Black Maria Film Festival Returns to Caldwell on April 12

The Caldwell Merchants Association once again is sponsoring the renowned  Black Maria Film Festival on Saturday, April 12 from 3:30- 5 pm. The program will be presented in Caldwell’s gorgeous architectural landmark, Caldwell Flowerland at 329 Bloomfield Ave.

The festival, in its 33rd year, showcases this year’s winners of short international documentary films. A festival spokesperson will also provide commentary on the films shown.

Tickets cost $12 and seats are limited. Tickets are available at Caldwell Flowerland and Lovely Living Interiors at 295 Bloomfield Ave. in Caldwell.

With festival admission many of Caldwell’s restaurants are offering a 20 percent discount after the show. Participating restaurants include: Bangkok Kitchen, Calandra’s Italian Village, Caldwell Seafood, Cedar Grill, Cloverleaf Tavern, Hog Wild BBQ, Jersey Mac’s and Xunta Spanish Tapas.

The festival honors the Black Maria Studio built by Thomas Edison in West Orange in 1893. It is considered America’s first movie production studio. At the time it was nicknamed “Black Maria” owing to its resemblance to police paddy wagons. The festival began at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park and its current home is New Jersey City University.