About

About Diane Raver

Diane Raver -Executive Director of the New Jersey Film Academy, is a proud Sea Girt, NJ native. She discovered her passion for cinema early in life, inspired by countless visits to her local movie house in Manasquan the Algonquin. With a distinguished career as a producer and director, she made history in 1987 by becoming the first woman president of a TV commercial production company in New York City, founding The Madison Group.
In 2002, Diane co-founded The Garden State Film Festival, (GSFF) which has evolved into an internationally celebrated event held annually in Asbury Park. The GSFF attracts over 20,000 global attendees yearly and has hosted a roster of illustrious celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, Glenn Close, Robert Pastorelli, Christopher Lloyd, Ed Asner, Armand Assante, Frank Vincent, Paul Sorvino, Budd Schulberg, Kurtwood Smith, James Gandolfini, Celeste Holm, and Clarence Clemons.
Diane's contributions to the film industry have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Alice Guy Blaché Award, the New Jersey Moviemakers Network Award for Excellence, and the Algonquin Arts Leadership & Legacy Award. She holds a B.S. degree from Thomas Jefferson University, and her commitment to supporting New Jersey filmmakers and community initiatives has earned her widespread recognition.
Diane is the widow of the award-winning Director/Cameraman M. Carroll Raver, Jr. She is not only a proud stepmother to his four children from previous marriages but also the mother of their three children together. As a pioneer in the film industry and an unwavering advocate for New Jersey filmmakers, Diane Raver continues to leave a profound impact on both the entertainment world and her community.