Winning Horror from The First NJ Horror Con and Film Festival

Cosplay, horror, and films all weekend long.

Both local and national talent was on display at the first horror-themed convention of its kind in central New Jersey.  The horror-themed convention recognized creative talent while giving the horror culture of new Jersey what it has needed for a long time. A convention that not only honors the genre but fills a gap for horror fans in "The Garden State".

#TheRing #cosplay at its finest #njhorrorcon @njhorrorcon #horror #FilmFestival pic.twitter.com/N5rXLsZ32N

— The Blogboard Jungle (@B_Boardjungle) April 2, 2017

The first day of the convention was already busier than expected. If you are familiar with how these things go, you know that the Saturday of any pop culture themed convention is its strongest day. Not the case for the NJ Horror Con.

Father Evil points to where he was spawned.

"In 'Con-talk' Friday's are usually dead. Saturday's your money day and Sunday is give or take." -Father Evil/ Lou Avilleira

Keeping with the theme of firsts, the convention had its first NJ Horror Film Festival Awards. Among the winners was Tiffany Shepis, for best actress in The Night  Watchmen . Three inept night watchmen, aided by a young rookie and a fearless tabloid journalist, fight an epic battle to save their lives.

Tiffany Shepis wins 'Best Actress' for The Night Watchmen

Best Screenplay went to Christian Morán for Let's Play Dead Girl a film inspired by true events. The film about two best friends who create a website surrounding a mystical being and their imagination getting the better of them.

Christian Moran wins 'Best Screenplay' for Let's Play Dead Girl

The three-day convention featured regular staples that make conventions like this fun. Cosplay contests, meet and greets with celebrities from horror classics and of course, horror and movie themed collectibles for sale. The event program said they would be holding another one in September of 2017, just in time for Halloween and you know we love Halloween here in the jungle.

Sadly, we will have to wait until then.

See you in September NJ Horror Con.

Photos: Ed Carbajal