TEANECK, NJ — The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) returns November 5–12 for its 21st edition, bringing eight days of documentaries, feature films, short films, special premieres, and conversations with filmmakers to venues across Teaneck and Fort Lee.
Organized as a project of The Puffin Foundation, the festival continues its longstanding mission under the theme “Activism: Making Change,” using cinema to explore important social issues and encourage public dialogue.
This year’s program features 23 films addressing civil rights, immigration, environmental protection, gender equality, cultural identity, historical struggles, and the power of individuals to create meaningful change.
The festival’s activities will culminate on Thursday, November 12, at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, where the documentary Gaslit, directed by Katie Camosy and featuring actress and environmental activist Jane Fonda, will receive its New Jersey premiere.
Opening Night: A Forgotten Pioneer of American History
The festival opens Thursday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Teaneck Cinemas, 503 Cedar Lane, with Annie Turnbo Malone: The Untold Story, directed by Kim Love.
The documentary explores the extraordinary life of Annie Turnbo Malone, an African American entrepreneur who built a successful beauty and hair-care business during the early 20th century despite widespread racial discrimination and barriers facing women in business.
By 1920, Malone had become one of America’s wealthiest women, creating economic opportunities for thousands of others.
The film brings renewed attention to a pioneering businesswoman whose achievements remain less widely recognized than those of some of her contemporaries.
Bea Arthur Documentary Among Festival Highlights
On Saturday, November 7, the festival will present Bea Arthur: The Documentary, directed by Dan Watt, at Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck.
The documentary offers an intimate portrait of the celebrated actress, best known for her roles in Maude and The Golden Girls, exploring both her entertainment career and her commitment to social causes.
A buffet reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the screening at 8 p.m. Tickets for this special event cost $40, before applicable fees.
The Dads and a Special Award for Luchina Fisher
On Sunday, November 8, at 2:30 p.m., Teaneck Cinemas will host the New Jersey premiere of The Dads, directed by Luchina Fisher.
The documentary follows fathers supporting their transgender and gender-expansive children as they navigate increasingly difficult social and political circumstances.
During the screening, Fisher will receive the inaugural Sandi Klein Creative Woman in Film Award, recognizing her contributions to storytelling and socially engaged filmmaking.
The presentation will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker.
Free Filmmaker Boot Camp at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Beyond its film screenings, the festival will offer educational opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
On Wednesday, November 11, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck will host a free Filmmaker Boot Camp featuring television executive and producer Ashley McFarlin.
The workshop will introduce participants to the practical aspects of film and television production, including developing ideas, creating content, preparing pitches, and distributing finished projects.
The event is free, but advance registration is required.
Fort Lee Hosts Festival Finale With Environmental Documentary Gaslit
The festival will conclude on Thursday, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Barrymore Film Center, 1 Park Avenue, Fort Lee, with the New Jersey premiere of Gaslit.
Directed by Katie Camosy, the documentary follows Academy Award-winning actress and activist Jane Fonda as she travels through oil- and gas-producing regions of the United States, meeting residents and community organizers confronting the environmental and public health consequences of fossil fuel development.
Through conversations with families, workers, and activists, the film examines how communities are responding to pollution, industrial expansion, and the challenges posed by climate change.
Camosy has been selected to receive the festival’s 2026 Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award, which includes a $5,000 prize recognizing filmmakers whose work combines artistic storytelling with social engagement.
Following the screening, audiences will have an opportunity to participate in a discussion featuring Camosy, environmental activist Paula Rogovin, and environmental justice advocate Elida Castillo. The discussion is scheduled to be moderated by Philip R. Selby, formerly of CBS News.
The closing event highlights Fort Lee’s continuing connection to filmmaking and provides local audiences with an opportunity to experience documentary cinema focused on one of today’s most pressing environmental debates.
Tickets and Virtual Screenings
Most individual festival screenings cost $10, excluding applicable ticketing fees, while certain special events have different admission prices.
For viewers unable to attend in person, the festival also offers a virtual program from November 5 through November 12, featuring three films and prerecorded filmmaker discussions. The virtual all-access pass costs $15, before fees.
The Teaneck International Film Festival has established itself as an important cultural event in Bergen County, bringing together filmmakers, activists, students, and residents to explore stories that challenge perspectives and encourage dialogue.
For the full schedule, tickets, registration, and possible program updates, visit https://www.teaneckfilmfestival.org/.
Sources: Teaneck International Film Festival; Official Festival Schedule and Tickets; New Jersey Stage
By NJ RADAR Team