Epoch Times Blog

New York’s premiere film festival begins on April 23

The Tribeca Film Festival runs April 23 through May 4, bringing the glamour of Tinsel Town with its celebrities and red carpets to the world financial center.

History

The festival was founded by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal in the spring of 2002 to help revitalize the morale and economy of lower Manhattan following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Due to its influential backers and overwhelming volunteer support, the festival was an immediate success in its first year, drawing 150,000 attendees and $15 million in economic impact. Now in its eighth year, Tribeca is considered one of the premiere film festivals in the world, and drew over a half million attendees last year.

The Films

For about the price of a normal movie ticket per screening, attendees can choose from over 120 feature films and 79 shorts not yet available in local movie theaters. To be screened in the festival is already an honor, considering they made a short list from the nearly 5,000 entries. The festival will also serve as the launch pad for 53 world premieres, and will showcase an international breadth with film selections originating from over 40 countries.

Prevalent themes in the slate this year are the artist’s process, music, Latin culture, issues facing Africa, politics, New York City culture, and family relationships.

Kicking of the fortnight will be the premiere of “Baby Mama,” a comedy reuniting former “Saturday Night Live” Weekend Update co-stars Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The festival closer is a nod to the beginning of summer blockbuster season with “Speed Racer,” starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox, and Susan Sarandon.

The Buzz

People-watching is a natural pastime at film festivals. A few of the stars with films screening include Matthew Broderick, Joan Cusack, John Cusack, Ben Kingsley, Diego Luna, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, Sissy Spacek, Meryl Streep, Marisa Tomei, and Forest Whitaker.

The festival also has a series of free events for the community including a family festival street fair and Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day on May 3.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to:
www.tribecafilmfestival.org
(866) 941-FEST, or at the Main Box Office at 15 Laight Street.