Twenty-two years after Robert De Niro et al founded the Tribeca Film Festival in the wake of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, the festival has grown so large and overwhelming that I couldn’t even figure out how many films they’re presenting this year after its gala opening Wednesday with the documentary “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge.” Over the 11 days that follow, the Festival guide lists close to 300 entries (most with multiple dates), but they’re not even all films; indeed, a few years ago the Tribeca Film Festival was renamed just the Tribeca Festival, because it also offers music, games, TV, audio, immersive programming. and something called Tribeca X, “the intersection of advertising, storytelling and innovation.”
And also, although not a distinct channel, theater — including several theatrical performances and some theater-adjacent programming.
It’s absolutely worth combing through the guide to see what most appeals to you, but below I’ve selected twelve films that might leave lovers of legitimate theater feeling Satisfied.
Each title is linked to its page on the Tribeca Festival website, which gives further information including a link to purchase tickets.
Films by Broadway theater artists
Slave Play. Not A Movie. A Play.
A self-portrait of playwright Jeremy O. Harris at work as he deconstructs his Tony-nominated Broadway play, Slave Play. It’s billed as neither the play itself nor a biography of the playwright, but an experimental film.
First public screening: June 10. (The film will be available for streaming on June 20 on Max.)
The Mayfly
A seven-minute animated film written and narrated by Tony Award-winning performer Betty Buckley
First public screening: June 8, as part of Animated Shorts
Documentaries about Broadway veterans
Renée Elise Goldsberry, who starred as Angelica Schuyler won the Tony Award for her performance as Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton,” but the journey took a toll, challenging work/family balance. The documentary by Chris Bolan and Melissa Haizlip features vlogs Goldsberry recorded over the years and never-before-seen footage of the making of “Hamilton“
First screening June 15 (the night before the Tony Awards), which will be followed by a live show featuring Sara Bareilles, Ariana DeBose, Leslie Odom Jr., and Kelli O’Hara.
Brats
Andrew McCarthy, one of a clubby group of young Hollywood actors who in the 1980s were dismissively dubbed the Brat Pack, reconnects four decades later with his former co-stars, including Emilio Estevez, Jon Cryer, Lea Thompson, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore (all but one of whom now have performed on Broadway.)
First public screening June 7
Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes
Via audio tapes discovered in the archive of journalist Richard Meryman, we are guided by Elizabeth Taylor’s voice as she walks the audience from the first step of her career through her time with Burton in the 1970s
First public screening: June 11
LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
In this documentary Bruce David Klein, Liza tells her life story in her own words.
First public screening: June 12
Following Harry
A documentary ten years in the making that begins with Harry Belafonte at the age of 84, embarking on a journey to encourage a diverse group of entertainers and activists to overcome soaring national unrest and anger.
First public screening: June 14
Narrative feature involving theater making (sort of)
Griffin in Summer
For fourteen-year-old Griffin Nafly it’s time to get down to the serious business of putting on his dramatic new play: an ambitious cross between Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and American Beauty. However, when his tween collaborators get distracted by more trivial pursuits like boys and camp, Griffin’s attention drifts toward Brad, the zoned-out handyman working at his house.
First screening: June 6
Narrative features featuring Broadway veterans
Treasure
Tony nominee Stephen Fry and Lena Dunham (who isn’t a Broadway veteran, but should be) star as a Holocaust survivor and his daughter, Ruth, a neurotic businesswoman from New York, who takes him on a journey back to his family home in Poland.
First public screening: June 8
Daddio
On a late night drive from JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan, a young woman (Dakota Johnson) bonds with her cab driver (Sean Penn.) (Sounds like a play)
First public screening: June 10
Sacramento: A best friend drags Glenn (Michael Cera) on a roadtrip just as he’s about to start a family.
First screening June 8
A Comedy featuring two Broadway veterans
Group Therapy a group of comedians (including Neil Patrick Harris, Mike Birbiglia) candidly and humorously discuss their mental health.
