Thousands flocked to Jersey City for the Golden Door International Film Festival.

Veterans of the movie business and new comers are participating in the event, which has screenings at the historic Loews Theater and other spots.

Famed actor and New Jersey resident Garry Pastore appeared in two movies at the festival, including one called "Sarah Q."

"I like to create my characters like I did in 'Sarah Q,'" Pastore said. "By me being in this independent, I had a little more freedom to explore."

Executive director of the event, Michele Sorvino, is part of the famous Sorvino acting family. They founded the festival eight years ago.

Many filmmakers hope the exposure from the festival will help land a distribution for their film.

Others, like Jersey City realtor Dan Reiser, were just happy to be on screen. He was featured in a movie 15 years after giving up acting.

"Getting my feet once again in the acting industry," Reiser said. "It's been a passion of mine for a very long time."

A total of 235 movies will be shown by the time the festival wraps up. It closes with an awards ceremony on Sunday.