In a bold celebration of independent journalism and documentary filmmaking, the Barrymore Film Center is partnering with the Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) to host the New Jersey premiere of the critically acclaimed documentary Steal This Story, Please! on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The screening will be followed by an exclusive talkback featuring Amy Goodman, the award-winning journalist and host of Democracy Now! who is the subject of the film, alongside producer Karen Ranucci.
Steal This Story, Please! offers an in-depth look at the challenges and triumphs of investigative journalism in the modern era, highlighting Goodman’s decades-long commitment to reporting stories often overlooked by mainstream media. The documentary underscores the importance of independent voices in shaping public discourse and emphasizes the risks journalists take to bring truth to light. By showcasing this work, TIFF and the Barrymore Film Center are amplifying conversations around media accountability, freedom of the press, and the crucial role of investigative reporting in democracy.
The collaboration represents a growing trend of cultural partnerships in New Jersey, where film festivals are increasingly partnering with local theaters to provide audiences with meaningful experiences that extend beyond traditional screenings. Attendees will not only view the film but also engage directly with the people behind it during the post-screening discussion, offering a rare opportunity to hear insights from both the filmmaker and the journalist herself. This interaction is expected to foster dialogue about the state of independent media, the ethics of reporting, and the impact of grassroots storytelling.
TIFF, a project of The Puffin Foundation, has a long history of curating films that highlight social justice, community issues, and underrepresented perspectives. By joining forces with the Barrymore Film Center, the festival continues its mission of promoting films that challenge audiences, inspire critical thinking, and provide platforms for emerging and established voices alike. This New Jersey premiere aligns with the festival’s commitment to connecting filmmakers, journalists, and audiences in meaningful ways, creating an immersive cultural experience that extends beyond the screen.
The Barrymore Film Center itself has become a cornerstone for independent and art-house cinema in the region, known for supporting events that elevate local, national, and international filmmaking. Through its collaboration with TIFF, the theater further solidifies its role as a hub for thought-provoking content, fostering community engagement through discussions, panels, and interactive events tied to screenings.
For those interested in exploring similar cultural offerings, film festivals across New Jersey provide year-round opportunities to discover independent films, documentaries, and narrative features that might otherwise go unseen. From thought-provoking premieres to panels with filmmakers, these festivals offer a rich landscape for residents and visitors to engage with the state’s vibrant cinematic community.
The January 29 premiere of Steal This Story, Please! promises to be a landmark event, combining documentary storytelling with live discussion, and reinforcing New Jersey’s position as a hub for independent cinema, cultural dialogue, and advocacy through art. Audiences can expect an evening that not only entertains but also sparks conversation on the power and responsibility of journalism in society.
