Award-winning playwright and filmmaker Tom Cavanaugh has officially been named the winner of the Best Feature Screenplay award at the 2026 Garden State Film Festival (GSFF). Cavanaugh, a New Jersey native, received the top honor for his original dramedy script, "BEDBUGGERS." The recognition will be celebrated during the 24th annual festival, which runs from March 26 to March 29, 2026, across multiple venues in Asbury Park and Cranford, New Jersey.
"BEDBUGGERS" follows the story of two teenagers who are unexpectedly thrown into a moving van with their con-artist father, an eccentric uncle, and a cousin skilled in the art of the long con following the death of their mother. The screenplay explores themes of nomadic life, questionable ethics, and the search for identity within a highly unconventional family dynamic. Inspired by true events, the narrative blends heartfelt drama with comedic hijinks on the road.
As part of the festival's official programming, GSFF will host a live table reading of the winning screenplay. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Oval Room of The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. The live reading is open to festival attendees and will feature a cast of established and emerging actors bringing Cavanaugh’s characters to life for a live audience.
"Being recognized by the Garden State Film Festival in my home state is a tremendous honor," said Tom Cavanaugh. "The script for 'BEDBUGGERS' has been a dedicated passion project, and seeing it resonate with the festival's jury validates the hard work poured into this story. I look forward to sharing this unique family dynamic with audiences and industry peers during the live reading in Asbury Park."
The screenwriting accolade adds to a successful season for Cavanaugh and his production banner, Paris Avenue Productions. He recently earned a finalist nomination for Best Short Film or Documentary at the 17th Annual TASTE Awards in Beverly Hills for his documentary short, "Franny's Cookies." An alumnus of the Actors Studio Drama School in New York, Cavanaugh has built a diverse portfolio spanning both stage and screen, emphasizing sharp narrative structure and emotional resonance.
The Garden State Film Festival is recognized as New Jersey's premier independent film festival, acting as a global platform for cinematic excellence. The 2026 event will feature over 200 carefully curated films from 19 countries, celebrating independent storytelling and providing networking opportunities for industry professionals, emerging creators, and regional audiences alike.
About Tom Cavanaugh
Tom Cavanaugh is an award-winning writer, director, and producer whose work bridges the creative communities of New York and Los Angeles. Operating under Paris Avenue Productions, Cavanaugh focuses on character-driven narratives across stage plays, feature screenplays, and independent films. An alumnus of the Actors Studio Drama School, his diverse portfolio includes acclaimed theatrical productions and internationally recognized digital media projects.
For more information, please visit www.tommycwrites.com.
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