Lauren Concar Sheehy: Shaping the Future of New Jersey Film
The Woman’s Club of Red Bank’s annual fundraiser, Lights, Camera, Legacy: Women in Communications Shaping the Future of Cinema is honoring the non-profit organization, the Garden State Film Festival and the two women whose work represents both the legacy and its future. Diane Raver helped build the foundation of GSFF, while Lauren Concar Sheehy continues to expand its reach and impact as the Executive Director of GSFF.
While Lauren will not be able to attend the October 17 event, we are proud to highlight her leadership and contributions to New Jersey’s independent film community as GSFF celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Leading the Garden State Film Festival Into Its Next Chapter
As New Jersey’s premier independent film event, GSFF celebrates its 25th anniversary March 18–21, 2027. The festival has grown into a vital hub for filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, students, and moviegoers alike—drawing over 20,000 attendees annually across screening locations in Asbury Park and Cranford. Its most recent festival presented 205 films from 19 countries, making it the strongest in GSFF history.
Long before New Jersey became a major production hub, GSFF was already building a home for independent creators.
Building Opportunities for Local New Jersey Talent
Lauren’s vision for GSFF extends far beyond screening completed films. Through panels, workshops, and networking events, the festival creates direct pathways for filmmakers to connect with industry insiders and audiences.
That impact is reaching an international stage. This year, GSFF alumni films SAVERIO and LAWYERED UP screened at the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival, with Lauren attending in France to represent New Jersey’s independent film community on the global stage.
Beyond the Festival
Under Lauren’s direction, GSFF operates as a year-round engine for education and community outreach:
- K-12 Education: Programs reach over 2,000 students across 95 New Jersey schools each year, introducing young people to media arts and creative storytelling.
- Higher Education: GSFF maintains an active scholarship pipeline with Brookdale Community College.
- Community Outreach: In partnership with America’s Frontlines, GSFF hosts a monthly virtual Military Film Club for service members and veterans, alongside programs tailored for senior facilities and special needs communities.
A Voice for Women and Inclusion in Film
Lauren is a passionate advocate for women and people with disabilities in film and television. Her diverse career spans producing, directing, editing, education, and executive leadership.
A member of New York Women in Film & Television, former president of the Brookdale Alumni Association, and one of NJ.com’s 25 New Jersey Women to Watch in 2025, Lauren exemplifies how industry experience can be leveraged to create opportunities for others.
Celebrating Women Who Shape the Future of Cinema
The Woman’s Club of Red Bank’s 2026 annual fundraiser, Lights, Camera, Legacy, celebrates women whose work is helping shape the future of cinema and communications.
Lauren’s leadership at the Garden State Film Festival represents an important part of that story. From independent filmmakers and students to veterans and community audiences, her work helps make film more accessible while creating opportunities for people to participate in the industry.
Together with the legacy of GSFF co-founder Diane Raver, Lauren’s work illustrates how the festival continues to evolve while remaining focused on its original mission: supporting independent filmmakers and strengthening New Jersey’s film community.
Join Us for Lights, Camera, Legacy
Join the Woman’s Club of Red Bank for our 2026 annual fundraiser:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Historic Reckless Estate
164 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701
Enjoy a continental breakfast and a panel discussion featuring women working in and around the film industry as we look at women in communications and the future of cinema.
Tickets are $60, with Early Bird pricing of $50 through October 5.
Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support the Woman’s Club of Red Bank and the ongoing preservation of the historic Reckless Estate.
We’re proud to recognize the women whose work continues to shape New Jersey’s film community—both on the screen and behind the scenes.