Once again, the Teaneck International Film Festival, to run November 5-8, 2015, will include films of Jewish interest that will be shown throughout the day on Sunday, November 8, at Teaneck Cinemas, the Puffin Cultural Forum, and Temple Emeth. The complete schedule is online at www.teaneckfilmfestival.org. Tickets may be purchased in advance—online, at Teaneck General Store on Cedar Lane, and at the Teaneck Cinemas.
On the program this year are critically acclaimed documentary and feature films that have been on the national and international film festival circuit: Dough, Felix and Meira, Rosenwald, Secrets of War, When Voices Meet and Zemene.
“Dough,” a feature from England, is about a friendship that develops between an Orthodox Jewish baker and the young, black Muslim immigrant he hires to work for him without knowing about a business he has on the side. A story about understanding and human relations is told with humor and compassion.
The Canadian entry “Felix and Meira” is also about a relationship—this one between a restless young Hasidic housewife from Montreal’s Jewish community and the man she meets who is mourning the death of his estranged father.
In the documentary “Rosenwald” we are introduced to the son of Jewish immigrants who became the head of Sears and, as one of the wealthiest men of the early 20th century, one of our country’s greatest philanthropists and an inspiring leader in Jewish partnerships with African Americans.
“Secrets of War,” which takes place during World War II, explores the friendship of three children whose lives are changed drastically during the Nazi occupation of Holland.
In post-apartheid South Africa, after the release of Nelson Mandela, the “Peace Train” toured the country with a mixed-race children’s choir led by Sharon Katz. Their story is told in the award-winning documentary “When Voices Meet,” and will be followed by musical selections by Sharon and others, who will also participate in a talkback. Wise Older Women (WOW), sponsors of the film, will present their annual award to Eva Sandrof, chair of Temple Emeth’s Social Action Committee, at the screening.
“Zemene” is an Ethiopian documentary about a girl with a rare curvature of the spine whose chance encounter with Dr. Rick Hodes changes her life forever.
Opening night for the tenth annual TIFF will be Thursday, November 5, at Teaneck Cinemas, 7 p.m. for the Red Carpet, and 7:30 for the screening of the documentary “Althea,” the story of tennis great Althea Gibson. Tony Award winner Lillias White will return for the Saturday Night Gala, performing “From Brooklyn to Broadway,” November 7, 8:30 p.m., at Temple Emeth. And Sunday morning, November 8, the tradition continues: Bob McGrath will host Kid Flix Mix for children 4-8 years old, 10:30 a.m., at the Puffin Cultural Forum. Children go free with a paying adult thanks to a grant from the Puffin Foundation. Music lovers and film aficionados might choose to spend Sunday morning at Temple Emeth for the silent film classic “Nosferatu,” with original music composed and played by German virtuoso Markus Horn, 11 a.m.
Detailed descriptions of the films and talkbacks, directions to the venues, information about the gala, and all you need to know about the tenth TIFF are at www.teaneckfilmfestival.org. Email [email protected], or call 201-203-1723 with questions.
