The 2020 Tribeca Film Festival has unveiled its ‘feature film’ lineup. Continuing its tradition of championing the discovery of emerging voices and celebrating new work from established talent, the 19th edition of the Festival foregrounds comedic, music-centered, political and socially-conscious films from diverse storytellers who use art to inspire positive change and community restoration. The feature program was curated from 3,385 submissions, and this year’s Festival received a record 10,397 total submissions across all categories. The festival will run April 15-26.
The features program will include 115 films from 124 filmmakers from across 33 different countries. The line-up includes 95 world premieres, 2 international premieres, 4 North American premieres, 4 U.S. premieres, and 9 New York premieres and one sneak preview. This year’s program includes 19 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects, and 44 of the feature films have one or more women directors.
In a time of national divisiveness and heightened political awareness, the 19th edition of the Festival presents a slate of inspiring, uplifting and impact driven films exploring issues ranging from politics, and activism to Latinx and LGBTQ+ representation, the environment and more. Showcasing diverse works from established storytellers along with exciting new voices in the industry, the films have the power to unite communities and bring about positive change.
Highlights from this year’s lineup include the U.S. premiere of HBO Film’s BAD EDUCATION starring Hugh Jackman, New York Premiere of Judd Apatow‘s THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND starring Pete Davidson, Elisabeth Moss in Josephine Decker’s SHIRLEY and CALL YOUR MOTHER featuring Bridget Everett, Tig Notaro and Awkwafina. FRIES! from producers Chrissy Teigen and Malcom Gladwell will have its World Premiere at the Festival along with other high-profile documentaries including CITIZEN PENN, focusing on Sean Penn’s relief work in Haiti and DON’T TRY TO UNDERSTAND: A year in the Life of Earl “DMX” Simmons, offering an rare glimpse into the private life of one of the world’s most famous rappers.
Transgender representation in media is explored in DISCLOSURE from producer Laverne Cox while Executive Producer John Legend will premiere WITH DRAWN ARMS, a documentary about gold medal sprinter and civil rights activist Tommie Smith and his experience at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico, with appearances from Colin Kaepernick and Megan Rapinoe.
As previously announced, the festival will open on April 15 with the world premiere of JIMMY CARTER ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT at the Beacon Theatre with live performances from music legends Willie Nelson, Nile Rodgers and others. New this year, the Festival will also be expanding across the Hudson river to the city of Hoboken, NJ; using cinematic storytelling and experiences to connect to this culturally vibrant community.
About the Tribeca Film Festival:
The Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T, brings visionaries and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. The Festival champions emerging and established voices; discovers award-winning filmmakers and creators; curates innovative experiences; and introduces new technology and ideas through premieres, exhibitions, talks, and live performances. The Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. Now in its 19th year, the Festival has evolved into a destination for creativity that reimagines the cinematic experience and explores how art can unite communities. The 19th annual edition will take place April 15 – 26, 2020. www.tribecafilm.com/festival.
To learn more, see the full list of films in the features program, and to buy tickets click here.
