Tribeca Film Festival

A Response to Tragedy

The Tribeca Film Festival has one of the most powerful origin stories in the festival world. It was co-founded in 2002 by producer Jane Rosenthal, actor Robert De Niro, and investor Craig Hatkoff as a direct, defiant response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The attacks devastated their downtown Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca, both emotionally and economically. The festival’s primary mission was to aid in the long-term recovery of Lower Manhattan by bringing people, culture, and business back to the area. It was conceived as an affirmation of the power of storytelling and community to heal and rebuild.

Evolution into a Modern Storytelling Hub

While its roots are in celebrating the resilience of New York City, Tribeca has since evolved into a major international cultural event with a uniquely forward-thinking identity. Recognizing that storytelling is no longer confined to the cinema screen, Tribeca has aggressively expanded its programming to embrace new and emerging media. This makes it a distinct entity in the festival landscape, positioning itself as a festival about storytelling in all its forms, not just film.

Programming Beyond the Big Screen

Tribeca’s commitment to diverse forms of media is reflected in its signature programming sections:

• Tribeca Immersive: One of the world’s leading showcases for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other forms of interactive, immersive experiences. Juried awards are given for the best projects in this rapidly evolving field.
• Tribeca Games: Tribeca was the first major film festival to officially recognize video games as a form of cinematic storytelling. It now features a curated selection of upcoming games and presents the Tribeca Games Award to a title that excels in art and narrative.
• Tribeca TV: The festival premieres highly anticipated new television series and new seasons of established shows, hosting red-carpet events and conversations with creators and cast members.
• Tribeca Audio: A section dedicated to the art of audio storytelling, featuring premieres of new podcasts and conversations with leading figures in the audio industry.

This multi-platform approach, combined with its robust film slate and popular “Tribeca Talks” series with major cultural figures, defines Tribeca as a dynamic and innovative force in the entertainment world.