The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) is set to light up Asbury Park, New Jersey, from March 27 to 30, 2025, marking its 23rd year of celebrating independent cinema. As one of New Jersey’s most influential film events, the festival continues to serve as a platform for creative storytelling, innovative filmmaking, and industry networking.
This year, The Chris Vaughn Company proudly returns as a sponsor, reinforcing its deep-rooted commitment to independent film. Vaughn’s connection to the GSFF runs beyond business—his friendship with festival co-founder Diane Raver and former executive director Lauren Concar Sheehy spans years of and mutual support for the arts.
Feelin’ Lucky: A Film, A Sponsorship, and a Celebration of Independent Cinema
With advertising sponsorships tied to his upcoming film, Feelin’ Lucky, Vaughn is using the festival as a strategic launchpad to generate excitement for the project. More than just a film, Feelin’ Lucky is a passion project that intertwines themes of fate, second chances, and family bonds, making the GSFF an ideal venue to introduce it to an engaged audience.
The film stars Zane Michael, Vaughn’s youngest son, in a role that promises to showcase both his emerging talent and the depth of their father-son connection. Vaughn, a longtime advocate for authentic storytelling, has carefully aligned the film’s promotional efforts with the GSFF, ensuring it gains visibility among filmmakers, industry insiders, and movie lovers who appreciate fresh, compelling narratives.
The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) is set to light up Asbury Park, New Jersey, from March 27 to 30, 2025, marking its 23rd year of celebrating independent cinema. As one of New Jersey’s most influential film events, the festival continues to serve as a platform for creative storytelling, innovative filmmaking, and industry networking.
This year, The Chris Vaughn Company proudly returns as a sponsor, reinforcing its deep-rooted commitment to independent film. Vaughn’s connection to the GSFF runs beyond business—his friendship with festival co-founder Diane Raver and executive director Lauren Concar Sheehy spans years of collaboration and mutual support for the arts.


By linking his advertising sponsorships to Feelin’ Lucky, Vaughn is demonstrating a synergistic approach to film promotion, one that benefits both independent filmmakers and the festival itself. Through strategic marketing and engagement with GSFF attendees, the film will gain traction among distributors, press outlets, and audiences eager for meaningful, character-driven storytelling.
This collaboration also reflects Vaughn’s broader vision of using independent film as a platform for personal stories, emerging talent, and community-driven cinematic experiences. With Feelin’ Lucky set to make waves, Vaughn’s sponsorship not only uplifts the festival but also ensures the film’s organic growth through genuine audience engagement.
Win a Chance to Be in Feelin’ Lucky! 🎬✨
As a way to give back to the local community and celebrate New Jersey’s vibrant film scene, The Chris Vaughn Company is offering an exclusive opportunity for fans to visit the set of Feelin’ Lucky—and even score a cameo appearance in the film!
This special contest invites local residents and festival attendees to enter for a chance to experience filmmaking up close, meet the cast and crew, and potentially see themselves on the big screen. Whether you’re a die-hard film fan or an aspiring actor, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a major production.
Stay tuned for contest details and entry information, which will be announced at the Garden State Film Festival. Don’t miss your shot at stepping into the spotlight! 🎥🌟
A Legacy of Support and Industry Impact
Adding to the festival’s legacy, the former president of the GSFF was among those in attendance at the premiere of Jerseyboy Hero—a testament to Vaughn’s longstanding impact on the New Jersey film scene and his dedication to storytelling that resonates with local audiences. Vaughn was especially moved by the heartfelt speech delivered by the former GSFF president, who recognized the film’s significance, not only as a tribute to its subject but as a celebration of perseverance, community, and the power of homegrown filmmaking.
The speech underscored Vaughn’s commitment to bringing authentic New Jersey stories to life, something that remains central to his work with Feelin’ Lucky. Like Jerseyboy Hero, this new film embraces themes of resilience, fate, and personal redemption, making the GSFF the ideal venue to build anticipation. Vaughn encourages film lovers, industry professionals, and festivalgoers to revisit Jerseyboy Hero and experience the heartfelt journey that inspired many, reinforcing the deep connection between cinema and community storytelling.
With Feelin’ Lucky set to captivate audiences in its own unique way, this year’s GSFF represents not just a continuation of Vaughn’s contributions to independent film, but a full-circle moment where past successes inspire future cinematic journeys.


As the festival approaches, The Chris Vaughn Company invites potential sponsors, industry professionals, and film lovers to join in celebrating independent cinema. For sponsorship opportunities and festival details, visit GSFF’s official website.
This year’s GSFF promises to be a powerful moment for independent film—and for Chris Vaughn, a chance to celebrate both his artistic vision and the next generation of talent in his family.