20th Anniversary TIFF Lineup Revealed! Get Ready for 8 Days of Activism, Drama, and Can’t-Miss Films in Teaneck, NJ.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teaneck NJ, the Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) is ready to roll the credits on its monumental 20th anniversary with a powerhouse lineup that’s more relevant and urgent than ever. Dubbed “Activism: Making Change,” this year’s festival will run from November 6 – 13, 2025, transforming Teaneck, NJ, into a hub for social conscience, compelling cinema, and thought-provoking discussion.
A project of The Puffin Foundation Ltd., the 20th-anniversary event features over 25 films, including narrative features, documentaries, and shorts, all committed to shedding light on critical issues from civil rights and immigration to LGBTQ+ concerns and threats to free speech.
As Executive Director Jeremy Lentz states, “The Teaneck International Film Festival stands strong as we celebrate our 20th year in continuing to provide a platform to showcase some of the most compelling independent films that shed light and raise awareness on some of the most pressing issues of our time.”
Festival Highlights: From Blacklisting to Equal Pay
The 2025 lineup is packed with films that inspire involvement and activism. Here are some of the can’t-miss screenings:
Opening Night: Hazel Scott’s Fight Against the Red Scare
- Film: The Disappearance of Miss Scott (Documentary Feature)
- When: Thursday, November 6, 7:30 p.m. at Teaneck Cinemas.
- The Story: This powerful documentary chronicles the life of jazz virtuoso Hazel Scott, who was blacklisted from Hollywood and had her American television show canceled simply for refusing to perform for segregated audiences during the infamous Red Scare.
- Sponsored by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Bergen/Passaic Chapter.
Narrative Centerpiece: A Heartfelt Italian Comedy-Drama
- Film: A World Apart (Un mondo a parte)
- When: Saturday, November 8.
- The Story: From Italian filmmaker Riccardo Milani, this award-winning comedy-drama follows a Roman teacher battling his “urban inadequacy” to save a tiny mountain school from closure. Praised for its community spirit and winning two Nastro d’Argento Awards, this film proves comedy can have a heart.
- Event: Includes food, wine, the film, and a talkback (minimum $40 donation required for entry).
Closing Night: Patricia Clarkson’s Battle for Fair Pay
- Film: Lilly (Narrative Feature)
- When: Sunday, November 9, at Temple Emeth.
- The Story: Starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Patricia Clarkson, Lilly is based on the true story of Lilly Ledbetter, an Alabama factory supervisor whose decades-long fight for equal pay led to a landmark Supreme Court case and inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.
- Featuring: A post-film talkback with filmmaker Rachel Feldman, Senator Loretta Weinberg, and surprise guests.
- Special Note: The WOW (Women of Wisdom) annual award will be presented to Teaneck leaders Allison Davis and Hildy Dillon for their activism.
Diverse Voices and Global Perspectives
The weekend schedule includes an incredible slate of films addressing modern issues:
- Coexistence, My Ass!: A documentary that uses humor to follow Israeli activist-comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi as she fiercely confronts the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Locker Room Talk: A documentary exploring a high school football team’s journey to confront hyper-masculine culture through storytelling, redefining what it means to be a man.
- The Librarians: Follows librarians across the U.S. as they combat book bans and defend intellectual freedom against a rising tide of censorship.
- Shttl: A stunning Yiddish narrative feature shot in Ukraine, depicting life in a Jewish village just 24 hours before the Nazi invasion in 1941.
Beyond the Screen: Filmmaker Bootcamp & Virtual Access
TIFF is offering more than just screenings:
- Free Filmmaker Bootcamp: On Wednesday, November 12th, at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Television Executive and Producer Ashley McFarlin will lead a free bootcamp exploring the fundamentals of TV/film production, content development, pitching, and distribution.
- Virtual Film Series: For those outside of New Jersey or who prefer to watch at home, a pass grants access to five virtual films any time during the festival week for just $15.
- Little Kid Flicks: The festival hasn’t forgotten its youngest audience! Award-winning animated shorts will be shown on Sunday, November 2nd, at the Puffin Cultural Forum, hosted by New Jersey’s own Miss Jolie. Children aged 4-8 are free with a paying adult.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cinema that sparks change. Tickets are on sale now!
- Individual Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door (if available).
- Virtual Film Series Pass: $15 for all five virtual films and moderated talkbacks.
Visit for the full lineup, showtimes, and to purchase tickets.
Want to stay in the loop about exciting casting opportunities? Look no further! Subscribe to our casting email and unlock a world of possibilities. https://phillyfaces.com/
Lots of new projects are coming! #Actors #Models #Talent #Casting #Subscribe #Opportunities #DreamsComeTru
