festival.[2]

Held at seven venues across one community, the festival attracted more than 14,000 attendees to 80+ films and events including selected world and New Jersey premieres.[12][13] A favorite film category was established to offer a platform for dozens of established and lesser-known filmmakers from New Jersey to exhibit new work.[13][14] Prominent guests included a return visit from Michael Moore, Harry Belafonte, Darlene Love, Lake Bell, Ice-T, Alex Gibney and New York Times culture columnist David Carr.

Films screened included 20 Feet From Stardom, The Attack, Blackfish, Frances Ha, The Act of Killing, The Spectacular Now, Dirty Wars, In A World..., The Kings of Summer, Computer Chess, Still Mine, Stories We Tell and Valley of Saints.

MFF14 presented among others the Chef with Jon Favreau.[15]

MFF15 opened with Hello, My Name Is Doris with Sally Field and showed among others Time out of Mind with Richard Gere.[16]

MFF16 opened with Roger Ross Williams' film Life, Animated. Following the film, a panel discussion was held with Advisory Board Member Stephen Colbert, members of the Suskind family, film creators, and Gilbert Gottfried, who appeared in the film. Other films shown included ... The festival closed with the film Miss Sharon Jones!, documenting the story of Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings as Jones fought cancer

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic opening film Nomadland, closing film One Night in Miami and spotlight films Ammonite and Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself will be screened at a drive-in. Minari was selected as the virtual centerpiece film.[17]