The Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday unveiled its competition lineup for the U.S. Narrative, Documentary and International Narrative categories, as well as the Spotlight, Viewpoints and Midnight sections. After receiving a record 8,700 submissions, the slimmed-down slate includes 78 world premieres and 37 feature directorial debuts. Of the 98 titles selected — representing 28 countries — 32 projects are directed by women.
Among the world premieres are narratives starring Ed Helms, Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall, Barkhad Abdi, Zoey Deutch, Al Pacino and Chris O'Dowd, plus another installment of Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon and Michael Winterbottom's road trip adventure. The documentaries screening throughout the fest include the world premieres of Netflix's portrait of President Donald Trump's advisor in Get Me Roger Stone, National Geographic's comprehensive Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS and Rodney King Riots look-back LA 92, HBO's rape kit exploration I Am Evidence and David France's The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, which looks at the black transgender activist who spearheaded the modern gay civil rights movement, as well as films centering on the lives of Whitney Houston and Burt Reynolds. Buzzy Sundance and Berlin titles like The Dinner, Chuck and City of Ghosts are also represented.
The fest, which is set to run April 19-30, will also honor Earth Day (April 22) by screening documentaries that focus on critical and timely issues that have an impact on our planet, including climate change, food waste and animal extinction. It also unveiled its virtual reality slate, with 29 exhibitions from Kathryn Bigelow, Pharrell Williams and Eric Darnell, among others. The Storyscapes and Virtual arcade sections will be housed at the Tribeca Festival Hub (50 Varick Street).
"It’s uncertain and tumultuous times like these that we need artists and storytellers the most, and this year's program is a testament to the unending capacity of film for impact, empathy, and even much needed escapism,” said Cara Cusumano, Tribeca’s new director of programming. “Each in their own way, these 98 films fill me with optimism and inspiration at the unique power of our medium, and the eyes of a talented filmmaker to inspire, challenge, and maybe even change the world."
Added Paula Weinstein, executive vp, Tribeca Enterprises: “In the current climate, both in the literal and political sense, it is more important than ever to elevate stories about the moments we are going through as a nation and as global citizens. We were really moved by this group of projects that reflect our world and the critical tipping point we have reached.”
