originally published: 12/27/2022

Opening Night Film "A Story of Bones" presented by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Bergen Chapter - pictured are the chapter members

(TEANECK, NJ) -- The 17th annual Teaneck International Film Festival took place November 13-20, 2022 with both virtual and in-person screenings. More than 15 years ago, a small group of dedicated volunteers with the support of the nonprofit organization Puffin Foundation, Ltd., set out 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.

The festival 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.

Here are photos from the festival by Barbara Balkin, Teaneck International Film Festival Staff.

Deltas and TWT: Members of The Bergen County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority & Teaneck Women Together with Teaneck Film Festival's Executive Director - Jeremy Lentz

Trans Comedian from America's Got Talent: Julia Scotti - at her documentary "Julia Scotti: Funny That Way"

RECIPE FOR CHANGE: AMPLIFYING BLACK WOMEN: Renowned vocalist Vivian Sessoms

Reshma Khan, Activist receiving Woman of the Year Award presented by Teaneck Int'l Film Festival's co-founder Judith Distler

RECIPE FOR CHANGE: STANDING UP TO ANTISEMITISM: pictured from left to right: Allison Josephs, Jew in the City, Founder & Executive Director; Todd Shotz, consulting producer of the film; Matt Fernández Konigsberg, appears in the film and is an activist working for the rights of Puerto Ricans, and against antisemitism; Scott Richman, ADL Regional Director NY/NJ

"A Story of Bones": From Left to right: Sonia Tracey, Arts & Culture Chair of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Gwenette Resse, President of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Arnold Brown - Civil Rights Historian, Peggy King Jorde - Impact Producer & Protagonist of film "A Story of Bones," Emmy Award Winner, Randall Pinkston, Tiff Exec. Director Jeremy Lentz, & Jaclyn Durante, TIFF Arts and Culture Co-Chair

Screening of "AFTERSHOCK: from left to right - Paula Eiselt, filmmaker; Film protagonists Shawnee Benton Gibson, Civil Rights Icon Theodora Lacey, Film protagonists Omari Maynard & Bruce McIntyre

The Teaneck International Film Festival draws over 3,000 filmgoers each year. Films and talkbacks illustrate what TIFF is about – making untouchable topics part of everyday conversation by addressing racism, oppression, the environment, the LGBTQ community, women’s concerns, immigration -- stories of the little guy whose story is not often heard. With the theme, Activism: Making Change, the festival is an excellent starting point for fostering appreciation of differences, understanding all that we share, and encouraging efforts to help make the world a better place.

ALL PHOTOS BY Barbara Balkin, Teaneck International Film Festival Staff