Award-Winning Documentary “Call Me Micky” Heads to the 21st Annual Teaneck International Film Festival on November 7

Executive produced by POSE star Dominique Jackson, the inspiring documentary follows Bergen County entrepreneur and author Micky Angelo Petrillo’s extraordinary journey of self-discovery, reinvention and living authentically after transitioning at age 59.

TEANECK, NJ — October 2026 — The acclaimed new documentary “Call Me Micky” is coming home to New Jersey! Following an exciting start on the film festival circuit, where it has already earned two awards, the powerful and deeply personal film has been selected for the 21st Annual Teaneck International Film Festival, with a special screening scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Directed by Andrew Rasmussen and executive produced by acclaimed actress and transgender advocate Dominique Jackson, best known for her iconic portrayal of Elektra Evangelista on FX’s groundbreaking television series POSE, “Call Me Micky” introduces audiences to the unforgettable Micky Angelo Petrillo, a larger-than-life Bergen County resident whose remarkable story proves that it’s never too late to become yourself.

Funny, fearless, outspoken and unapologetically authentic, Petrillo is the kind of personality who commands attention simply by walking into a room. But behind his infectious energy is a profoundly moving story of courage, transformation and the determination to embrace life on his own terms.

From Bergen County Businessman to Documentary Star

Raised in Ridgefield, New Jersey, and now residing in Fort Lee, Petrillo has been a fixture in the Bergen County business community for more than three decades as the owner of Baskets-N-Beyond in Oradell.

For years, customers and neighbors knew him as a dedicated entrepreneur. What many didn’t know was the deeply personal journey unfolding behind the scenes.

At 59, Petrillo began living openly as the man he had always known himself to be.

For some, such a life-changing moment might represent the conclusion of a long and difficult journey. For Petrillo, it was only the beginning.

Today, in his sixties, he is embracing an extraordinary new chapter filled with creative expression, public appearances, new friendships, storytelling and opportunities he once might never have imagined.

His transformation from longtime local entrepreneur to published author and award-winning documentary subject is an inspiring reminder that age should never determine when someone gets to pursue happiness.

A Film About What Happens After You Finally Become Yourself

Produced by New York City-based creative production company CARDINAL, “Call Me Micky” is a 22-minute documentary that offers an intimate, entertaining and emotionally resonant portrait of a man discovering the possibilities of a life lived openly.

Rather than following the traditional structure of a documentary centered exclusively on gender transition, the film explores something equally important and rarely discussed: what happens afterward.

Through Pride celebrations, open mic performances, meaningful conversations and unexpected friendships, audiences witness Petrillo embracing a world that suddenly feels full of possibility.

The film is filled with humor, vulnerability, honesty and moments of genuine human connection.

At its heart, “Call Me Micky” isn’t simply a documentary about being transgender. It’s a universal story about identity, resilience, self-acceptance and the courage to begin again.

Dominique Jackson Brings Star Power and Personal Insight

Adding another compelling dimension to the documentary is the involvement of Dominique Jackson, the internationally recognized actress, model and advocate whose portrayal of Elektra Evangelista on POSE helped bring transgender stories and performers to mainstream television audiences.

Jackson serves as executive producer of “Call Me Micky” and also appears on camera alongside Petrillo for an intimate conversation about identity, visibility and living openly.

Her involvement brings an additional layer of perspective to a film that celebrates the importance of telling authentic stories and creating space for voices that deserve to be heard.

Jackson’s documentary work also includes serving as executive producer of I’m Your Venus, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival.

A Special Homecoming at the Teaneck International Film Festival

The November 7 screening carries special significance for Petrillo, whose personal and professional roots run deep throughout Bergen County.

The 21st Annual Teaneck International Film Festival, taking place November 5–12, 2026, celebrates films that explore important social issues, inspire dialogue and encourage positive change.

Presented as a project of The Puffin Foundation, Ltd., the festival has established itself as an important cultural event in northern New Jersey, bringing together filmmakers, performers, activists and audiences for thought-provoking cinema and meaningful conversations.

This year’s festival continues its longstanding theme, “Activism: Making Change,” featuring documentaries and narrative films addressing identity, civil rights, immigration, social justice and the human experience.

“Call Me Micky” fits naturally into that mission, offering a deeply personal story that speaks to broader questions about acceptance, visibility, aging and the freedom to live authentically.

Micky Angelo Petrillo, executive producer Dominique Jackson and director Andrew Rasmussen are among the announced festival guests, creating an exciting opportunity for audiences to connect with the people behind the documentary.

For Petrillo, sharing his story in Bergen County makes the occasion especially meaningful. The screening brings his remarkable journey back to the community where so much of his life has unfolded.

A New Memoir Adds Another Chapter to an Extraordinary Year

The documentary’s festival success arrives during an equally significant moment in Petrillo’s literary career.

His memoir, “Walking the Earth: First as a Woman, Then a Man,” was released in 2026, offering readers an intimate exploration of his experiences, personal evolution and determination to embrace his true identity.

The book and film complement one another, revealing different sides of a life marked by resilience, humor, unexpected challenges and remarkable reinvention.

While the memoir explores the broader journey that shaped Petrillo, “Call Me Micky” captures the vibrant, unpredictable and often hilarious life he is building today.

Together, they introduce audiences to a man who refuses to let age, expectations or convention define his future.

Two Festival Awards and a Story That Continues to Grow

With two awards already earned during its recent festival appearances, “Call Me Micky” is building momentum as it continues to reach new audiences.

The documentary’s combination of humor, emotional honesty and an unforgettable central personality distinguishes it from more conventional biographical films.

Director Andrew Rasmussen approaches Petrillo’s story with warmth and intimacy, allowing audiences to experience his personality rather than simply observe his circumstances.

The result is a film that invites viewers to laugh, reflect and reconsider their own ideas about identity, personal growth and second chances.

And while the documentary runs just 22 minutes, its message reaches far beyond the screen.

It’s never too late to change your life. It’s never too late to discover happiness. And it’s never too late to become yourself.

Screening Information

Film: CALL ME MICKY
Festival: 21st Annual Teaneck International Film Festival
Screening Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Location: Teaneck, New Jersey
Director: Andrew Rasmussen
Executive Producer: Dominique Jackson
Featured Subject: Micky Angelo Petrillo
Production Company: CARDINAL
Runtime: 22 minutes

Watch the Official Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy4FQC-0QuY

Official Film Website:
https://www.CallMeMickyFilm.com

Festival Information and Tickets:
https://teaneckfilmfestival.org/

About the Teaneck International Film Festival

Founded in 2006, the Teaneck International Film Festival is a project of The Puffin Foundation, Ltd., and is dedicated to presenting films that entertain, educate, challenge perspectives and inspire meaningful conversations. The festival’s 21st anniversary celebration runs November 5–12, 2026, featuring screenings, filmmaker discussions and special events throughout Teaneck and Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Media and Interview Opportunities

Micky Angelo Petrillo is available for television, radio, print, podcast and digital media interviews to discuss the documentary, his personal journey, his memoir and the upcoming Teaneck International Film Festival screening.

Interview requests for director Andrew Rasmussen and executive producer Dominique Jackson may also be submitted, subject to availability.

For interviews, press materials, photographs and additional information, visit:
https://www.CallMeMickyFilm.com