2026 Programs

APAC continued its popular Filmmaker Meetups, offering a casual setting for film professionals and enthusiasts to connect and network. In February, guest speakers Tim and Chris Lyons shared a behind-the-scenes look at the production of their work-in-progress feature documentary, The Time Travelers, a fascinating story about the intersection of science and art.

In May, the group welcomed Emmy-nominated director, producer, writer, and filmmaker Craig Singer. Singer discussed the many stages of his career, including his time as a Disney executive, and shared insights into his first book, Moguls, about the origins of Hollywood, as well as his upcoming feature film, The Block.

In March, APAC partnered with the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce to launch COUNTER TALK, a social media contest designed to showcase the creativity and personality of Asbury Park businesses. Inspired by the storytelling format of the AP’N3 Short Film Challenge, COUNTER TALK invited local businesses to create a 30–90 second Instagram Reel highlighting what makes their business unique.

To participate, businesses had to include three required elements in their video: their physical business location, the line “That’s what’s great about _________” featuring their business name, and their business logo. The winner was determined by the number of likes their videos received by the end of March, provided all contest requirements were met.

The winner was Eyeris Art Experience, a unique shop located in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall that uses macrophotography to turn images of your iris into art, jewelry and more. Eyeris was awarded a prize package that included among other things a free one-year membership to the Chamber and tickets to the AP’N3 Premiere Event in November.

APAC joined the Springwood Avenue Heritage Walk Collaborative Partner Group in 2024 after they successfully completed their virtual Springwood Avenue Heritage Walk, with the technical assistance provided by a grant from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). The online “walk” honors the historical significance of Springwood Avenue and its pivotal role in mid-20th-century African American life and culture. It explores themes such as the arts, music, entrepreneurship, and advocacy through the lens of community members and showcases historical photos, maps, personal stories, and archives contributed by various project partners, bringing the rich history of Springwood Avenue to life.

APAC joined the group as a resource partner to collaborate on the implementation of the subsequent phases of the Heritage Walk project, including the installation of interpretive signage, historical markers, light pole banners, neighborhood identifier signage and other public art commemorating and celebrating the west side.

In April 2026, the SAHW Collaborative Partners held their inaugural fundraiser at the new Kula Pavilion, which honored three business owners representing the past, present and future of the west side and its enduring legacy of entrepreneurship.

APAC provided logistical support to the city for the Sunset Lake Park Art Bench project, winner of the city’s first Participatory Budget Process. The project included an open call for artist qualifications, an interview and selection process, and coordination between the selected artists and the city. Benches created by the five selected artists were installed in April 2026 throughout the park.

Now in its fifth year, the AP’N3 Short Film Challenge is a creative competition where participants create a three-minute film, shot in Asbury Park, that includes a required theme, prop, location, and line of dialogue that are revealed on Day One of the challenge.

This year APAC is partnering with PrimalHouse New Jersey for the free use of their extensive music library by AP’N3 filmmakers. The PrimalHouse music catalog contains 265,000 pre-cleared, legally licensed tracks available for use in AP’N3 entries.

All submitted AP’N3 films will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and the top-rated entries in each category will be screened at a Premiere Event, scheduled for November 1st. The top films and an audience favorite film selected by Premiere attendees will receive prizes.

New this year are a separate category for student entries and recognition for for Best Use of Music, Best On-Screen Performance, Best Use of Prop, Best Use of Line of Dialogue, Best Use of Logo, Best Original Music, Fastest Film Award (films created in 72 hours from registration or less).

Registration opened on the Film Freeway web platform on March 31st with final films due on August 31st. For more information visit: www.FilmAsburyPark.com.