Tribeca Festival 2023: ‘Expressions of Black Freedom’ highlights
With the TRIBECA FESTIVAL taking place in NYC from June 7-18, here are some highlights of the Black programming this year, titled “Expressions of Black Freedom”.
“Expressions of Black Freedom”, sponsored by Indeed, is an evolution of the Festival’s Juneteenth programming that gives a curated look at stories that embody what it means to be free. This year’s theme is Black Music, which ties into the festival-wide celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. To help us craft the celebration, Tribeca brought in a curator-in-residence, Fab 5 Freddy.
The full experience includes films, Talks, lounge discussions, musical performances, immersive experiences, and a Masterclass.
Examples of programming includes: the world premiere of All Up in the Biz, a documentary about New York hip-hop legend Biz Markie; the world premiere of Cinnamon, directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. and starring Damon Wayans and Pam Grier; the world premiere of For Khadija, starring French Montana and executive produced by Drake and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs; Misty Copeland’s Flower; Gloria Gaynor will perform following the world premiere of Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive; Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quiñones, Fab 5 Freddy, and Grand Wizzard Theodore reunite for a special 40th anniversary celebration of Wild Style, and Tribeca Talks with artists like Billy Porter.
Beyond the selections of “Expressions of Black Freedom”, Tribeca is proud to work with organizations that are already doing the work in the community - partnering with organizations like Blackhouse, Diverse Representation, and more to amplify the reach of their good work.
ALL UP IN THE BIZ - directed by Sacha Jenkins
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 100 MINUTES | ENGLISH
New York native Biz Markie remains a hip-hop icon despite his untimely death in 2021. Best known for his 1989 Top 40 hit “Just a Friend”, Markie was a rapper, beatboxer, songwriter, and producer who was fondly referred to as the clown prince of hip-hop. Markie performed all over the world and made cameo appearances in TV shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, In Living Color, and The Tonight Show, and films including Men in Black II and Sharknado 2.
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 98 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
“The Star-Spangled Banner”, written in 1814 using the melody of an old British tune, is a song that evokes a range of emotions from patriotic pride to cynicism and terror. But what would the national anthem sound like if it was based on American music? Anthem follows composer and pianist Kris Bowers and producer Dahi as they journey across the country to find out.
Choir singing the new anthem after the screening, followed by a Q&A
SPOTLIGHT+, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | JAMAICA | 93 MINUTES | ENGLISH | ENGLISH SUBTITLES |
Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall explores the ‘80s and ‘90s emergence of dancehall as Jamaican immigrants brought the music, dancing, and vibes of their home to New York City. Nicknamed the 15th Parish of Jamaica, New York City became home to an influential movement that saw dancehall rise alongside hip-hop and eventually spread across the country.
After the Premiere: Performance by Dancehall legends.
TRIBECA TV WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 93 MINUTES |
For the Detroit Youth Choir, everything changed when they entered the spotlight on America’s Got Talent. They’d come a long way from rehearsing in a church basement with a handful of kids, but now their past achievements are old news and the new kids need to step up. With new talent and auditions underway, can the DYC stay relevant both in their hometown and on the national stage?
After the Screening: A conversation with Artistic Director of the Detroit Youth Choir Anthony White, director Rudy Valdez, executive producer Sara Bernstein, and members of the choir, plus a special performance by the Detroit Youth Choir.
SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 91 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
Aspiring singer Jodi Jackson (Tony nominee Hailey Kilgore) has a big voice and dreams to match but struggles to make ends meet as a gas station attendant whose boss (Damon Wayans) may not be on the up and up. Enter charming small-time crook Eddie (David Iacono). He would do anything to make her dreams come true. The two lovers hatch a plan to change their lives, but as the old proverb goes, “We plan, God laughs.” What follows is a journey in which they both must use their wits to survive.
TRIBECA TV, WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 87 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
De La Calle is a docu-series that takes a journey into the Latino diaspora to explore the evolution of Urbano music and cultures that ignited the musical revolution of Rap, Reggaeton, Bachata, Latin trap, Cumbia and other sounds that are influencing music and culture worldwide.
After the Screening: A conversation with series host Nick Barili and additional special guests.
GALA WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES, MOROCCO | 90 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
French Montana is many things, including an entrepreneur and Grammy-nominated rapper. But what did it take for a hungry talent from Africa to reach those lofty heights? The Moroccan-born and New York-bred multi-platinum artist behind hits such as Pop That, Unforgettable, and No Stylist is giving us a deeper look through his lens. This globe-spanning showcase provides views of French we haven’t seen, including the unbreakable bond he shares with his single mother, Khadija.
After the Premiere: A performance by French Montana, Triplets Ghetto Kids, and Very Special Guests.
SPOTLIGHT +, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 99 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
Gloria Gaynor forever cemented her place in popular culture with the disco classic “I Will Survive”. In the four decades since, her career has been stalled by health issues, as well as abuse and mismanagement from her now ex-husband. Yet in keeping with the title of her most famous song, Gaynor struggles onward as she works to release a new gospel album in her seventies.
After the Premiere: A performance by the one and only Gloria Gaynor.
RETROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | 125 MINUTES |
Through good times and bad, Stella (Angela Bassett) and Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg) have always had each other. Now, Stella's so busy building a life that she's forgotten to really live. But Delilah is about to change all that. What starts as a quick trip to Jamaica, ends as an exhilarating voyage of self discovery as Stella learns to open her heart and find love - even if it's with a man 20 years her junior. Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan. Written by Terry McMillan, Ron Bass. Produced by Deborah Schindler. With Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina King. A 20th Century Fox release.
After the Movie: A panel with Kevin Sullivan and Angela Bassett, moderated by Torell Shavone Taylor.
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY, NEW YORK PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 114 MINUTES |
Frédéric Tcheng, the director of 2019’s Halston, returns to Tribeca with another documentary about a fashion world titan: co-director Bethann Hardison. Featuring in-depth interviews with Hardison herself, Invisible Beauty is an elegant account of the model-turned-fashion industry insider’s life and career, culminating in her tireless advocacy for more diversity both on the runway and off.
US NARRATIVE COMPETITION, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 95 MINUTES | ENGLISH | ENGLISH SUBTITLES |
Sol (Sauve Sidle) is an aspiring young rapper living with his best friend Wesley (Siyanda Stillwell), whose family has embraced him as a brother. After a raucous night causes Wesley to overdose, Sol abandons him at a house party, and eventually chooses to leave home for good and join a touring group of hip-hop artists. As they travel across Texas creating and performing, he discovers who he is as an artist and person.
VIEWPOINTS, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | ARGENTINA, BELGIUM, ETHIOPIA, GERMANY | 85 MINUTES | ENGLISH | ENGLISH SUBTITLES |
Clad in slim jeans and a leather jacket, with his electric guitar strapped to his back, jazz musician Michael (Elijah Reid) cuts an effortlessly cool figure as he moves through the streets of Addis Ababa. Playing the nightclubs of his beloved city and excited by the promise of an upcoming tour, Michael is every bit the working musician. When his mother asks him to join her in Brussels, the guitarist falls into deep existential dread at the thought of leaving and becoming part of the diaspora in a continent defined by its history of white entitlement and mistreatment. Michael sets out to bid loved ones goodbye, enjoying the simple pleasures of the city one last time. He comes to find a deeper purpose and a revolutionary reason for being in this jazzy, intimate look at the emotional toll of colonialism and the forced displacement at its cruel center.
RETROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | 100 MINUTES |
New Jack City, (United States). Wesley Snipes stars in this hard-edged film based on a frightening true world as Nino Brown, an American success story – with a twist. He's young, handsome, smart, rich, successful, and prominent in his community. But Nino Brown is a big-time drug baron. Determined to end the remorseless evil of Nino's drug empire, two street-smart policemen will stop at nothing to destroy his organization. Directed by Mario Van Peebles. Written by Thomas Lee Wright, Barry Michael Cooper. Produced by George Jackson, Doug McHenry. With Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Mario Van Peebles, Judd Nelson. A Warner Brothers release.
After the Movie: A panel with Mario Van Peebles, Michael Michele, and Fab 5 Freddy.
PLANET B-BOY
FREE & OUTDOOR EVENTS | FEATURE | 101 MINUTES |
A powerful documentary about the vibrant global resurgence of break-dancing, Planet B-Boy goes inside the underground hip-hop dance scenes around the world.
After the Movie: A free entry-level breakdancing tutorial led by the instructors of Wondrous - Studio Of Breaking in Brooklyn.
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY, WORLD PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 87 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
Ed Sullivan is rightly considered to be one of the great figures of American television. For 23 years, The Ed Sullivan Show broadcast some of the biggest musicians into millions of homes, including Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles’ record-breaking first appearance in 1964. Sunday Best affectionately recounts Sullivan’s show business career with an emphasis on his support of Black American artists, including his friendship with Bill Robinson.
SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE U.S. PREMIERE | FEATURE | UNITED STATES | 96 MINUTES
Seven Black friends reunite at a cabin in the woods to celebrate Juneteenth. They ignite in friendly banter as they arrive, referencing old jokes like they just saw each other yesterday. But as night falls, things begin to go awry in the picturesque cabin. Lights go out and a masked archer stalks them from outside. Once they’re trapped in a room, the group must play the ultimate game: figure out who among them is the Blackest — or else they all die. So, who exactly is the Blackest of them all? And who will make it through the night?
RETROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | 82 MINUTES |
Wild Style, (United States). Universally hailed as the classic hip hop movie, Wild Style tells the story of Zoro, played by the graffiti legend Lee Quiñones, in his subway art romance with the graffiti queen Sandra "Lady Pink" Fabara. Fab Five Freddy, who helped Charlie Ahearn create Wild Style from its inception, stars as the smooth impresario Phade. Following the outlaw artists through the train yards to the clubs, Wild Style climaxes at a massive outdoor jam, definitely the most famous hip hop party in history! Directed, written and produced by Charlie Ahearn. With Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, Fab 5 Freddy, Patti Astor, Andrew Witten, Busy Bee, Grand Wizzard Theodore.
After the Movie: A panel with Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quiñones, Fab 5 Freddy, and Grand Wizzard Theodore, moderated by Pitchfork staff writer Alphonse Pierre.
SAY IT LOUD! SHORTS PROGRAM
Freedom of Black expression is explored in these short docs:
BLACK GIRLS PLAY: THE STORY OF HAND GAMES
SHORTS, WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 18 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
An illuminating look at the influence that hand games played by Black girls has had on the American creative landscape.
SHORTS, WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES, US VIRGIN ISLANDS | 12 MINUTES | ENGLISH | ENGLISH | SUBTITLES |
A short documentary chronicling the horse jockey community in Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands - through the perspective of a young aspiring jockey, native to the island.
SHORTS WORLD PREMIERE | SHORT | UNITED STATES | 16 MINUTES | ENGLISH | ENGLISH SUBTITLES |
A property dispute led to one family's displacement from their ancestral home. Today, their youngest daughter is left to pick up the pieces—all of them fitting within two storage units.
SHORTS, NEW YORK PREMIERE | MUSIC VIDEO | UNITED STATES | 3 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
In Lizzo's music video, visuals, empowering lyrics, and energetic performances celebrate self-love, body positivity, and individuality. Bold, colorful, and full of positive energy.
SHORTS, WORLD PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 11 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
A 58 year-old Black queer man speaks about his life as an emergency nurse, leather titleholder and civil rights advocate.
SHORTS, NEW YORK PREMIERE | UNITED STATES | 18 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
When a devoted Kenyan husband surprises his new Black-American wife with an adorable kitten, neither are prepared for the destruction it wields upon their home, their life, and ultimately, their marriage.
SHORTS
SHORTS, WORLD PREMIERE | FRANCE, CHILE | 16 MINUTES | CREOLE, FRENCH, SPANISH | ENGLISH SUBTITLES |
Alex (25), is a young Haitian man living in Chile who is undocumented and does not speak Spanish. After a car accident he is helped and translated by Daniela (50), a passerby with whom he is going to live what could be his last 15 minutes of life.
WORLD PREMIERE SPECIAL EVENT | 28 MINUTES |
The World Premiere of Misty Copeland's Flower will screen as a special event at Spring Studios. Flower is a poignant take on community, belonging and intergenerational equity, directed by Lauren Finerman, in which Copeland stars and serves as producer. This film also marks the return to performance for Copeland after a multi-year hiatus. Following the screening, the premiere event will feature live performances by Copeland's co-star Babatunji Johnson and a group of NYC hip hop dancers choreographed by the legendary choreographers Rich + Tone Talauega, who also worked on the film, and a Q&A with Copeland and the filmmakers.
SHORTS, WORLD PREMIERE | SHORT | UNITED STATES | 13 MINUTES | ENGLISH | ENGLISH SUBTITLES |
In the Shadow of Palms is an intimate portrait of three lives on the outskirts of Los Angeles and the creative ways they find hope in this cinematic documentary.
LUNARCODE: THE LIGHT (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
SHORTS, NEW YORK PREMIERE | MUSIC VIDEO | UNITED STATES | 3 MINUTES | ENGLISH |
A powerful music video by award winning rock band Lunarcode.
IMMERSIVE
NEW VOICES COMPETITION, NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE FRANCE, TAIWAN R.O.C. | 30 MINUTES | ENGLISH, FRENCH |
Colored is an immersive mixed-reality installation adapted from a biographical essay written by Tania de Montaigne. It’s the story of Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old Black girl who, in Alabama in the 1950s, refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white woman. A Rosa Parks ante litteram whose revolutionary gesture did not receive the same public recognition as that of her elder a few months later, condemning her to oblivion. At 83 years old, Claudette still lives in New York. Published sixty years after the fact, this biography, winner of the 2015 Simone Veil Prize, plunges us into a moment in American civil rights history that keeps resurfacing in our time. The feeling that to be Black is to be an inferior race, especially for a woman.
MASTERCLASS
MASTERCLASS: THE DREAM TEAM – CAREERS IN TALENT REPRESENTATION
TRIBECA TALKS | 75 MINUTES |
Hosted by: The Blackhouse Foundation and Diverse Representation
Discover the unique career paths to the value-added role of Talent Representative with our distinguished panel of agents, managers, attorneys, and publicists. This conversation is about getting in the room to have a seat at the table while building a community of savvy negotiators to help talent realize their dreams. Moderated by Diverse Representation Founder, Jaia Thomas.
About the Blackhouse Foundation
The Blackhouse Foundation was founded in 2007 to expand career opportunities for Black multi-platform content creators and build an enhanced pipeline for executives within film, television, digital, and emerging platforms.
About Diverse Representation
The mission of Diverse Representation is to increase the hiring and exposure of Black agents, attorneys, managers, and publicists in the sports and entertainment industries.
This year the Tribeca Film Festival collaborates with the Blackhouse Foundation and Diverse Prepresentation to provide space for behind-the-scenes discussions on career advancement and thought-provoking conversations with creators and executives.
TALKS
STORYTELLERS - CHANCE THE RAPPER WITH THELMA GOLDEN
TRIBECA TALKS | 60 MINUTES |
Multi-Grammy award winner Chance the Rapper has built a multi-faceted career across music, film, television, and art. His new body of work, Star Line Gallery, has premiered at art institutions around the world including Art Basel and Los Angeles’ Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
STORYTELLERS WITH BILLY PORTER WITH IDINA MENZEL
TRIBECA TALKS | 60 MINUTES |
Billy Porter is an Emmy, Tony and Grammy award-winning actor, singer, director, producer, composer, and playwright, best known for FX’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated drama “Pose” and Broadway’s Kinky Boots.
STORYTELLERS: JANE FONDA RECEIVES THE HARRY BELAFONTE VOICES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD
TRIBECA TALKS | 60 MINUTES |
Jane Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, activist, and fitness guru with a career spanning over 50 years. Her body of work includes over 45 films as well as advocacy on behalf of political causes such as women’s rights, Native Americans, and the environment. She is a seven-time Golden Globe winner and was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2021, Stanley Kubrick Excellence in Film Award as part of BAFTA’s Britannia Awards in 2019, AFI Life Achievement Award winner in 2014, and Honorary Palme d’Or honoree in 2007. Fonda also continues to lead the charge on Fire Drill Fridays in partnership with Greenpeace USA, and launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC last year. The award will be presented by Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys. Fonda will be joined in conversation by Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.
SPRING STUDIOS LOUNGE PANELS
HIP-HOP DANCE TUTORIAL WITH WONDROUS STUDIO
Join us for a free entry-level breakdancing tutorial led by the instructors of Wondrous - Studio Of Breaking in Brooklyn.
This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to receive this message for the intended recipient), you may not use, copy, disseminate or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail, and delete the message. Thank you very much.