Like so many other events in Teaneck, the idea of a film festival emerged in Spring 2005 out of discussions among ordinary citizens. With the support of the nonprofit organization Puffin Foundation, a small group of dedicated volunteers 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; foster cross-cultural connections; honor talented young Bergen County filmmakers; and encourage filmgoers to rediscover Teaneck 's appeal as a shopping and dining destination.

The festival, a project of the Puffin Foundation, was held from Nov. 3-5, 2006 at the Cedar Lane Cinemas and DanceArt Creative Center on Cedar Lane as well as at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, N.J. It drew more than 1,200 filmgoers over the course of the weekend, with several sold-out screenings. In April 2007, we presented a special benefit screening of “Sweet Land,” enabling us to offer small scholarships for talented young filmmakers.

The first year's theme centered on the arts. In 2007, from Nov. 2-4, the festival celebrated family and community through the art of film.

The Festival works closely with the Ft. Lee Film Commission and Jersey Filmmakers of Tomorrow. In 2006, we presented the finalists from this county-wide student competition, and was again the premiere showcase for the talented 2007 Jersey Filmmakers of Tomorrow finalists. In 2007, we awarded mini-scholarships to three of the top finalists.

The 2007 Teaneck International Film Festival was presented at the Cedar Lane Cinemas, 503 Cedar Lane, Wilson Auditorium at Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River St., Hackensack, Teaneck High School and Puffin Cultural Forum, 20 Puffin Way, Teaneck. “Honeydripper,” a new film written, directed and edited by John Sayles and produced by Maggie Renzi, was its opening night film on Friday, Nov. 2, a New Jersey premiere that followed its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.

The festival is fortunate to have garnered support and co-sponsorship from a number of civic and business organizations in addition to the Puffin Foundation, including the Teaneck Suburbanite, Holy Name Hospital, CVS/pharmacy, Bergen County Links, the Bergen/Passaic Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Whole Foods Market of Edgewater, Classic Residence by Hyatt, Temple Emeth, Teaneck PTO/PTA Council, the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce, Teaneck Economic Development Corp., Cedar Lane Business District Merchants, Teaneck Marriott-Glenpointe, Township of Teaneck, Volk-Leber Funeral Home. In 2007 we welcomed new sponsors, including Target, Provident Bank Foundation , Otterstedt Agency, Church of St. Anastasia and Park Ave. Motor Group.

The third Teaneck International Film Festival will be held Nov. 14-16, 2008. The festival is run by an all-volunteer group, headed by Ellen Rand, executive director; Judy Distler, public relations chair; Rhona Herman, director of volunteers; Stephanie McCaw, treasurer; and Eva Tobias, marketing director.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.teaneckfilmfestival.org.