Supernatural Harmony

The Tribeca Film Festival starts today with a slew of films dealing with politics and other topical social issues. The festival aims to be a celebration of music and culture, with special events including street fairs and drive-in movie screenings. The Tribeca Film Festival caters to every film niche during the 11 day event.

This year there has been a modest reduction in screenings. The films being presented vary from edgy indie works and obscure non-English language pictures to mass-market populist fare. The Drive-in series held at World Financial Plaza kicks off tomorrow with a screening of “Dirty Dancing” and is free for the general public to attend.

One of the unique features of the film festival is large plethora of events that cater to the general public. Anyone can purchase tickets to see over 400 films being shown at the festival. This is unique considering that most top level film festivals are invitation only. The Tribeca Film festival will be hosting several film technology workshops which will be open to the public free of charge.

Many see the event growing in status on the world calendar. While it still may be eclipsed by Cannes, Venice, Berlin, London, Sundance and Toronto, many industry professionals have praised the festival’s commitment to world cinema. I like it because it has 2 of my favorite elements, which are films, and free.