Movie About Bergen County Girl's Murder Among Local Films To Be Screened At Teaneck Fest

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Among local films being shown this week at the Teaneck International Film Festival is director Vanessa Martino's documentary "Daughter of Mine," about the Westwood Girl Scout killed at age 7 in 1973 by a neighbor.

Rosemarie D'Alessandro, Joan's mom, has been speaking at local events about the documentary, which chronicles the case and the family's fight for justice.

Joan D'Alessandro was killed while delivering a box of Girl Scout Cookies. A chemistry teacher who lived across the street, Joseph McGowan, was sent to prison for her sex assault and death.

When he came up for parole in 1993, Rosemarie D'Alessandro fought many battles to keep him in jail. As a result, McGowan denied parole several times. He ultimately died in prison.

The screening will include a talk with the director and with Rosemarie D'Alessandro, who today raises awareness through her charity, Joan's Joy.

Some of the films in the festival will be shown virtually, and others in person. To learn more about Sunday's screening of "Daughter of Mine," click here.

Other Local Films

The festival includes an array of other local films and talks, including children's films.

Among the documentaries is "Politics is a Mother," directed and written by Francine Weinberg Graff of Teaneck. The description notes, "Known as the ‘Feisty Grandma’, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg flipped New Jersey on its head when she unearthed the Bridgegate scandal."

And "Freedom Hair" tells the story of a mom trying to start a salon that braids hair, and her challenges. Teaneck entrepreneur Finele Anderson Tyre will be among those in conversation afterward, along with Melony Armstrong, the subject of the film, actor Jeremie Harris, and state Sen. Angela McKnight.

Director and actor Ethan Hawke's film about author Flannery O'Connor, "Wildcat," will be shown virtually. Robin Brancato, a young adult author and former English teacher at Teaneck and Hackensack high schools, will give a talk afterwards.

Films also touch on the Catskills resorts, the immigrant experience, racial issues, and more. Find out more about the festival here and get tickets here.

Find out about events related to "Daughter of Mine" at this website: Joan's Joy.