CUT International Short Film Festival Returns to Millville, NJ September 19–20

Storytelling takes center stage this fall as the CUT International Short Film Festival, New Jersey’s premier showcase for short-form cinema, returns to Millville on September 19–20, 2025. For two days, the historic Levoy Theatre and the city’s vibrant High Street will transform into a hub for filmmakers, artists, and film lovers from around the globe.

Founded to celebrate the art of short-form storytelling, CUT highlights the creativity and authenticity that can emerge when filmmakers are freed from the constraints of massive budgets and long run times. The festival lineup includes international entries, local premieres, meet-and-greet sessions, cocktail parties, and culminates with the highly anticipated awards ceremony on Saturday evening.

“Short films are one of the most powerful ways to tell a story,” said Bill Horin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CUT. “With just a few minutes, a filmmaker can move you, challenge you, or inspire you. That’s the magic we’re celebrating at this festival.”

Millville, with its colonial-era roots and thriving arts district, was chosen deliberately as the home of CUT. The Levoy Theatre’s historic charm, surrounded by galleries, cafés, and bookshops, provides an intimate and authentic backdrop for an international event.

“We created CUT to give filmmakers a true stage, one that is larger than life, where their stories can shine,” added Horin. “This festival is about democratizing filmmaking—proving that with vision, passion, and a few creative collaborators, anyone can make a story that resonates.”

The festival kicks off Friday night with the premiere of ArtC’s documentary on the fascinating history of the Levoy Theatre, followed by a slate of short film screenings. Saturday features a full day of screenings, networking opportunities, and the evening awards program.

“Our goal has always been to build something world-class right here in New Jersey,” Horin said. “We want people to experience these films the way they were meant to be seen—together, in a theater, on the big screen.”