The FilmOneFest is set on the Bayshore, Atlantic Highlands, New jersey, USA

FilmOneFest in New Jersey is more than just another little local film festival, the only thing small about it is its one-minute films

• Update: the original link in the article below inadvertently pointed to last year’s app. To avoid further confusion here is the link for the 2012 FilmOneFest app (it has also been updated in the article)

One of the best parts of this job is discovering new film festivals that place an emphasis on mobile filmmaking.

If you think FilmOneFest is a little local film festival based in Atlantic Highlands New Jersey, on the US east coast, and looks great if you live in the Bayshore region, but not much relevant to the rest of us, then think again.

Not only does FilmOneFest celebrate filmmakers and story-tellers in their neighbourhood, but it also features ‘the best and most original one-minute films from around the world’.

This volunteer-led festival, with backing from the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council, offers a fantastic opportunity to view a snapshot of what is going on in the borderless world of digital and mobile filmmaking.

To see what I am talking about download the FilmOneFest app; this is what really makes it stand out from other small festivals.

Beautifully curated and put together, the app includes all the submissions to this year’s event — from one-minute shorts of surfer dudes riding the waves off the Atlantic coast to folk stories from Pakistan — all one minute in length, and perfect for viewing on iPhone or Android smartphone — and the iPad.

“It’s very encouraging that after only four years, the festival has not only survived, but is thriving in ways we could never have envisioned. With submissions from all over the world, new iPad and smartphone apps, and overwhelming community support, we are very proud of what FilmOneFest has become.” says festival co-director Robert O’Connor.

The FilmOneFest’s one-minute format is a sure-fire winner — and keeping in the spirit of the festival it is about the time taken to write this article.

For those lucky enough to be able to attend the FilmOneFest 2012, here is the schedule:

• Saturday, July 21, 2012, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Craft & Street Fair (co-sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Historic Society & Chamber of Commerce), Memorial Park and 1st Ave, Atlantic Highlands
• Saturday, July 21, 2012, 7:00pm – 10:30pm, FilmOneFest -60 short/short films screened under the stars, Atlantic Highlands Marina
• Sunday, July 22, 2012, 11:00am – 1:30pm, Awards Reception, Stauss Mansion, 27 Prospect Circle, Atlantic Highland

• On Android? Here is the link for the FilmOneFest Android app

• Further reading: The Best Online Mobile Film Festivals

FilmOneFest in New Jersey is more than just another little local film festival, the only thing small about it is its one-minute films • Update: the original link in the article below inadvertently pointed to last...