(TEANECK, NJ) -- The 2024 Teaneck International Film Festival opens on Thursday, November 7th with Freedom Hair - a feature based on the real story of a Black woman's fight to start a hair braiding business in Mississippi.  The screening begins at 7:30pm.

Based on the inspiring true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who works at a shelter for battered women decides to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence for herself and others. To do so she must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the State of Mississippi.

The film was written and directed by Dianne Houston. The cast includes Simona Brown, Jeremie Harris, Sophia Bush, and Erica Tazel.

Following the film will be a talkback with Melony Armstrong, subject of film; Actor Jeremie Harris; NJ State Senator Angela McKnight, introduced & sought passage of the CROWN ACT. The screening is sponsored by National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Bergen / Passaic Chapter,

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door (if still available). Tickets for this screening and the entire festival are available for purchase online. Temple Emeth is located at 1666 Windsor Road in Teaneck, New Jersey.

The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place November 7-14, 2024 across several venues in Teaneck, New Jersey. The festival features  over 25 films, panel discussions, and parties, with filmmakers, actors, elected officials and industry guests  in attendance.

With the support of the nonprofit organization Puffin Foundation, Ltd., a small group of dedicated volunteers set out, more than 20 years ago, to create an event that would present a collection of compelling and imaginative feature-length films, documentaries, and shorts from a variety of cultures that would lead audiences to question, debate, and become caring and involved citizens who recognize the need to institute positive change. TIFF has found its niche on the film festival circuit, and, having been dubbed by the Star-Ledger, “the film festival with a social conscience,” is growing in reputation as well as numbers.