PBS’ acclaimed documentary series Independent Lens is celebrating two decades of community engagement with the launch of the 20th season of its Indie Lens Pop-Up program. Partnering with the Teaneck International Film Festival and the Puffin Cultural Forum, the series will offer a robust lineup of free screenings and discussions designed to foster conversation around compelling social issues, cultural stories, and diverse perspectives. The season kicks off on February 4, 2026, with The Librarians and will continue through May, featuring both in-person events in New Jersey and virtual screenings across more than 200 communities nationwide.
The Indie Lens Pop-Up series has become a cornerstone of community-based film programming, drawing nearly half a million participants over its long history. These screenings are more than just film presentations—they are interactive experiences that encourage audiences to examine complex topics, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue with neighbors and experts alike. In Teaneck, screenings will take place at the Puffin Cultural Forum, with an additional New Jersey venue at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, expanding access to audiences throughout the region.
This season’s lineup highlights a range of thought-provoking stories. The Librarians explores how book review policies in libraries across the country influence access to knowledge and community discourse. The Inquisitor examines the life and legacy of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, highlighting her political impact and personal journey. The Tallest Dwarf follows filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman as she explores her identity within the Little People community, offering intimate perspectives on dwarfism and family dynamics. The Grocery List Show immerses viewers in five international grocery stores in America with Top Chef contender Chrissy Camba, exploring culture, cuisine, and community connections through the lens of local food traditions.
Beatriz Castillo, senior director of engagement and impact operations at ITVS, emphasized the value of the program: “What makes Independent Lens truly special is the way Indie Lens Pop-Up brings these powerful documentaries right into local communities all across the country. These aren’t just film screenings—they’re opportunities for people to come together, have real conversations, and explore different perspectives in a way that’s respectful and inclusive.”
Jeremy Lentz, Executive Director of the Teaneck International Film Festival, added, “The films being presented empower our community to come together and talk about topics that might be otherwise difficult to discuss. With this continued partnership, we’re not only able to watch films from the award-winning Independent Lens series, but also create open, safe forums to talk about important issues affecting our neighborhoods today.”
The Indie Lens Pop-Up initiative represents a unique convergence of film, culture, and civic engagement, offering New Jersey residents and audiences nationwide the chance to engage with important stories while connecting with their communities. For schedules, registration, and more information on screenings, Explore New Jersey’s <a href=”https://explorenewjersey.org/film-tv/”>film & TV</a> section provides comprehensive updates, highlighting local events and cultural programming that enrich the state’s arts landscape.
As the 20th season unfolds, the Indie Lens Pop-Up series continues to exemplify how documentary film can be a catalyst for conversation, understanding, and social awareness, giving audiences in Teaneck, Fort Lee, and across the country opportunities to explore the world through both familiar and unexpected lenses.
