Musician and lead of Parliament-Funkadelic, George Clinton. Photo courtesy of Firelight Films

(TEANECK, NJ) -- Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS, Teaneck International Film Festival, Puffin Cultural Forum and Teaneck Public Library will host a screening of WE WANT THE FUNK! featuring a live panel discussion with world renowned filmmaker Stanley Nelson moderated by global music innovator Vivian Scott Chew (Chew Entertainment) on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at The Puffin Cultural Forum. The event begins at 4:00pm.

WE WANT THE FUNK! features some of the most iconic musical legends, including James Brown, George Clinton, Questlove, David Bowie, and Elton John. Directed by Stanley Nelson and co-directed and produced by Nicole London, the documentary is a syncopated voyage through the history of funk music.

From the early work of James Brown and the rise of Parliament-Funkadelic through the present day, WE WANT THE FUNK! provides a kaleidoscopic look into the history of funk music. Distinctly urban, funk music reflected a post-Civil Rights Movement sensibility. The film examines the symbiotic relationship between the explosion of funk music and the political and racial dynamics in 1970s America.

(LEFT) Stanley Nelson (RIGHT) Vivian Scott Chew

The free preview screening of WE WANT THE FUNK! followed by a community discussion about the journey of funk music and its place in Black and American culture along with the legends who paved the way.  Moderated by Vivian Scott Chew featuring filmmaker Stanley Nelson.  Event will include live funk music DJ, Charles Dixon.  Patrons are encouraged to wear their best funk music outfits to the screening.

The event is free, but RSVP is required.  Reserve your spot here. The Puffin Cultural Forum is located at 20 Puffin Way in Teaneck, New Jersey. If the in-person event is listed as sold out, please sign up for the waiting list as additional tickets may open up.  To join the waiting list, click here.

Then on Wednesday, April 2nd there will be an online screening and talkback accessible to viewers nationwide starting at 7:30 pm (Eastern Time).

Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS's INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most.

Dance historian, Thomas F. DeFrantz. Photo courtesy of Firelight Films

INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. With founding executive producer Lois Vossen, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Park Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Stream anytime on the PBS app.

Now in its 20th year, Teaneck International Film Festival draws over 4,000 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 issues, threats to democracy, immigration, and more -- stories of ordinary citizens whose voices are 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.