The 18th Tribeca Film Festival in New York will open with the world premiere of Oscar-winner Roger Ross Williams’ new documentary The Apollo about Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater. The venue has played host to a myriad of celebrated artists such as Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Luther Vandross, Dave Chappelle, Lauryn Hill and Jimi Hendrix.

Chronicling the New York landmark’s rich 85 year history and legacy The Apollo features interviews with Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Smokey Robinson and Jamie Foxx. The Apollo Theater, where the film will premiere on 24th April 2019, is internationally renowned for having influenced American and pop culture and created a launchpad for the careers of emerging artists.

The Apollo HBO documentary Opens the 18th Tribeca Film Festival at the Apollo Theater on 24th April 2019
The Apollo HBO documentary Opens the 18th Tribeca Film Festival at the Apollo Theater on 24th April 2019

The Apollo is about so much more than just music, it’s about how we used music and art to lift ourselves out of oppression,” commented the film’s director Roger Ross Williams. “The story of the Apollo is the story of the evolution of black American identity and how it grew to become the defining cultural movement of our time. I was fortunate to make my first film with HBO and I am thrilled to be coming back home with The Apollo. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, at the Apollo Theater in Harlem is a dream come true.”

Aretha Franlkin at New York's iconic Apollo Theater. The Apollo HBO documentary Opens the 18th Tribeca Film Festival at the Apollo Theater on 24th April 2019.
Aretha Franlkin at New York’s iconic Apollo Theater. The Apollo HBO documentary Opens the 18th Tribeca Film Festival at the Apollo Theater on 24th April 2019.

“The Apollo Theater is a symbol of the creative spirit of New York and beyond, and I’m very happy that we’re kicking off our 18th Festival celebrating it with this documentary from Roger Ross Williams,” said Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro.

The 2019 Tribeca Film Festival runs from 24th April until 5th May and James Kleinmann will be attending for HeyUGuys to bring all the latest festival news, reviews and interviews. Tribeca will announce its feature film slate on 5th March 2019.