2017 Tribeca Film Festival

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Event: 2017 Tribeca Film Festival

Date: April 19 – 30, 2017

Location: New York, NY

TFF announced the feature films that will screen within the following programs: Competition, including US Narrative, Documentary, and International Narrative categories; Spotlight, supported by The Lincoln Motor Company, a selection of anticipated premieres from major talent; Viewpoints, which recognizes distinct voices in international and American independent filmmaking; and the popular Midnight section, supported by EFFEN® Vodka, featuring the best in psychological thriller, horror, sci-fi, and cult cinema. After receiving a record number of entries, Tribeca’s team of programmers, led by Cara Cusumano in her new role as Director of Programming and Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer, carefully curated a film program that’s equal parts entertaining and provocative. The 16th Annual Tribeca Film Festival takes place April 19th to the 30th.

The announcement includes 82 of the 98 feature-length titles in the Festival. In a year of record high submissions, the Festival’s curators chose to reduce the size of the overall program by 20%, making this the most selective and focused festival slate yet. The Competition section features 32 films: 12 documentaries, 10 US narratives and 10 international narratives. The Spotlight Narrative section features 15 fiction films, while 16 nonfiction films will premiere in the Spotlight Documentary section. The Midnight section features five heart-stopping narratives and one documentary premiere.

“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.”

“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,” said Paula Weinstein, Executive Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises. “We were really moved by this group of projects that reflect our world and the critical tipping point we have reached.”

“This year’s film slate is perhaps our most varied yet in both the generosity in the stories told and the diversity of the styles of filmmaking, with the international films transcending geographical boundaries,” said Frédéric Boyer, Tribeca’s Artistic Director. “It is a group of beautiful films of discovery, and strong performances from directors and actors from every corner of the globe, including from countries that are not the mainstay of cinema. We are really impressed with the films, and are excited to share with the Tribeca audience.”

To honor Earth Day, which falls during the Festival, the programmers chose to highlight documentaries that focus on critical and timely issues that have an impact on our planet, including climate change, food waste, and animal extinction. Each of these films will screen on Earth Day, April 22nd, as well as throughout the Festival. This will be reflected in other sections of the festival programming as well, including VR and Tribeca N.O.W.

The 2017 feature-film program includes films from 30 countries, including 78 World Premieres, six International Premieres, six North American Premieres, two U.S. Premieres, and six New York Premieres.

Thirty-seven of the feature filmmakers are making their feature directorial debuts, and 20 of the directors are returning to the Festival with their new films. Thirty-two women directors are represented in the 98 festival selections. Tribeca’s 2017 slate was programmed from more than 8,700 submissions, of which 3,362 were feature films submissions.

This year, the films in competition will compete for cash prizes totaling $160,000, as well as artwork from the Artists Awards program, offering donated work from contemporary artists.

In addition to Cusumano and Boyer, the feature film programmers include Liza Domnitz, Loren Hammonds, Ian Hollander, programmer at large Jeff Deutchman, program advisors Paula Weinstein and Tammie Rosen, and a team of associate programmers.

Ticket packages are on sale now, and single tickets will be available for purchase starting Tuesday, March 28th.

The VR and Storyscapes selections will be announced tomorrow, March 3rd. In addition to the films announced today, the Festival will reveal the remaining feature-length films including Galas, the Closing Night Film, and Special Sections, on March 7th.

 

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