TRIBECA Online Film Festival Coverage 2021

Originally Posted July 3, 2021

Some Highlights in Reverse Order:

Part of Tribeca’s Juneteenth Celebration was a partnership between Proctor and Gamble, Queen Latifah and 8:46 films called WIDEN THE SCREEN – featuring 8 Short Films of Social Impact, Joy and Visibility

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#WidentheScreen aims to level the playing field for Black creators, in order to portray a more holistic and dimensional view of Black life on screen – one that is layered, beautiful, vast and dynamic.

The Queen Collective: A partnership between P&G, Queen Latifah, Flavor Unit Entertainment, and Tribeca Studios, Queen Collective returns in 2021 for a third year with its continued mission to accelerate gender and racial equality behind the camera, by opening doors to the next generation of up-and-coming Black women directors.  

GAME CHANGER

Directed and produced by Tina Charles, produced Veronique Bernard. (United States) – World Premiere. Tanya DePass, a lifelong Chicagoan and African-American gamer, is determined to make the gaming industry more inclusive for everyone, including people like her.

What was inspiring to me: That this frustrated black female gamer Tanya DePass was able to change so much about the industry by starting with a Tweet: #INeedDiverseGames. With this she found her tribe and eventually avenues to create her own D&D inspired journey for diverse gamers called “Into the Mother Lands”

CHANGE THE NAME

 
Directed and produced by Cai Thomas, produced by Donald Conley. (United States) – World Premiere. Student activists and educators from Village Leadership Academy campaign to change the name of a park from a slaveholder, Stephen A. Douglas to that of abolitionists Anna Murray and Frederick Douglass in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.

What was inspiring to me: Everything! I was literally in tears of joy at the end.  I’m so impressed with teacher Bianca Jones who teaches grass roots, social activism as part of her young 5th grade student’s curriculum. It’s amazing how engaged these student are with her. There’s a mutual respect and bond here that’s beautiful to see. And these kids were so committed to this Name Change project, which started in 2018. You’d think once they moved to the next grade they’d have given up when they didn’t get any closer to getting the Park’s name changed. But no, even through the Pandemic they continued to campaign. Congrats on their success! I LOVED this film!!!

                                                                                         BLACK BIRTH

Directed by Haimy Assefa, produced by Dominque Turner. (United States) – World Premiere. Three expectant mothers, including the director, navigate the joys, fears, and complexity of Black motherhood in America.

What was inspiring to me: How much more has to be taken into consideration when you are a black female about to give birth. That you can’t take for granted that your OBGYN and others in the medical field may not be looking out for you in the same way they do White expectant mothers; and what it means to be your own advocate. It’s also lovely to see these expectant mothers, strangers at the beginning, bond over impending motherhood.

                                           

                                                                     A SONG OF GRACE

Directed by Arielle Knight, produced by Jamil McGinnis and Jessica Ann Peavy. (United States) – World Premiere. A Song of Grace tells a poetic story about a black mother raising an exceptional young artist.

What was inspiring to me: Clara Stewart Moore somehow knowing her child Grace Moore would be different even before her birth.  Again, watching a strong bond such as this mother/daughter is a joy.  Grace’s amazing musical prodigy is something that should be widely known.

8:46 Films: With SATURDAY MORNING, P&G’s partner for “The Look,” Tribeca Studios and dozens of black creatives, P&G has created scripted stories told in 8 minutes and 46 seconds that tell life-affirming stories of joy, love, and resilience to honor the length of time it took for a man’s life to change the world, reclaiming the story to build a legacy of hope.   

 CUPIDS

Directed by Zoey Martinson, produced by Korey Jackson. (United States) – World Premiere. In this playful comedy, three kids worry that their beloved school bus driver will be lonely this summer without them. They set out to find her a partner and imagine the perfect matches. With Melanie Nicholls-King, Toryn Isabella Coote, Scarlett London Diviney, Julius Sampson.

What Touched My Heart:  The children’s earnestness and deep thought put into matchmaking, wrapped up in delightful comic timing.

SLOW PULSE

Directed by Marshall Tyler, produced by Moira Griffin, Efuru Flowers and Jeremy Hartman. (United States) – World Premiere. In this moving story of love and dedication, Bernard Brash heals and finds hope by learning how to dance.

What Touched My Heart:  A father willing to make a fool of himself, being totally out of his comfort zone, in a gesture of love and hope for his son.

PEARL & HENRY

Directed by Gibrey Allen, produced by Greta Hagen-Richardson, Kenneth Reynolds, and Weenta Girmay. (United States) – World Premiere. Pearl and Henry enjoy the simple pleasures of their daily routine. Despite the changing world around them, they find comfort and peace in a connection built on decades of joy, vulnerability, and trust. With Rhonda Johnson Dents and Lance E. Nichols.

What Touched My Heart:  This is a couple who took their wedding vows as gospel, “To Love and to Honor” “In Sickness and in Health” “For Better or Worse”.

SHE DREAMS AT SUNRISE

Directed by Camrus Johnson, produced by Moon Jelly Pictures and Double Plus Productions. (United States) – World Premiere. In this heartwarming animated film, a 70-year-old woman with meningitis lives between her dream world and reality while her great nephew and caretaker helps mend the past.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see this one.

For more information visit:
Widen the Screen: pg.com/widenthescreen
Queen Collective: https://us.pg.com/queen-collective/
8:46: https://us.pg.com/eight-forty-six

BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES

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Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview ‘Bitchin’: The Sound And Fury Of Rick James’ –  As I always say, nothing like a music biopic!  I always thought of Rick James as a caricature way before the still truly hilarious Dave Chappelle skits as told by the late Charlie Murphy.  And we do learn most of his larger than life party, women and drugs persona was correct. But more importantly, he  was never given proper credit for being a gifted musician, stylist and producer, not as prolific, but nearly on par with Quincy Jones.  This documentary directed by Sacha Jenkins begins with us being introduced to James’ daughter, Ty James, which was a great idea because there’s something very compelling about this woman; she’s got a unique sense of style and attractiveness and a frankness that immediately pulls you into her father, James Ambrose Johnson Jr‘s, rocky legacy.

First off, who knew Buffalo NY was more racist than parts of the South in the 60’s? And who knew Rick James went AWOL from Vietnam headed to Canada where he became friends and collaborators with the likes of Joni Mitchell and Neil Young!  Who knew he was at Motown during the time of The Supremes, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder ? And for that matter, that Berry Gordy’s son remained his manager during the height of his career.  Or that Prince was kind-of a Dick early in his career, pissing off James, after being invited on tour.  There’s just so many good stories and blanks filled in. Much of it told by former Stone City Band Members, one of James’ bitter brothers, Bootsy Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic), Ice Cube talks about James’ influence on him growing up and more….  It pleases me to have this new perspective on this iconic musician who although no longer with us (died 2004), and certainly no saint, his music still creates elation every time you hear it. 

HAPPY #JuneTeenth2021 @Tribeca https://t.co/UnQ7HOpFHq#Tribeca2021 #TribecaAtHome pic.twitter.com/qsm8kpLiVG

— Tinsel & Tine ✍🏾 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 19, 2021

POSER

Synopsis: Directed by Ori Segev and Noah Dixon (first feature length film) – Lennon exists timidly on the sidelines of the thriving Columbus, Ohio indie music scene, yearning for a personal connection that might shepherd her into the inner sanctum of warehouse concerts, exclusive backstage, house parties and the cutting-edge art scene. As she fuels her desire for entrée into a podcast featuring live music and conversations with the artists she so fervently admires, Lennon finds inspiration for her own musical ambitions…and a growing sense of misdirected identity. Enter Bobbi Kitten, an enigmatic, striking and talented half of a popular, indie pop duo, who takes Lennon under her confident wing—unwittingly entangling herself in a dark obsession.

Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview POSER – definitely darker than I figured. Intriguing look into the underground Columbus OH music scene and use of IRL bands. Sylvie Mix perfectly plays Lennon just a beat behind and slightly off tempo. She’s almost just a smart, cool girl. It’s a shame she didn’t just really podcast and hang out once she made it into the “cool crowd”. But then if that were the case it wouldn’t be much of a story.

Watch the exclusive interview with Bobbi Kitten (Damn the Witch Siren, Z Wolf), Ori Segev, and Noah Dixon

“Do the unexpected, celebrate your own groove, be you, don’t worry about feeling foolish. You can do anything.” #Tribeca2021 #sowieso https://t.co/ilup495pTR

— 𝕺𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖑__𝕭𝖊𝖆𝖙 ⬅😷➡ (@Oriental__Beat) June 17, 2021

I really liked that each morning the Tribeca Press Office would send images of the talent which attended the previous Festival Day.  I made a random Facebook album of some of the great shots got by Tribeca and Getty Photographers…

WU HAI

Synopsis: Directed by Ziyang Zhou (China) When an ambitious business venture—a dinosaur theme park—goes bad, a small-time broker Yang Hua finds himself with creditors at his door. Caught in an inextricable web of debt and desperation, his attempts to stay afloat only entrap him further, until his marriage to Miao Wei, the daughter of a wealthy family, threatens to implode. Impressive in scope and style, this suspenseful fable ricochets between Yang’s quiet panic and his fraught confrontations around the owed money. 

Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview WU HAI  – Yang Hua (Xuan Huang) is a man at maximum stress levels with no coping mechanisms. This film is an anxious ride, with no relief, except perhaps, the beautifully bleak landscape of the Mongolian desert.

#Tribeca2021 screening tonight GRACELAND featuring Anna Camp, Dir Bonnie-Kathleen Ryan
Playing in: Shorts: Pursuing Happiness – https://t.co/qSZasYS35c via @YouTube

Look forward to seeing it #TribecaAtHome tomorrow!#FilmFestival #Elvis2021 pic.twitter.com/BZ9u9NkYca

— Tinsel & Tine ✍🏾 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 15, 2021

See below Interview with GraceLand Filmmaker Bonnie Discepolo

ALL MY FRIENDS HATE ME

Synopsis: Directed by Andrew Gaynord (UK) Genuine but increasingly insecure Pete is cautiously excited about reuniting with his college crew for a birthday weekend at a magnificent country manor. It’s been years since the raucous bunch spent time together and he apprehensively prepares himself for a reintroduction into good-natured ribbing, heavy intoxication and hilarious, not at all awkward strolls down memory lane. With his girlfriend joining the festivities midway through—whom none of his friends have yet to meet—Pete sets his sight on proposing before the weekend’s out. Best laid plans, dear audience.

MISSION: JOY –
FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES

Synopsis: Feature Documentary (English, Tibetan) Academy Award®-winning director Louie Psihoyos returns to Tribeca with his latest film (co-director Peggy Callahan), a profound and jubilant exploration of the remarkable friendship between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Inspired by the international bestseller The Book of Joy, the documentary welcomes viewers into intimate conversations between two men whose resistance against adversity has marked our modern history. Through rare archival footage and affecting animation, the documentary reflects upon their personal hardships as well as the burden both men carry as world leaders dedicated to bringing justice to and fighting authoritarianism in their communities. 

#Tribeca2021 Day 4 – Amy Schumer & Emily Ratajkowski attend Storytellers at Spring Studios (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)#Tribeca #FilmFestival #Liveevents #NYC pic.twitter.com/OqOFt6Exvd

— Tinsel & Tine ✍🏾 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 14, 2021

SHAPELESS

Synopsis Directed by Samantha Aldana (Feature drama/horror US) The world’s a stage for Ivy—there just aren’t many people seated in front of it. Struggling to establish herself as a singer, she collects humble checks while bouncing around various New Orleans lounges and bars and crooning with her silky-smooth voice for minimal amounts of liquor-sipping patrons. But those meager paydays aren’t Ivy’s toughest battle. That’s reserved for when she’s home alone, which is when her physical insecurities overwhelm her and she succumbs to a debilitating eating disorder. Keeping her battles a secret has its consequences. Ivy is now transforming into something nightmarish. And it may be too late to reverse course.

Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview SHAPELESS – Lead/co-writer Kelly Murtagh Nawlins jazz singer self-sabotages career due to bulimia. Slow, uncomfortable, eerie film using creative camera play & body distortions.

#Tribeca2021 #shortfilm ENOUGH featuring Nathan Nzanga, Dir Caleb Slain part “Boyhood” part music video, part social protest, all visually interesting https://t.co/Uj0aTpQAJB#Tribeca #FilmFestival pic.twitter.com/h5CKtk1ZyI

— Tinsel & Tine ✍🏾 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 13, 2021

Star Studded Short Film Block: WITH/IN (Vol 1)

“Producers Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler weren’t in a unique position when COVID-19 hit. Like others who were working on film sets, they were left without a way to continue their job — at least in person.

So they got innovative. Rattray and Styler, whose combined producing credits include “The Kids Are All Right,” “American Honey” and “Still Alice,” enlisted some famous friends — including Julianne Moore, Don Cheadle, Rosie Perez, Justina Machado, Rebecca Hall and Chris Cooper — to capture how much everyone’s lives had changed during darkest days of the pandemic. The final product is “With/In,” an anthology of 13 short films, some satire, some comical and some all-too-real about the confinement and isolation that resulted from lockdown. The made-at-home series premiered at this year’s Tribeca Festival”  READ MORE about how the celebrities figured out how to tell these stories without crew during lockdown.

LEAP, directed by Sanaa Lathan, written by Margaret Nagle. Featuring Sanaa Lathan & Lucy Punch. – In this short, Sanaa plays a psychologist trying to continue to have sessions with her patients over Zoom. What we observe about her daily routines during COVID lockdown is that she suffers from similar issues as those she counsels; like obsessive/compulsion, germophobia, and feeling easily overwhelmed. But then the appearance of an unexpected new friend may be exactly what she needs to help cope.

COCO & GIGI directed and written by Rosie Perez. Featuring Rosie Perez and Justina Machado.  In this short, we have two sisters checking in with each other on Zoom, often getting on each other’s nerves.  Rosie’s character has a husband that has had to shelter-in-place in a different city and she’s feeling very alone. Justina’s character is finding that this much togetherness between she and her husband is an unbearable arrangement. The two talk family dynamics, increased drinking , what to do with their hair and more, during their humorous and revealing Zooms.

MOTHER directed by Morgan Spector & Maya Singer, written by Maya Singer. Featuring Rebecca Hall, Morgan Spector & Maya Singer. In this short, a Manhattan couple played by Rebecca & Morgan have made the decision to stay in a remote country home in upper state NY during the pandemic. A friend played by Maya is sheltering- in-place with them.  There’s a strange painting of a woman, who somewhat resembles Hall, dominating the dining room wall.  During dinner one night Maya’s character talks of being annoyed that her Instagram feed is filled with people’s sourdough bread successes and failures. Next thing you know, sourdough bread starter arrives in the mail, each assumes the other has ordered it as a joke; until the bread making becomes no laughing matter.

INTERSECTION, directed and written by Bart Freundlich. Featuring Julianne Moore, Don Cheadle & Talia Balsam. In this short, Julianne Moore’s character is married to Don Cheadle’s, but they are separated physically at the moment as Cheadle and their bi-racial son are staying in another city with Cheadle’s mother. Moore is alone at their home until her sister shows up, unexpectedly, her bags packed with drama.  Although Moore and Cheadle’s characters have obviously been together 15 years or more, the civil unrest that began with George Floyd’s murder makes certain conversations uneasy and reveals her sister to be an overt racists.

#Tribeca2021 #shortfilm ENOUGH featuring Nathan Nzanga, Dir Caleb Slain part “Boyhood” part music video, part social protest, all visually interesting https://t.co/Uj0aTpQAJB#Tribeca #FilmFestival pic.twitter.com/h5CKtk1ZyI

— Tinsel & Tine ✍🏾 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 13, 2021

GLOB LESSONS

Synopsis: Directed by Nicole Rodenburg. Featuring and written by Colin Froeber & Nicole Rodenburg (Comedy, Drama, LGBTQIA) Alan is an insecure, perfectionist, mostly-closeted man from Minnesota. Jesse is an unpredictable, mysterious woman from West Virginia. They’re complete opposites – and they’ve found themselves partnered together on a low-budget children’s theatre tour for indifferent audiences across the Upper Midwest. Unsettled by each other, and each quietly suffering from emotional wounds of their own, they’re a study in avoidance—until the reality of their forced proximity compels them to open up. As their friendship deepens, they begin to go rogue with their shows—rewriting them and redesigning them in order to better represent their voices, and as they do so, they find the courage to begin writing a new life for themselves.

MARK, MARY & SOME OTHER PEOPLE

Synopsis: Directed by Hannah Marks, solo directorial narrative debut (Feature | United States) Mark (Ben Rosenfield) and Mary’s (Hayley Law) meet-cute happens at a neighborhood drug store, where she is busy buying a pregnancy test, and he has to make an effort to remind her they met in college. After asking her out, he accompanies her as she takes the test, and upon it showing negative, she agrees to a date. One year later, they have fallen deeply, passionately, head over heels in love, and their whirlwind romance leads to marriage. So when Mary suddenly requests they open their relationship to “ethical non-monogamy”, Mark is taken by surprise, but agrees to try it. And that’s where this story really begins.

Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview MARK, MARY & SOME OTHER PEOPLE – The film, which presents itself as an updated romantic-comedy (an ode to Gen-Z) in many ways feels too modern for old-heads like me and in other ways the exploration of Polyamory is much like Toni Collette‘s Netflix series “Wanderlust” or the movie “The Sessions” where Helen Hunt plays a sex therapist with an open marriage.  The thing about Polyamory tends to be about the rules, but once a couple starts making up too many rules things get murky and not as much fun or free as originally intended. 

Despite Mark being one of these rather soft, low testosterone type males that seem to be the usual 20-something anymore. And concurrently Mary being one of these attractive females, very much in touch with her masculine side, you root for them as a couple and hope they can work out all the unnecessary other people, noise and nonsense preventing them from just enjoying each other.

7 DAYS

Synopsis: Directed by Roshan Sethi (US Comedy, Drama, Romance) Set up on a pre-arranged date by their old-fashioned Indian parents, Ravi (Karan Soni) and Rita (Geraldine Viswanathan) seemingly have nothing in common, making for an afternoon that, while pleasant enough, couldn’t be any more awkward. He’s conservative and clearly nervous, while she’s doing her best to politely keep on smiling. But then the unthinkable happens: As the COVID outbreak intensifies, the shelter-in-place mandate is issued, forcing Ravi to spend the night at Rita’s place. Before long, he sees that she’s not the straightlaced girl she initially pretended to be…

Tinsel & Tine #MiniMovieReview 7 DAYS – The tone is definitely modeled after Kumail Nanjiani‘s “The Big Sick”, that balance of situational humor and serious situation. Once again the guy, Ravi, seems a bit over sensitive. And the girl, Rita, seems a little too rough around the edges; but these are the times in which we live, I suppose.  I also noted that they rushed certain COVID shelter-in-place things, like wearing masks, nobody had masks in the beginning. And the banging of the pots and pans came after we dubbed hospital workers “essential heroes” which didn’t happen in the first week. There were a couple other references dealing with the lockdown way of life, that was premature, as this story starts early in March, the first day we all heard the NBA was packing it in and Disney World had sealed the Castle gate.

Otherwise, it’s charming with a nice sprinkle of Indian cultural references. Rita’s carriage house is like a 3rd character in the film, the decor a quirky mix of cozy/disaster.  Basically, I really enjoyed 7 Days, good romantic beats between two totally incompatible strangers becoming friends and then unwittingly realizing there’s more. 

LIZA ANONYMOUS

I got a chance to interview the lead actress, Danielle Beckmann, director Abrey Smyth and screenwriter Leah McKendrick of a short film which premiered at Tribeca –  LIZA ANONYMOUS  added to my 5 Questions Series click link or image to get to know this female filmmaking dream team (Video interview 13 mins).

Also added to my 5 Questions Series Interview with the Director of GraceLand Bonnie Discepolo. Click link or image to see what was the inspiration (other than Elvis) behind this 14 min short.

Also, joined my fellow Philadelphia Film Critic Circle Members to Discuss our Likes and Dislikes of Tribeca 2021

Thank you for checking another socially distanced episode of The Film Scribes Podcast. This week the scribes on deck Rich Heimlich (/comment), Stephen Silver (Splice Today, Philly Voice), Gary Kramer (Salon), and LeAnne Lindsay (Tinsel & Tine) are giving a rundown of their experience at this year’s “virtual” Tribeca Film Festival. Along with IN THE HEIGHTS the scribes deal out their hot takes from the films they caught from this year’s festival.

As always any feedback or questions can be sent to Filmscribes@philafcc.org to be discussed on a future show.

JURY WINNERS
OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL!

The Founders Awards for BEST U.S. NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM: THE NOVICE  Director Lauren Hadaway  – Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan, 2009) plays Alex Dall, a queer college freshman who joins her university’s rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat, no matter the cost. Intent on outperforming her teammates, Alex pushes herself to her limits—and beyond, alienating everyone around her in the name of success. Furhman’s fierce lead performance collides with Lauren Hadaway’s bold direction and dynamic editing, creating a visceral window into a cutthroat world.

BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM: BRIGHTON 4^TH  Director Levan Koguashvili – Former wrestling champion Kakhi (Levan Tediashvili, himself a former Olympic wrestler) always has his family on his conscience, and in Brighton 4th, this leads him on a cross-continental journey. After making arrangements to cover for his brother’s gambling debts, Kakhi departs his humble home in the Republic of Georgia to pay a visit to his son Soso (Giorgi Tabidze) in outer Brooklyn. As Kakhi settles into Soso’s Brighton Beach boarding house—which constitutes a popup community of fellow Georgian immigrants—he learns that Soso has also accrued a $14,000 debt to the local mob boss (Yuriy Zur), a roadblock to Soso’s future in medicine.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: ASCENSION Director Jessica Kingdon – an exploration of contemporary China’s identity as it relates to its vision of consumerism, innovation, and social standing. Kingdon’s rich and unobtrusive access into these arenas captures revealing moments with impressive patience and restraint—but also with surprising moments of humor. The film’s curious and observational lens delivers a hypnotic quality in its visuals, immersing the viewer in the stark differences between social classes, and how the struggles of the working class are laid bare in trying to realize the “Chinese Dream.”

Tribeca Festival 20th Anniversary Short Film

ORIGINAL POST – LEADING UP TO THE FESTIVAL

#Tribeca2021 | #TribecaAtHome

After over a decade of covering films, this will be my first experience with TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL (20th Annual June 9-20th) Disgraceful on my part I know, seeing as it’s only 2 hrs tops from Philly.  I just never got it together to either go for the day, or commute a few days, spend on accommodations or impose on an acquaintance.  The great thing is this year I don’t have to do any of that, God do I love these Virtual Film Festivals, it just feeds the  introvert in me!

The platform or as they call it “Online Portal” presented by AT&T is called TRIBECA AT HOME festival-goers from Philly and around the country have the opportunity to join in on the fun right from their homes. 35 films, including 24 features and 11 shorts. The hub will also include an immersive showcase of 14 VR selections, various podcasts and games programming.

“While we are excited to gather in person this year with our live screenings reaching every corner of NYC, festival-goers and the at-home audiences will have more access to a diverse lineup of storytellers than ever before.” – Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Festival Co-Founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal.

Q: When can I watch movies?
A: Many films are available to watch from June 9 – June 23, 2021. Films with an in-person premier, will
be available to watch on the At Home platform the evening following their live screening – at 6:00 pm
EST and remain available to watch through the 23rd of June. Films premiering on the At Home platform
exclusively will be released daily, remaining available for five days each. See the festival schedule and
individual film pages for At Home premiere dates and times. Please note that a small number of films
will have specific At Home premiere dates with shorter watch windows; these details will be listed on
each film’s dedicated page in the film guide.

The downside for Press is that we can’t see anything until the day after it premieres, so I have nothing to watch on Opening 6/9, the day I took off from Work :/

Oh, and in case you didn’t know, Tribeca Film Festival Screenings and Events are Live all over New York City, with COVID precautions in place.  Maybe next year, I’ll do it up in the City proper.

Here’s a Couple Highlights that caught my eye…

#Tribeca2021 In honor of #Juneteenth2021 screen programming that highlights Black cinema from the African Diaspora through feature and short films, podcasts, Tribeca Talks, music, and other special eventshttps://t.co/JQdhzMs4Is#FilmFestival pic.twitter.com/K99vmfSXCb

— Tinsel & Tine 🔜 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 5, 2021

On my list to screen @Tribeca doc P.S. BURN THIS LETTER PLEASE Filmmakers: Michael Seligman and Jennifer Tiexierahttps://t.co/Girdaf4IHp#Tribeca2021 #filmfestival @Sidney_Falco #documentary #gayrights #LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/VvZfC2JjmU

— Tinsel & Tine 🔜 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 6, 2021

On my list to screen @Tribeca @globlessons dir @NicoleRodenburg premieres 6/12/21 4pm https://t.co/YgyRKWDhHv#Tribeca2021 #globlessons @ColinFroeber https://t.co/kwRT8sD56z

— Tinsel & Tine 🔜 TRIBECA 2021 (@tinseltine) June 7, 2021

CLICK IMAGES BELOW FOR MORE INFO/TICKETS

PEACE BY CHOCOLATE (Thu June 17 – 8:00 PM) Narrative Feature directed by Jonathan Keijser, written by Jonathan Keijser, Abdul Malik. Produced by Jonathan Keijser, Martin Paul-Hus, Catherine Legar. (Canada) – Online World Premiere. When a Syrian family immigrates to a small Canadian town, the son is torn between his dream of becoming a doctor and helping his father to rebuild his chocolate business. With Hatem Ali, Yara Sabri, Ayham Ammar,Mark Camacho, Catherine Kirkpatrick, Najlaa Khamari.

CLAYDREAM (Sun June 13 – 7:00 PM) Documentary Feature directed and written by Marq Evans. Produced by Tamir Ardon, Marq Evans, Nick Spicer,Kevin Moyer. (United States) – Online World Premiere. This warm-hearted portrait of the charismatic  pioneer and “Father of Claymation” Will Vinton, follows the rise and fall of his Oscar® and Emmy® winning claymation studio, giving the viewer a front row seat to the battle between art and commerce. With Will Vinton, Bill Plympton, Bob Gardiner, Melissa Mitchell, Chuck Duke, Craig Bartlett.

7 DAYS (Thu June 10 – 5:00 PM )Set up on a pre-arranged date by their old-fashioned Indian parents, Ravi (Karan Soni) and Rita (Geraldine Viswanathan) seemingly have nothing in common, making for an afternoon that, while pleasant enough, couldn’t be any more awkward. He’s conservative and clearly nervous, while she’s doing her best to politely keep on smiling. But then the unthinkable happens: As the COVID outbreak intensifies, the shelter-in-place mandate is issued, forcing Ravi to spend the night at Rita’s place. Before long, he sees that she’s not the straightlaced girl she initially pretended to be