CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:The Tribeca Film Festival marquee; Andrés Escobar in The Two Escobars; Sonia Rolland in Moloch Tropical; a man demonstrating in Budrus, Palestine, in Budrus; Alicja Bachleda and Colin Farrell in Ondine; Andy Serkis and Bill Milner in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll; hunting on Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, in Climate of Change.
I came to Tribeca in 2002, the year Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff created the Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) in an effort to reinvigorate downtown after September 11. Since that time, we have discovered emerging directors, supported countless filmmakers and developed new ways to connect independent films with audiences. As spring approaches each year, the anticipation for the festival—this year taking place April 21 through May 2—is nearly palpable.
If you happen to be in town during its run, you are in for a cinematic treat. Hand in hand with our founding sponsor, American Express, TFF 2010 will offer more than 135 films, parties and community events— including the popular Tribeca Drive-In, Filmmaker Talks at the Apple Store SoHo and the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival.
While enjoying the festival, it’s worth keeping in mind those who make the affair such a success. The filmmakers are, of course, instrumental, and there’s nothing like witnessing a first-time director’s world premiere. Our juries—as eclectic as the city itself—include bold-faced names in food, fashion, sports, media and art. (Winning TFF filmmakers receive works of art from an amazing roster of visual artists, such as Vik Muniz.) And last but certainly not least, movie fans support Tribeca year after year, flocking to documentaries and narrative features alike. It is a vibrant community.
New Yorkers have the luxury of an endless parade of cultural events in their backyard. But thanks to new technologies and distribution models, the audience for film is expanding. This year Tribeca leads the way among festivals by extending its reach outside theatrical festival screenings with the Tribeca Film Festival Virtual (TFFV) and Tribeca Film. TFFV will give movie fans from across the United States an all-access pass to the festival. With the touch of a keyboard, viewers can screen a selection of films playing at TFF in NYC, an exclusive shorts program, filmmaker interviews and live red-carpet coverage. And launching April 21, Tribeca Film will bring smart independent movies to living rooms across the country via leading cable providers.
Whichever way you choose to maximize the festival, I hope to see you there. It promises to be a great year. Visit tribecafilm.com.
