(TEANECK, NJ) — The 2024 Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) will kick off on Thursday, November 7th, with the screening of Freedom Hair, a powerful feature film based on the true story of Melony Armstrong, a Black woman who battles to launch a hair braiding business in Mississippi. The screening is set to begin at 7:30 PM.
Freedom Hair tells the inspiring tale of Melony Armstrong, a mother working at a shelter for battered women. Determined to achieve financial independence for herself and others, Melony embarks on the journey to start her natural hair braiding business. However, she faces formidable challenges from a powerful cartel and regulatory hurdles imposed by the State of Mississippi.
The film is written and directed by Dianne Houston and features a talented cast, including Simona Brown, Jeremie Harris, Sophia Bush, and Erica Tazel.
Following the screening, there will be a talkback session featuring Melony Armstrong, the film’s subject, actor Jeremie Harris, and New Jersey State Senator Angela McKnight, who has been an advocate for the CROWN ACT. This legislation aims to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles, further underscoring the film’s themes.
Tickets for the screening are priced at $10 in advance and $15 at the door (subject to availability). They can be purchased online, with the event taking place at Temple Emeth, located at 1666 Windsor Road in Teaneck, New Jersey.
The Teaneck International Film Festival will run from November 7 to 14, 2024, across various venues in Teaneck. This year’s festival will showcase over 25 films, alongside panel discussions and social events featuring filmmakers, actors, elected officials, and industry guests.
Founded over 20 years ago with support from the Puffin Foundation, Ltd., TIFF was created by a dedicated group of volunteers to present a diverse selection of feature-length films, documentaries, and shorts. The festival aims to provoke thought, encourage debate, and inspire attendees to engage in positive societal change. Dubbed “the film festival with a social conscience” by the Star-Ledger, TIFF continues to grow in both reputation and attendance.
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