Eligibility:

• Open to filmmakers in the early stages of their careers (e.g., students, recent graduates, independent filmmakers with 1-5 films).

• Must submit a short film (5-30 minutes) or feature-length film (30+ minutes) that aligns with the festival’s "activism:making change" theme.

• Film must have been completed within the last two years.

• Filmmaker must be available to attend the festival in-person if chosen.

• Submission Guidelines:

• Online submission via FilmFreeway or directly through the film festival website https://www.teaneckfilmfestival.org/submit-a-film.

• Deadline: [July 15 regular deadline, Aug. 4 late deadline, Aug. 24 extended late deadline].

• Required materials: Film link, director’s statement, synopsis, and bio.

• By focusing on a clear theme, engaging promotional efforts, and a strong presentation at the festival, the Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award will highlight powerful new voices in activism-driven cinema and solidify TIFF’s reputation as a platform for change-making storytellers.