Emerging Activist Filmmaker Award - Awarded by The Puffin Foundation, Ltd. & The Teaneck International Film Festival
Prize: $5,000
Theme: Activism: Making Change
Objective: To recognize and support emerging filmmakers whose work embodies the spirit of activism and social change. Open to filmmakers in the early stages of their careers (e.g., students, recent graduates, independent filmmakers with 1-3 films).
Must submit a short film (5-55 minutes) or feature-length film (55+ minutes) that aligns with the festival’s activism theme.
Film must have been completed within the last two years.

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 13 regular deadline, Aug. 3 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.