CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: New Jersey Film Industry Takes Center Stage at Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

TRENTON — New Jersey’s growing film and television industry took center stage at the 24th annual Run&Shoot Filmworks Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival with the second annual Filming in the Garden State (FIGS) event on Aug. 13, 2026.

Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) presented the event in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, highlighting New Jersey’s film and television tax credit program and the state’s efforts to attract productions, create jobs and expand opportunities for businesses and workers.

FIGS also focused on the role New Jersey’s film industry can play in supporting diverse storytelling while generating economic activity through production facilities, tourism, local vendors, small businesses and other investments.

“This initiative isn’t about catching a trend, it’s about setting a standard,” McCoy said. “New Jersey has the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to lead in film and media. We’re putting our people first and making sure opportunity follows.”

Dr. John E. Harmon Sr., founder, president and CEO of the AACCNJ, said the organization was honored to return to the festival for a second year.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and Members of the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ and the over 124,000 Black-owned NJ businesses, we are honored to co-host and sponsor the Second Annual Filming in the Garden State (FIGS) at the 24th Annual Celebration of the best of Black Cinema at the prestigious Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF),” Harmon said.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Equity and Inclusive Culture Officer Michelle Bodden said the state’s film industry has attracted investment and created employment opportunities.

“New Jersey’s film industry is on the rise, bringing new investments and good-paying jobs to the state,” Bodden said. “Major studios and productions have chosen New Jersey to set up shop because of our diverse and talented workforce, varied landscapes, and strong incentive program. Governor Mikie Sherrill is committed to supporting this emerging industry and ensuring residents and small businesses in every zip code of the state benefit from its economic impact.”

Kean University President Dr. Lamont O. Repollet emphasized the role colleges and universities can play in developing the workforce needed to support the industry.

“Universities are engines of talent, innovation, and economic opportunity. As New Jersey's creative economy continues to grow, higher education must prepare students with the skills, experiences, and industry connections that lead to meaningful careers,” Repollet said. “Kean University is proud to support Filming in the Garden State because partnerships between higher education and industry create stronger workforce pipelines, expand opportunity, and fuel economic growth. When we invest in our students, we invest in the future of New Jersey.”

The event included a panel discussion featuring representatives from the NJEDA and a fireside chat moderated by McCoy. Participants included Dr. John E. Harmon Sr., Lt. Gov. and Secretary of State Dr. Dale Caldwell and Dr. Repollet.

The program also featured special guests A.J. Calloway, Chris Charles Scott and Naturi Naughton-Lewis, bringing together figures from entertainment, filmmaking and television as New Jersey highlighted its expanding presence in the film and media industries.

Calloway, a New Jersey native, gained national recognition as an original host of BET’s “106 & Park,” which he co-hosted with Marie “Free” Wright from 2000 to 2005. He later spent more than a decade with “Extra,” covering entertainment news, celebrity interviews and major red-carpet events. Calloway attended Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark and Howard University.

Scott is co-founder and head of documentaries at Strategery Films. After beginning his career in politics, he transitioned to documentary filmmaking. His work includes “The Shape of Shreveport,” “What About Waco” and the HBO Max documentary “Class Action Park.” He is a graduate of Baylor University and also attended Princeton Theological Seminary.

Naughton-Lewis, an East Orange native, first gained national attention as a member of the R&B group 3LW before establishing an acting career. Her credits include “Notorious,” “Fame,” ABC’s “Queens” and the STARZ “Power” franchise, in which she portrayed Tasha St. Patrick. The role earned her an NAACP Image Award. She has also expanded into producing, including serving as an executive producer on STARZ’s “The Nowhere Man.”

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority served as the event’s lead sponsor for the second consecutive year. Kean University and the AACCNJ were also sponsors of the 2026 FIGS event.

The event continued a relationship between FIGS and the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. At the 2025 gathering, festival co-founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance received the Cinematic Trailblazers Award for their work creating a national platform for Black filmmakers and storytelling.

The Rances were also honored in February 2026 with the Excellence in Culture Award during the AACCNJ’s 16th annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala in Garfield, New Jersey.

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