Jeff Garlin, of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” fame, wrote, directed, and stars in the bittersweet romantic comedy “I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With,” left. “Road to Guantanomo,” right, gives audiences an inside look at the conditions prisoners face at the detention center in Cuba.
Festival Event Listings Festival will take place April 25 – May 7. Check below for a schedule of activities. For more information, visit www.tribecafilmfestival.org.
Feature Selections
Three categories of films featuring 60 works in a vibrant mix of well-known and up-and-coming filmmakers, narrative and documentary, from 16 countries around the world.
SPOTLIGHT Category was created to present distinctive out-of-competition films with established and international talent. Includes narratives and documentaries by some of the world’s highest profile film talent. 14 World and North American Premieres including three documentary features, 14 narrative features and one short film.
Spotlight films include:
FIVE FINGERS An idealistic Dutch pianist, played by fresh-faced Ryan Phillippe, travels to Morocco to start a charitable food organization. But a group of unorthodox terrorists abduct him at the airport and subject him to a series of horrifying mental tests. If he fails, he stands to lose his fingers, one at a time.
HOUSE OF SAND Inspired by Woman of the Dunes, this epic tale of love and loss follows the fate of three generations of headstrong women who all, at some point, lived in the same desert house full of sand.
I WANT SOMEONE TO EAT CHEESE WITH A bittersweet romantic comedy about an overweight, underappreciated Chicago actor in search of a soul mate.
MY DAD IS 100 YEARS OLD In this unique tribute to the great filmmaker Roberto Rossellini, his daughter Isabella collaborates with cinephile Guy Maddin to create a loving and very personal portrait. Followed by the screening of a new archival print of Rossellini’s The Flowers of St. Francis (1950.)
SNOW CAKE Ex-convict Alex Hughes finds himself attached to two strange women after arriving in a sleepy Ontario town. Linda, a "high-functioning" autistic, takes Alex into her home after he gets into a car accident with her daughter. Meanwhile, Alex falls for town sexpot Maggie.
ROAD TO GUANTANAMO This film debunks the myths peddled by the U.S. about prisoners at its quasi-legal detention centers. In the film, three British citizens of Pakistani descent travel to Afghanistan on an aid mission, but are soon rounded up by U.S. forces and sent to Guantanamo Bay, where they are subjected to all manner of atrocities.
DISCOVERY Debuts outstanding documentary and narrative film voices from around the globe. Includes 19 narrative films, 18 documentaries and 32 World Premieres.
Discovery films Include:
BEYOND THE CALL In 1995, three average Americans began delivering humanitarian aid to global hotspots like Afghanistan, Albania, Chechnya, Cambodia, Rwanda and the southern Philippines. Part Mother Teresa and part Indiana Jones, they often arrive before other aid organizations hit the ground and stay long after others have pulled out.
BOY CULTURE A college-educated hustler seems destined to never learn until a geriatric john opens his eyes to the possibility of love. This meditation on modern gay life is also an exploration of the push-me-pull-you in all of us when it comes to making the ultimate connection.
THE CANARY EFFECT This visually powerful documentary explores the horrific abuses enacted on Native Americans throughout history, abuses which meet the U.N.’s definition of genocide. Today, reservations rank in the bottom of the nation for quality of life and in the top for suicide.
CIVIC DUTY A seemingly well-adjusted American accountant loses his job and becomes obsessed with terrorist plots and cable news propaganda. When an Islamic student moves in next door, the accountant’s suspicions lead to shocking conclusions in this post-September 11 thriller starring Six Feet Under’s Peter Krause.
THE ELEPHANT KING This pensive, artfully crafted drama explores the twisted symbiosis between two American brothers-one domineering and nihilistic, the other guileless and introspective-as they binge on drink, drugs and women in exotic Thailand. Ultimately, the brothers cope with this intoxicating freedom in wildly disparate ways as the film builds towards its bloody, cathartic conclusion.
FREEDOM’S FURY In the midst of political upheaval, both Hungary and the Soviet Union send their water polo teams to the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne and the world watches as two teams with radically different ideologies meet in what many call the bloodiest water polo match in Olympic history.
STREET THIEF Over the course of a year, filmmakers Bader and Harrison follow Chicago’s most elusive burglar, Kaspar Carr, as he taps phones, cases stores and pulls off numerous scores. As Carr drags the filmmakers deeper into his murky world of disguises and sinister surprises, the line between documentarian and criminal accomplice becomes increasingly blurred.
THREE DAYS IN SEPTEMBER In September 2004, a group of Chechen rebels occupied a school in the small Russian city of Beslan taking some 1,200 people hostage, many of whom were children. At the end of three days, over 330 were dead.
WORD LIFE (aka The Hip Hop Project) An inspiring documentary about New York City teenagers who transform their life stories into powerful works of art, led by a formerly homeless teen turned rap mentor. On this journey of self-discovery and empowerment, hip-hop is the key that will set them free.
NY SPECIALS The newly formed NY Specials showcases a varied group of out-of-competition titles that are quintessentially New York.
NY Specials include:
THE HEART OF STEEL Follows a group of volunteers who banded together calling themselves The Renegade Volunteers immediately after the attacks on September 11. The film highlights the profound impact that ordinary citizens can make in the face of tragedy.
LEAVING HOME COMING HOME: A Portrait of Robert Frank View a dialogue about the work of groundbreaking photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank. Creative tensions develop between the desire to focus on the present and impulses to revisit the past.
NOTES ON MARIE MENKEN A diary portrait of underground filmmaker Marie Menken based on the reminiscences of her family and friends. Various interviewees recount stories of how Menken and her husband, filmmaker Willard Maas, became the inspiration for the protagonists of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
SAINT OF 9/11 A loving tribute to Fire Department Chaplain Father Mychal Judge, parish priest, streetwise New Yorker, recovering alcoholic and proud homosexual who gave his life on September 11 after administering last rites to a fallen firefighter.
NY Specials animated films will also be shown.
Showcase, Restored/
Rediscovered and Midnight Program Information
From the crowd-pleasers of Showcase, to the re-mastered classics of Restored/Rediscovered, to the alternative edginess of Midnight, every film aficionado can find plenty to enjoy in these three sections.
SHOWCASE FILMSNew to New York, these films have been highlights of other festivals.
Showcase Films Include:
AKEELAH AND THE BEE Akeelah is a precocious 11-year-old from south Los Angeles with a gift for words. Despite her mother’s objections, she enters several spelling contests and earns a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Stars Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Curtis Armstrong and Keke Palmer.
AL FRANKEN: GOD SPOKE A documentary about Al Franken’s transformation from mild-mannered comedy writer to full-on political player. Appearances by Ann Coulter, Michael Moore, Al Gore, John Kerry and Henry Kissinger.
BLACK SUN A haunting, original first-person narrative in which NYC-based French painter and filmmaker Hugues de Montalembert, who lost his sight after a mugger threw paint thinner in his eyes, narrates his journey into sudden blindness and out of despair.
BROTHERS OF THE HEAD Conjoined twins with a creepy, crypto-erotic bond take the burgeoning glam/punk scene by storm in this eerie mockumentary-style film.
THE HEART OF THE GAME A documentary following a talented if occasionally self-destructive teenage star and her coach over the course of six years as she, her team, and her coach suffer crushing defeats and soaring victories on and off the court.
SOUND OF THE SOUL In a world where religions often drive people apart, view a welcome reminder that spirituality can also bring people together. The film explores Morocco’s historic heritage of tolerance and a stunning array of brilliant musicians at the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, whose profound expressions of love and longing are unforgettable.
WORD PLAY A documentary with Will Shortz, the legendary crossword editor of the New York Times. Watch as he and his fellow word enthusiasts construct the newspaper’s brainteasers and the annual American Crossword Tournament, which Shortz founded. Also features interviews with crossword-puzzle devotees Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, Jon Stewart, Ken Burns, the Indigo Girls and others.
RESTORED/REDISCOVERED FILMS Renewing the Festival’s commitment to highlighting remarkable treasures from the history of cinema, this section includes newly restored or preserved copies from some of the world’s leading film archives.
Restored/Rediscovered films include:
BARREN LIVES Adapted from a novel by Graciliano Ramos, the film follows a ranch hand and his family, who are forced off their land in the early 40’s by a severe drought and social injustice, and head off in search of work and a better life.
ON THE BOWERY The Oscar-nominated documentary about the harsh and often shocking realities of life on what was New York’s Skid Row in the 1950s .
PRIX DE BEAUTE As her final starring role, the legendary Louise Brooks plays a typist who wins a beauty contest in this French-shot feature. View the rare silent version, which is somewhat different from the sound version that is usually shown. Preceded by Giovani Pastrone’s The Fall of Troy (1911). Both films with live piano accompaniment by Donald Sosin and live translation of French and Italian intertitles.
THE RIVER A not-to-be-missed screening of a recent restoration which returns one of the most memorable and lovely color films of all time to its original glow. A group of English colonials on the banks of the Ganges gradually succumb to India’s eternal perspectives. Renoir’s images flow with the same languor as the metaphorical river.
TRIBUTE TO NAM PAIK A collection of work by Korea-born, New York-based video art pioneer Nam June Paik, who died in January.
MIDNIGHT FILMS The Midnight section continues to challenge and reward viewers. Its twists and turns envelope and entertain the audience that desires something a little outside the mainstream.
Midnight films include:
ANOTHER GAY MOVIE In this raunchy, gay spoof of teen movies, a group of high school grads swear they will lose their anal virginity before going to college. They spend their summer-and this movie-trying to get laid. Lypsinka, Scott Thompson, and Graham Norton make hilarious cameos. Jokes, costumes, vomit, sex and gerbils included. Mature audiences only.
COCAINE COWBOYS When brutal Colombian cocaine lords moved to Miami in the early 1980s, they brought a form of decadence, drugs and debauchery that hadn’t been seen since the Prohibition days. This stylized, high-energy film reveals how Miami went from a sleepy southern city to a drug-and-murder capital.
THE GRAVEDANCERS Three old college friends visit their dead friend’s grave where they find a strange song printed on a condolence card. What they do next arouses a trio of psychopathic ghosts who will stop at nothing to see that the friends pay for their indiscretion.
SAM’S LAKE In this debut horror feature, a young woman brings some friends to a lakeside house in an isolated area, where 40 years earlier a deranged teenager murdered his entire family. Instead of relaxation and fun, the group discovers that the murderer’s legacy persists and that their own lives are threatened by the legend of Sam’s Lake.
TOO TOUGH TO DIE On September 12, 2004, just two-and-a-half days before Johnny Ramone’s death, a group of musicians and staged a benefit concert to celebrate The Ramones’ 30th anniversary and to raise money for cancer research. Mandy Stein’s touching rockumentary captures that unforgettable evening.
Short Film Competition
The program includes 76 shorts selected from among 2,150 submissions.
Short Films include:
NARRATIVE SHORTS Includes international films from 15 counties, such as Chile, South Korea and Egypt. Also features works directed by New York music icon Laurie Anderson and actors Adrian Grenier and Melissa Joan Hart.
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS Reflect real-life drama, from Don Cheadle’s family trip to Africa in JOURNEY INTO SUNSET, to Roseanne Cash’s recollections of family and music in MARINES AND MUSICIANS.
STUDENT SHORTS View projects from the leading film schools in the United States, Israel, Mexico, South Korea and Australia. Creative storytelling characterizes these works from talented emerging filmmakers.
Family Festival Street Fair
Greenwich St., bet Hubert & Duane Sts.
Enjoy attractions and activities for all ages such as puppeteers, storytellers, dancers, stilt walkers, face painters and more. Visit over 30 restaurants, merchants and organizations from the Tribeca neighborhood and view murals from local school children. Sat., May 6 from 10am – 6pm. Free.
Activities Include:
CHESS IN THE SCHOOLS Festivalgoers play on a life-sized chessboard learning the finer points and nuances of the game. A team tournament and other activities will also take place.
LIVE PERFORMANCES The main stage will feature special performances by Hot Peas ‘N Butter; Manhattan Children’s Theatre; USA Shaolin Temple; the National Double Dutch League; Broadway performer Anthony Rapp; Carnivale Del Mundo; Carole and Paula from The Magic Garden and the cast of The American Girl Revue. Also performing on stages along Greenwich Street will be local youth dance troupes, singers, showcase storytellers, puppeteers and performance groups from local schools.
SCHOLASTIC EVERYTHING FUN FOR KIDS The Scholastic tent will be abuzz with storytelling, face painting and special appearances by Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus, Clifford The Big Red Dog and Maya & Miguel. The Magic School Bus will provide children with the opportunity to get on board and learn about their favorite science topics such as ocean life, the weather, the solar system, rocks, volcanoes, insects and the human body. The Scholastic Book Fair will feature best-selling children’s books and the Scholastic Reading Room will host celebrity readings, screenings of short films from the Scholastic Video Collection and other fun programming for kids of all ages.
RADIO DISNEY 1560 AM A DJ stage will host family activities throughout the day, giveaways and spin the hottest in today’s kids and tween music.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDMEMBERS Kids can star in their own movie posters or dress-up like film directors. Visit a tent with storytelling, puppet shows, sing-a-longs and more. Stop by a private lounge located at the Tribeca Grill where Cardmembers can relax and enjoy complimentary food and beverages. Visit www.mylifemycard.com for more details.
Family Festival Films
Daily screenings of 15 feature length films and four short programs from around the world. The new section, T4Teens, features feature length films and shorts geared towards young adults. The Family Festival programming will span the full length of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Highlights Include:
OVER THE HEDGE A comedy from the animators of DreamWorks Animation featuring the voices of Bruce Willis, Steve Carell, William Shatner and more.
KEEPING UP WITH THE STEINS Scott Marshall’s feature, starring Jeremy Piven, Doris Roberts and Gary Marshall.
ELEPHANT TALES A live action feature about two elephant brothers who set off across the African plain in search of their mother
WHEN FRIED EGGS FLY A documentary about a New York City public school teacher who brings 150 video-generation kids, their parents and teachers to compose, perform and record an original piece of music about the environment.
DOWNTOWN YOUTH BEHIND THE CAMERA A program of short films made by elementary and middle school emerging student filmmakers from the downtown communities of New York City. Sun., April 30 from 12 – 2pm. Tribeca Film Center Screening Room, 375 Greenwich St.
T4Teen Section Features:
BEAUTY AND THE BASTARD Aspiring singer Nelli needs someone to produce her demo, while shy hip-hop DJ Sune is just looking for a pretty girlfriend. The two are thrown into a romantic comedy about contemporary Finnish youth trying to find their way into adulthood. In Finnish with English subtitles. Ages 15+.
GOAL! THE DREAM BEGINS A poor Mexican-American immigrant living in a Los Angeles ghetto gets a dream chance to play professional soccer in one of Europe’s most prestigious leagues. In English and Spanish with English subtitles. Ages 12+.
ONE LAST THING In this sweet comedy, terminally ill Dylan and his mother attend a televised event designed to grant last wishes to dying children. While on air, Dylan makes an eyebrow-raising request. As he gaily prepares to have his wish met, his mother becomes increasingly upset over her son’s condition. Some profanity, parental guidance advised. Ages 16+.
PUNCHING AT THE SUN In the aftermath of his older brother’s murder, a fiery South Asian teen struggles to find a path between rage and redemption in this coming-of-age film set on the streets of Elmhurst, Queens, during the politically charged aftermath of September 11th. In English and Hindi with English subtitles. Ages 14+.
Four shorts programs will also play.
Tribeca Drive In
The Festival’s classic outdoor screening series. This free public event will entertain families and movie lovers of all ages. Thurs., April 27-Sat., April 29, nightly at dusk, about 8pm. North Cove at the World Financial Center.
NINE TO FIVE, 1980, A buxom blonde (Dolly Parton), a sassy broad (Lily Tomlin) and a fiery redhead (Jane Fonda) hold their pig-headed boss (Dabney Coleman) hostage and take over the office in this classic working-girl comedy that helped define the 1980s. Thurs., April 27.
AUSTRALIA’S TROPFEST The largest outdoor short film festival in the world, gets its North American premiere. View eight exclusive shorts. Fri., April 28.
WORD LIFE (aka The Hip Hop Project) From executive producer Bruce Willis comes an inspiring documentary about New York City teenagers who transform their life stories into powerful works of art, led by a formerly homeless teen turned rap mentor. On this journey of self-discovery and empowerment, hip-hop is the key that will set them free. Sat., April 29.
Tribeca Talks Panel Series
Steven Soderburgh, T-Bone Burnett, Dan Glickman, Michael McKean, Lewis Lapham, Jeff Goldblum, Harold Ramis, Rosie Perez, Joe Letteri and other industry personalities are scheduled to participate in a series of provocative conversations and discussions on topics including music, religion, war and piracy. Fri., April 28 – Sat., May 6.
Some Panel appearances include:
T-BONE BURNETT T-Bone Burnett has made a habit of broadening the rock, country and blues sensibility of music fans by working with artists from Bob Dylan to Reese Witherspoon. Fri., April 28 from 7- 8:30pm. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Theater 2.
TOGA, TOGA, TOGA! What the Industry Learned at Faber College Through films such as Animal House, Caddyshack and Groundhog Day, Harold Ramis has influenced a cottage industry of subversive comedies that takes aim at the American mainstream with a cast of rebels and outsiders. Sat., April 29 from 7- 8:30pm. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Theater 2 .
ADALANTE MUJERES: Latina Women at the Helm Latin women have become prolific in American culture, ascending to the top of the pop charts, box office and the Nielsen ratings. As their influence grows and expectations increase, how will Latin women balance the expectations of their ethnic culture with the demands of the marketplace? Rosie Perez, Mia Maestro and others join the discussion. Thurs., May 4 from 7 – 8:30pm. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Theater 2.
THE BIOLOGY OF KING KONG Peter Jackson’s special-effects extravaganza presents one of the most realistic movie monsters in cinematic history, but could a giant gorilla like Kong really exist? Well, yes. But feeding him could prove a bit challenging. World-renowned animal behaviorist Roger Fouts, biologist Amy Vedder and others discuss creating authentic creatures for the big screen. Sat., May 6 from 1 – 2:30pm. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Theater 2.
TRULY EMBEDDED: Candid Cameras & the Secret Lives of Soldiers Since the time of Homer, artists have struggled with how to describe the indescribable experience of war. In modern times, the tools of storytelling have hindered proximity, both physical and personal, to war. But new, ultra-mobile and barely noticeable cameras are making it possible to put soldiers both in front of and behind the lens to capture images and sounds of unprecedented vitality. How do their narratives alter our perception of war and what will be the long-term results of these new perspectives? Sun., April 30 from 10 – 11:30am. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Theater 2.
Ticket & Pass Information
Individual Tickets: General Screening Ticket, $12; Panel Discussion Ticket, $20; Gala Screening Ticket, $25; Breakfast Panel Discussion Ticket, $30.
Passes: Daytimer Pass, includes admission to regular screenings that begin prior to 5pm., Monday through Friday, at all screening venues; $150 . Family Film Passes, gives unlimited access to all regular Family Festival screenings; $60 adults, $30 children 14 and under.
For tickets or passes, visit tribecafilmfestival.org, call 866-941-FEST (3378) or go to the Festival box office located at 13-17 Laight St., bet Varick and Avenue of the Americas or AMC Loews Village 7, Third Ave at E. 11th St.
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