First Contact Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Festival
Emerging or unverified festival
First Contact Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Festival is an annual, IMDB-qualifying short-film showcase held in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, at Kevin Smith’s SModcastle Cinemas. It is notable for spotlighting emerging and established filmmakers in science fiction, fantasy, imaginative horror, magical realism, and animation, with juried prizes and a community-focused atmosphere that has kept it active for 11 years. Its significance in the genre festival circuit comes from its role as a dedicated U.S. venue for speculative short films and as a recognized platform for genre storytelling.
Last updated Aug 15, 2026
Legitimacy Analysis
Positive Indicators (+22 pts)
- 13 years of verifiable history
- 2 verified pro signals
- Verified trusted status
Red Flags (-15 pts)
- No physical screenings
Trust Signals
Positive Signals
- FF_GOLD_BADGE
- Documented history with archived programs
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