The Teaneck International Film Festival 2024 will showcase Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s acclaimed film ‘On Golden Years’ on Sunday, November 10, at 11:30 AM. The screening will take place at Teaneck Cinemas, located at 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
This film marks a significant milestone in Malik’s career, known for its exploration of the immigrant experience in America, with previous works including ‘Lonely in America,’ ‘Khushiyaan,’ and ‘Love Lust and Marriage.’ Tirlok Malik has collaborated with renowned actors such as Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Sunny Deol, and Kangana Ranaut. Following the screening, Malik and the cast of ‘On Golden Years’ will participate in a special Q&A session at the festival.
‘On Golden Years’ is an 85-minute romantic comedy-drama that tackles the complex emotions experienced by immigrants during their retirement years in pursuit of the American Dream. The film is set in Shantiniketan, the only Indian retirement community in the U.S., located in Florida. It navigates themes of aging, identity, and the reconciliation of regrets and contentment, posing the profound question: Where do we truly belong at the end of life’s journey?
The film features a talented cast, including Ranjit Chowdhry, known for his roles in ‘Lonely in America’ and ‘The Office,’ along with Jyoti Singh, Reeves Lehmann, Shetal Shah, Noor Naghmi, Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja, and Tirlok Malik himself. It also introduces several fresh faces, contributing to the film’s engaging narrative.
Co-produced by Iggy Ignatius, who also co-directed, the film was shot in the Indian retirement community founded by Iggy in Florida. Key credits include Director of Photography Christo Bakalov B.A.C., Music by Peter Lobo, Art Direction by Sunita Babber, and Editing by Tom Knight and others.
Additionally, the film features the debut of Grammy Award-winning Indian-American singer Falu, who performs the item number ‘Raba Raba.’ Falu has previously graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and The White House, and her recent collaboration with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in a Grammy-nominated song, ‘Abundance in Millets.’
The screening of ‘On Golden Years’ at the Teaneck International Film Festival is proudly sponsored by David Nachman, Esq., Managing Attorney at Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, P.C., a law firm specializing in immigration services.
Written and directed by Tirlok Malik, ‘On Golden Years’ reflects his trademark focus on the Indian-American immigrant experience. As an Indian-American and a proud New Yorker, Malik’s films connect with a worldwide audience by showcasing both the challenges and rewards of life in a foreign country. His narratives often emphasize the struggle of balancing one’s heritage with the new realities and challenges that come with migration.
Malik highlights that the immigrant experience is characterized by dreams, struggles, and sacrifices. He notes that the pursuit of the American Dream does not end with achieving success; rather, retirement brings a new set of challenges, especially for immigrants who are trying to find their sense of belonging.
The Teaneck International Film Festival, established over 20 years ago with support from the nonprofit organization Puffin Foundation, Ltd., is celebrated for its dedication to showcasing socially relevant films that stimulate conversations on significant global and local issues.
Tickets for the screening of ‘On Golden Years’ are available for $10 and can be purchased through the Teaneck Film Festival website.
