Cameron Crowe's 'The Union' Will Open Tribeca Film Festival in April

Paramount Pictures

The world premiere of Cameron Crowe’s documentary The Union will launch the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival April 20, fest organizers announced Wednesday. The film's subject, Elton John, will be on hand to perform following the free outdoor screening at the North Cove of the World Financial Plaza.

“It’s a special opportunity to open our 10th festival in this distinct and unique way," said festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal. "Not only are we inviting the community to join us for the world premiere of Cameron Crowe’s film The Union, but to have Elton, whose music transcends generations, perform after is an extraordinary gift to our festival and more specifically the downtown community."

Crowe's film entails a rare look at the writing and recording of John's most recent album last year with collaborator Leon Russell and producer T Bone Burnett. Bernie Taupin, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Booker T. Jones, Stevie Nicks and Don Was appear in the documentary.

"As a longtime fan of both artists, it was a pleasure to spend a year filming their collaboration,” said Crowe. “We can't wait to show it to one of the greatest audiences in the world, the Tribeca Film Festival.”

The rest of the festival's feature-film slate will be announced March 7 and 14. The fest runs through May 1.