The 12th Annual Hoboken International Film Festival kicked off Friday with plenty of filmmakers and partygoers mingling.

Never-before seen films and TV pilots will premiere at the Hoboken film festival over the next few days. More than 175 films will compete for awards in such categories as features, documentaries and short films.

There will also be more than 25 countries represented at the festival. The festival is known as one of the biggest of its kind in the world.
                                                                       
"You can find films here from India, China or Timbuktu literally and they may be here at this festival," said actor and Emmy-winner Armand Assante. "It's very important because people get a glimpse into understanding the many issues that confront the world."

Assante was presented with a lifetime achievement award. The festival runs for one week and concludes with an award ceremony.