Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) has once again positioned itself as a premier platform for socially conscious cinema. Known for sparking dialogue and inspiring change under its enduring theme “Activism: Making Change,” TIFF is drawing attention with a slate of films that tackle pressing social issues, feature special guests, and explore stories both timely and deeply human.

Teaneck International Film Festival 2025: Comprehensive Guide to This Year’s Must-See Films

As the Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, it continues to honor its mission of “Activism: Making Change.” This year’s lineup brings together socially conscious filmmakers, impactful storytelling, and opportunities for audience engagement, offering a platform where film becomes a catalyst for dialogue and action. Below is a detailed guide to the festival’s standout films, screenings, and interactive events.

1. Lilly

Theme: Equal rights and workplace justice
Screening: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Temple Emeth, Teaneck, NJ
Description: Lilly dramatizes the remarkable life and advocacy of Lilly Ledbetter, a trailblazer in the fight for workplace equality. The film focuses on her landmark legal battle, emphasizing perseverance in the face of systemic inequality.
Special Panel: A post-screening discussion with director Rachel Feldman and State Senator Loretta Weinberg will examine the ongoing relevance of Lilly Ledbetter’s work and its implications for gender equity in the workplace.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: The combination of a compelling true story, a high-profile lead performance by Patricia Clarkson, and an interactive Q&A with influential figures in policy and law makes this a highlight of the festival.

2. Among Neighbors

Theme: Post-WWII reconciliation and community tensions
Screening: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Teaneck Cinemas, Teaneck, NJ
Description: Utilizing hand-drawn animation, this New Jersey premiere investigates a murder mystery in a small rural town, exploring fractured relationships between Jewish and Polish neighbors in the aftermath of World War II. The film blends historical events with reflective storytelling.
Special Panel: Dr. Eric Goldman, film scholar and historian, will moderate a post-screening talkback, providing insight into the historical context and facilitating discussion on lessons for contemporary community relations.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: The innovative animation style paired with a socially resonant story makes this film a unique blend of art and activism, appealing to historians, educators, and cinephiles alike.

3. Saffron Kingdom

Theme: Identity, migration, and resilience
Screening: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Venue: Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck, NJ
Description: This drama tells the story of a Kashmiri woman’s escape to America, highlighting the personal and cultural challenges of migration. Director Arfat Sheikh received TIFF’s inaugural Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award for this work.
Special Panel: Following the screening, Sheikh will participate in a Q&A session, discussing both the creative process and the real-life inspiration behind the story, offering viewers a deeper understanding of global migration issues.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: The award-winning storytelling and focus on underrepresented voices make this film a centerpiece for TIFF’s commitment to social justice cinema.

4. Plastic People

Theme: Environmental activism and public health
Screening: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Venue: Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck, NJ
Description: This documentary investigates the escalating crisis of microplastics and their effects on human health, combining expert interviews, field research, and global case studies.
Special Panel: A discussion with local environmental activists and policy experts will follow the screening, highlighting steps New Jersey can take to combat plastic pollution.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: With environmental issues at the forefront of public concern, this screening engages audiences in real-world solutions while linking cinematic storytelling to policy action.

5. The Librarians

Theme: Censorship, education, and civil liberties
Screening: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck, NJ
Description: This documentary explores librarians in Texas navigating censorship pressures tied to White Christian nationalism, exposing the intersection of politics, education, and community resistance.
Special Panel: Discussion with education advocates and legal experts examining national trends in book bans, freedom of information, and community-led activism.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: The film’s timely critique of censorship resonates nationwide, making it essential viewing for educators, policymakers, and civil rights advocates.

6. Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey

Theme: Journalism and civil rights
Screening: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Venue: Teaneck Cinemas, Teaneck, NJ
Description: Tracing the history of the National Association of Black Journalists, this documentary highlights the contributions of Black journalists in shaping media narratives and advocating for equality.
Special Panel: A conversation with contemporary Black journalists and media scholars will follow, connecting historical achievements to current challenges in the field.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: As conversations about media representation and racial equity intensify, this documentary provides historical context and sparks meaningful discussion.

7. Vigilantes Inc.: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen

Theme: Voting rights and democracy
Screening: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Venue: Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck, NJ
Description: This investigative documentary exposes self-appointed groups targeting young voters and communities of color, illustrating the modern challenges of electoral participation in America.
Special Panel: Voting rights attorneys and civic organizers will join the post-screening discussion to outline strategies for protecting voter access.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: The film’s focus on democracy, civic engagement, and contemporary politics makes it a must-see for activists, educators, and voters alike.

8. Home: Two (HU)Men, Silent Force, Your Silence is Loud Cecilia

Theme: Migration, identity, and interdisciplinary art
Screening: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Puffin Cultural Forum, Teaneck, NJ
Description: This curated program of short films blends cinematic storytelling with live dance performances, exploring themes of displacement and identity through the lens of a Jewish and European-Yemeni artist.
Special Panel: A live Q&A with the artist and performers will delve into the creative integration of film and dance, offering insight into cross-disciplinary approaches to storytelling.
Why It’s Buzz-Worthy: This immersive experience highlights TIFF’s commitment to innovation in art and activism, offering audiences an interactive and multi-sensory engagement with contemporary issues.

Additional TIFF Resources and Ticket Information

TIFF provides tickets for individual films or full festival passes, available online through www.teaneckfilmfestival.org. Attendees can also access virtual screenings, allowing viewers outside of Teaneck to participate in panel discussions and Q&As. Social media pages on Instagram and Facebook provide regular updates, trailers, and behind-the-scenes content.

For comprehensive information on the full lineup, screenings, and events, visit Explore New Jersey’s film festival section, where audiences can explore the festival schedule, artist profiles, and community initiatives. TIFF 2025 promises to be a landmark year for socially conscious storytelling, connecting filmmakers, audiences, and activists in meaningful dialogue.

Among the most talked-about selections this year is Lilly, the festival’s closing film. Based on the extraordinary true story of equal-rights advocate Lilly Ledbetter, the film is poised to leave a lasting impression with Patricia Clarkson delivering a commanding performance. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with the film’s director, Rachel Feldman, and New Jersey State Senator Loretta Weinberg in a post-screening discussion that promises insight into both the historical and contemporary significance of Ledbetter’s fight for workplace equality.

Another film generating buzz is Among Neighbors, making its New Jersey premiere at TIFF. Using hand-drawn animation, the film investigates a post-World War II murder in a small town, exploring the delicate tensions between Jewish and Polish neighbors. Its exploration of fractured communities resonates today, and a talkback moderated by film scholar Dr. Eric Goldman will provide context and invite conversation about reconciliation and memory in post-conflict societies.

Saffron Kingdom is also attracting attention, having earned director Arfat Sheikh the festival’s inaugural Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award. The drama, inspired by real events, chronicles the journey of a Kashmiri woman escaping to the United States and examines themes of identity, resilience, and the universal quest for safety and freedom.

Environmental activism is at the forefront with Plastic People, a documentary addressing the growing global crisis of microplastics and their impact on human health. Following the screening, a panel of experts will discuss actionable strategies for New Jersey to lead in combating plastic pollution, linking the film’s urgent message to local communities and policies.

TIFF’s lineup also includes The Librarians, a documentary investigating censorship efforts in Texas and their connection to White Christian nationalism. Its timely subject matter is sparking conversations around freedom of expression and the national debate on book bans. Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey provides a historical look at the National Association of Black Journalists, blending archival footage with personal accounts to highlight the enduring fight for equity in media representation.

In the politically charged atmosphere of the current election cycle, Vigilantes Inc.: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitmen is particularly relevant. The documentary exposes self-appointed “vote-fraud hunters” targeting young voters and communities of color, prompting reflection on the integrity and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

In a unique fusion of film and live performance, Home offers a program of short films combined with a live dance interpretation that explores themes of displacement, identity, and belonging through a Jewish and European-Yemeni artistic lens. The immersive format adds an interactive layer to TIFF’s storytelling, highlighting the festival’s commitment to creative innovation.

For viewers interested in exploring the full schedule, trailers, and ticket availability, TIFF maintains an updated website with comprehensive film descriptions, as well as active social media pages on Instagram and Facebook. The festival continues to cultivate a space where films not only entertain but also challenge, educate, and encourage meaningful action.

For more details on TIFF and its socially conscious lineup, visit Explore New Jersey’s film festival section, where audiences can find event schedules, ticket information, and highlights from past editions of the festival. TIFF’s 20th anniversary promises to be an unmissable celebration of film, activism, and community dialogue.

Teaneck International Film Festival Highlights Environmental Urgency with “Plastic People”

As part of its milestone 20th anniversary, the Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) continues to showcase films that challenge, educate, and inspire action under its long-standing theme, “Activism: Making Change.” This year, the festival spotlights Plastic People, a compelling environmental documentary that exposes the growing dangers of microplastics to human health and the planet.

The screening is set for Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, offering attendees more than just a film experience. Following the documentary, a panel discussion will bring together environmental experts, community leaders, and activists to examine the impacts of microplastics locally and globally, while exploring actionable strategies for New Jersey to take a leading role in reducing plastic pollution.

Plastic People delves into the hidden presence of microplastics in daily life—from drinking water to food sources—and the serious long-term effects these tiny particles have on human health and the environment. The film presents a compelling narrative that combines scientific research, investigative reporting, and personal stories, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and policy reform.

TIFF’s programming for its 20th anniversary emphasizes the festival’s mission to use cinema as a vehicle for social change. By pairing the screening with a panel discussion, the festival encourages a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, giving audiences the tools and knowledge to make tangible differences in their communities. The event is part of a broader lineup that includes films addressing topics such as civil rights, voter suppression, migration, and social justice, highlighting TIFF’s commitment to socially engaged storytelling.

Tickets for Plastic People and other festival screenings are available in advance via the Teaneck International Film Festival website or at the door. The festival’s hybrid approach—offering both in-person and virtual screenings—ensures accessibility for audiences across the state and beyond. Attendees can engage directly with filmmakers, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with fellow advocates to share ideas for environmental action.

For more information on Plastic People, the Teaneck International Film Festival schedule, and other socially conscious films featured during the 20th anniversary celebration, visit Explore New Jersey’s film festival section. TIFF continues to offer an immersive, educational, and inspiring experience for anyone interested in the intersection of art, activism, and community engagement.