All People Free - This film shines a light on the invisible Victims of modern-day slavery in brick kilns. Acclaimed artivist and filmmaker Duda Penteado presents All People Free, a powerful short documentary that exposes the little-known yet devastating reality of modern-day slavery in brick kiln factories across North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. With over 20 million people trapped in forced labor—nearly half of them children—this film is a call to justice and a catalyst for global change. This 10-minute documentary, designed for film festivals and community screenings, gives voice to survivors, unpacks the complexities of this global crisis, and exposes the deep connection between exploitation in brick kilns and broader economic systems and instability. By spotlighting sustainable solutions and collective action, All People Free seeks to galvanize audiences to take meaningful steps toward ending modern slavery. Produced by Unshakeable Productions, the film presents a deeply moving visual narrative that brings attention to the unimaginable suffering endured by families working under inhumane conditions in the brick-making industry. Through intimate storytelling and firsthand accounts, All People Free sheds light on a human rights crisis that remains largely hidden from the world’s view. “It’s impossible to fully grasp the suffering endured by victims of labor trafficking—but Duda’s film refuses to let us look away. Children live hidden in the shadows of brick kilns—enslaved, forgotten. Now that the truth is visible, silence is complicity. We must act. No one is free until everyone is free.” — Ben Nichols, Founder and President of the Board, All People Free “This film is not just about raising awareness; it’s about igniting a movement to eradicate modern slavery,” says Duda Penteado. “The voices of those trapped in this brutal system must be heard—and we must act to end this barbaric practice.” Featuring collaborations with frontline organizations and global human rights advocates, All People Free offers an unfiltered look at the daily struggles of enslaved workers while also highlighting efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and empower victims of this crime against humanity. The film is set to premiere at select film festivals and community events, followed by panel discussions featuring human rights experts, policymakers, and the film’s creative team. Directed by Duda Penteado (00:10:15) New Jersey Premiere
Chris Pinnella: Live at The Vogel - Local musician, Chris Pinnella, brings classic rock hits to The Vogel in Red Bank, NJ. Directed by Mike Livingston (00:22:18) Asbury Park Premiere
Lifelines - Lifelines follows two families whose lives are transformed overnight when they find themselves needing to care for vulnerable family members. In one of the only countries in the world without any form of national paid leave, these families represent the stories of millions who struggle to get by when a new baby or a sick loved one needs care. We follow two couples, Habibah and Rasheed in New Jersey and Elizabeth and Lee in Colorado, and watch as they are able to access state programs that offer them paid family leave. Through their experiences, we see how having time to heal, care, and connect can change everything—when everything changes. What would it mean if every family had this lifeline? Directed by Hannah Rosenzweig, Robin Honan (00:09:42) World Premiere
Our Forgotten Treasures - This is a short-form documentary exploring the deep connection between Newark’s communities and its often-overlooked freshwater bodies—Weequahic Lake, the Passaic River, and Branch Brook Park Lake. Through interviews with local activists, historians, and elders, the film traces the ecological and social history of these waters, uncovering stories of neglect, industrial impact, and revitalization. The documentary is a hopeful call to reimagine these waterways not as forgotten or contaminated relics, but as sacred, life-giving spaces worthy of protection, joy, and community pride. The film is both a love letter to Newark and a call to action for environmental justice. Directed by Emmanuel Ogbonnaya (00:07:43) Asbury Park Premiere
Saving an American Hero - In 2024, the Battleship New Jersey—America’s most decorated battleship—was dry docked for the first time in over three decades. This historic moment marked a critical step in preserving a national icon whose legacy began at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, where she was launched on December 7, 1942. Over nearly half a century of service, Battleship New Jersey earned 19 battle and campaign stars and served in World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War, and in the Persian Gulf. Thousands of sailors served aboard her decks, several of whom share their stories in this documentary. Their voices reflect the ship’s immense impact—not only as a formidable warship but as a symbol of American strength and sacrifice. In 2001, the ship transitioned to her final mission: as a museum and memorial on the Camden waterfront. “Saving an American Hero” follows her journey into dry dock, revealing the critical preservation work required to ensure she can continue telling her story to future generations. From the cleaning and repainting of her underwater hull to the replacement of cathodic protection and testing of through-hull openings, the scope of the restoration was immense—and vital. Over 78 days in dry dock, more than 6,000 visitors toured the underside ship in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that directly supported additional repairs. These efforts reaffirm the Battleship New Jersey’s dual role as an educational institution and a living tribute to the stories of those who served. This documentary captures not only the technical challenge of saving a ship of steel, but also the enduring legacy of those who walked her decks. “Saving an American Hero” documents the history, memory, and the continued preservation of an American legend. Directed by Micki Pagano-Parente (00:38:17) World Premiere
