Warren Filmmaker’s Award-Winning Short Heads To Brooklyn Festival

WARREN, NJ — An award-winning short film from Warren filmmaker Sabatino Ciatti Jr. is headed to Brooklyn next month for another festival appearance.

“WRESTLE-OFF” is headed to Brooklyn after being selected for the 19th annual Bushwick Film Festival. The festival will run from Oct. 7 through Oct. 11, bringing independent films and other programming to Brooklyn. “WRESTLE-OFF” is scheduled to screen as part of the festival on Friday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m., in Williamsburg Cinemas Theater 6.

“WRESTLE-OFF” follows Alex, who returns to wrestling during her senior year after the death of her father, who believed she belonged on the team. She sets out to earn a varsity spot on the all-male team her father once coached while navigating her grief and deciding how to approach a matchup with her rival, Hunter.

The film, starring Jillian Rezen and inspired by wrestler Skylar Grote, explores themes of grief, perseverance and resilience.

The film has already earned recognition closer to home. The New Jersey International Film Festival named “WRESTLE-OFF,” by Warren filmmaker Sabatino Ciatti Jr., its Best Short Film winner. The honor gave the Warren filmmaker a New Jersey festival win before the film’s upcoming appearance in Brooklyn.

This year’s festival carries the theme “Make Time for Your Dreams,” according to the Bushwick Film Festival. The Bushwick Film Festival said the theme celebrates the time, courage and commitment involved in bringing meaningful ideas to life, while recognizing filmmakers and artists who continue creating alongside everyday responsibilities.

The Bushwick Film Festival says its mission is to “discover emerging voices, share great stories, and build community through the power of film.” The 2026 festival is expected to feature about 100 films.

The Bushwick Film Festival is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to discover emerging voices, share stories and build community through film.

Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.