March 20, 2017
by Carla Hay
The 16th Annual Tribeca Film Festival—which takes place April 19 to April 30, 2017 in New York City—has announced which notable entertainers will participate in the festival’s Tribeca Talks program, which features Q&As with the celebrities and behind-the-scenes influencers. The participants include several Oscar winners, such as Barbra Streisand, Tom Hanks, Common, Bruce Springsteen, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Kathryn Bigelow and Dustin Hoffman. Other participants will include actress Scarlett Johansson, filmmaker Noah Baumbach, basketball star Kobe Bryant, writer/producer/actress Lena Dunham and filmmaker/actor Jon Favreau.
The 2017 Tribeca Talks series schedule is as follows, according to this excerpt from a press release:
Tribeca Talks: Directors Series
Jon Favreau with Scarlett Johansson
DATE: April 21, 2017
Filmmaker Jon Favreau will talk to actress Scarlett Johansson about his distinguished and diverse career as a director, successful across both indie and blockbuster franchises, ranging from the indie hit “Swingers” to the blockbuster “Iron Man” series. He will also discuss his initiation into virtual reality with “Gnomes & Goblins” and the landmark live action effort, “The Jungle Book,” truly embodying the spirit of a director who knows no bounds.
Alejandro González Iñárritu
DATE: Saturday, April 22, 2017
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu, one of only three directors to ever win consecutive Oscars and the first to do so in 65 years, will talk about his beautifully varied work on films such as “Amores Perros,” “21 Grams,””Biutiful,” “Babel,” “Birdman” and most recently, “The Revenant.” Iñárritu is the first Mexican filmmaker to have been nominated for Best Director and Best Producer in the history of the Academy Awards.
Noah Baumbach with Dustin Hoffman
DATE: April 24, 2017
Dustin Hoffman will speak with director and writer Noah Baumbach about his career, which includes his Academy Award-nominated film “The Squid and the Whale” and the groundbreaking “Frances Ha.”
Tribeca Talks: Virtual Reality
Kathryn Bigelow and Imraan Ismail – “The Protectors”
DATE: April 22, 2017
At a special VR premiere, Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and co-creator Imraan Ismail discuss their collaboration on Virtual Reality documentary “The Protectors: A Walk in the Ranger’s Shoes.” The experience, from National Geographic, Here Be Dragons, Annapurna Pictures, and African Parks chronicles a day in the life of the rangers in Garamba National Park. Conversation to be followed by the VR premiere.
Tribeca Talks: Storytellers
Kobe Bryant and Glen Keane with Michael Strahan
DATE: April 23, 2017
Basketball great Kobe Bryant collaborated with visionary animator Glen Keane on an animated short film that explores what it is like to say goodbye to something you love. In an onstage conversation led by Hall of Famer, NFL analyst on Fox and co-host of “Good Morning America,” Michael Strahan, Bryant and Keane focus on what story means to them and what it is like to truly step out of your own lane.
After the Movie: Bryant and Keane’s conversation with Michael Strahan will follow a screening of “Dear Basketball,” Kobe Bryant’s inspiring poem, stunningly drawn to life by veteran animation director Glen Keane and set to the music of legendary composer John Williams.
Common with Nelson George
DATE: April 23, 2017
Beginning as a rapper in Chicago, Academy Award, Golden Globe, and three-time Grammy winner Common has crafted an impressive career as a renowned hip-hop artist and notable actor. Director/screenwriter Nelson George joins Common to discuss the power of the combination of film and music.
After the Movie: This conversation will begin with a screening of a never-before-seen extended version of “Letter to the Free,” followed by a conversation with Nelson George and a live performance by Common.
Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner
DATE: April 25, 2017
Initially discovered for her original voice in breakout film “Tiny Furniture,” Lena Dunham has since gone on to win a Golden Globe for her performance in “Girls,” which was created by Dunham and is helmed by Jenni Konner, whose other work includes the series “Help Me Help You.”The duo also co-founded the media brand Lenny, home of the feminist weekly newsletter Lenny Letter (LennyLetter.com). In a can’t miss conversation, Dunham and Konner will discuss “Girls,” the industry, and the highs and lows of their careers.
Bruce Springsteen with Tom Hanks
DATE: April 25, 2017
Bruce Springsteen has had an illustrious career spanning over 40 years of unforgettable cultural achievements. The musician sits down with celebrated actor and longtime friend Tom Hanks to discuss Springsteen’s unique place in American musical history and look forward to the future.
Barbra Streisand with Robert Rodriguez
DATE: April 29, 2017
Widely recognized as an icon in multiple entertainment fields, Barbra Streisand has attained unprecedented achievements as a recording artist, actor, director, producer, concert performer, author and songwriter. Streisand has been awarded two Oscars®, five Emmys, ten Golden Globes, eight Grammys plus two special Grammys, a special Tony award in 1970, and two CableACE Awards – the only artist to receive honors in all of those fields of endeavor. She will converse on her unparalleled career and force field of creativity with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.
Tribeca Talks: Master Class (Free events)
Tribeca Talks: Master Class are free events featuring conversations focusing on a specific sector of the filmmaking process.
Dolby: Image and Sound Master Class with Imogen Heap
DATE: April 23, 2017
The new animated short film “Escape” utilizes exciting new imaging and sound technologies, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, to present a euphoric vision of the future. Join composer/sound designer Imogen Heap, directors Limbert Fabian and Brandon Oldenburg, and other members of the film’s creative team as they discuss how they used audio technologies to tell this compelling story.
Production and Costume Design Master Class
DATE: April 29, 2017
Kristi Zea, the venerated production designer who has collaborated with directors such as Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Demme, sits down with a prominent costume designer for a conversation about creating the overall look and feel of film.
Cinematography Master Class
DATE: April 30, 2017
Acclaimed cinematographer Ellen Kuras, frequent collaborator with directors Michel Gondry and Spike Lee, takes you behind the camera, from choosing the right lenses to crafting a specific vision. Academy Award-nominated for her directorial debut documentary film, “The Betrayal – Nerakhoon,” she will offer tips and provide examples from her work on films including “Blow” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
Tribeca Talks: Podcasts
This year the Tribeca Film Festival partners with Slate to offer access to podcasts covering culture and political humor, as well as the popular Gilbert Gottfried comedy podcast.
Live from The Tribeca Film Festival: Slate’s Represent
DATE: April 24, 2017
Slate’s “Represent” is a space for discussion about culture created by women, people of color, and those in the LGBTQ community. Host Aisha Harris dives deep into conversations with critics about the latest pop cultural news, and filmmakers in the industry about what they do and how they do it.
Live from The Tribeca Film Festival: Slate’s “Trumpcast”
DATE: April 30, 2017
Get a dose of politics and comedy with Slate’s “Trumpcast Live.” Host Jacob Weisberg is joined by Slate Chief Political Correspondent Jamelle Bouie, author Virginia Heffernan, and more for a frank conversation on the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast! Live
DATE: April 23, 2017
Acclaimed comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried and co-host Frank Santopadre are joined by special celebrity guests for a live recording of their hilarious and informative podcast. Vanity Fair called “Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast!” “gripping” and the Village Voice named it 2015’s “Best Podcast of the Year.”
Passes and tickets for the 2017 Festival
Advance selection ticket packages are now on sale. All advance selection packages can be purchased online at www.tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets or by telephone at (646) 502-5296 or toll free at (866) 941-FEST (3378).
Also available for purchase now is The Hudson Pass, an all access pass to screenings and talks taking place at BMCC, Regal, Cinepolis Chelsea, and SVA as well as full access to all events at the Festival Hub at Spring Studios, which includes VR and immersive projects, special screenings with music performances, and access to the lounges.
Single tickets cost $21.00 for evening and weekend screenings, $12.00 for weekday matinee screenings, $40.00 for Tribeca Talks panels and special screenings, $30.00 for Tribeca TV, and $40.00 for Tribeca Immersive. Single ticket sales begin Tuesday, March 28 and can be purchased online, by telephone, or at the ticket outlet located at Cinepolis Chelsea (260 W. 23rd Street). The 2017 Festival will offer ticket discounts on general screenings and Tribeca Talks panels for students, seniors and select downtown Manhattan residents. Discounted tickets are available at Ticket Outlet locations only.
Packages and passes are now available for purchase on the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival App on iTunes and Google Play.
Tickets for events at The Beacon Theatre and at Radio City Music Hall are available for purchase online only beginning March 21, 2017.