Tribeca 2019: The Full Feature Film & Documentary Lineup

SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE

American Woman directed and written by Semi Chellas. (Canada) Inspired by the headline-dominating kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst in 1974, this atmospheric drama is a fictionalised reimagining of her time in hiding, from the perspective of Jenny, a political activist assigned to take care of her. Cast includes Hong Chau, Sarah Gadon, Lola Kirke, John Gallagher Jr., Ellen Burstyn and David Cubitt.

Buffaloed directed by Tanya Wexler. (USA) A raucous comedy starring Zoey Deutch in a go-for-broke performance that tracks one woman finding her calling in an ethically debatable industry: debt collecting. Cast also includes Judy Greer, Jermaine Fowler and Jai Courtney.

Charlie Says directed by Mary Harron, written by Guinevere Turner. (USA) Charlie Says, tells the Charles Manson story through the eyes of his most devoted followers: Leslie van Houten, Patricia Krenwinkel and Susan Atkins. Cast includes Suki Waterhouse, Hannah Murray, Matt Smith, Annabeth Gish, Merritt Wever and Chace Crawford.  

Crown Vic directed and written by Joel Souza. (USA) Over the course of a single night, two police officers at opposite ends of their careers find themselves thrust into a violent hunt for two cop killers on the loose in the Olympic Division of Los Angeles. Cast includes Thomas Jane, Luke Kleintank, Gregg Bello, Josh Hopkins, David Krumholtz and Bridget Moynahan.

Dreamland directed by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte. (USA) Amid the dust storms and economic depression of Dustbowl Era Texas, Eugene Evans finds his family farm on the brink of foreclosure. His last bet to save the farm is the bounty on the head of fugitive bank robber Allison Wells. With Margot Robbie, Finn Cole, Travis Fimmel, Kerry Condon, Garrett Hedlund and Darby Camp.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile directed by Joe Berlinger. (USA) A chronicle of the crimes of Ted Bundy from the perspective of Liz, his longtime girlfriend, who refused to believe the truth about him for years. With Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Kaya Scodelario, Jeffrey Donovan, Angela Sarafyan, Dylan Baker, Brian Geraghty, Jim Parsons and John Malkovich.

Georgetown directed by Christoph Waltz. (USA) Eccentric social climber Ulrich Mott throws lavish parties with his much older wife, Elsa, in the tony Washington D.C. neighbourhood. When her daughter starts asking questions, Ulrich must mount an increasingly elaborate charade to conceal his skeletons and convince everyone of his innocence. With Christoph Waltz, Annette Bening, Vanessa Redgrave and Corey Hawkins.

Good Posture directed and written by Dolly Wells. (UK, USA) Adrift, unmotivated, and only slightly spoiled, Lilian has been pawned off on family friends in Brooklyn, one of whom is a famous, and famously aloof, writer. Lilian decides to make a documentary, unauthorised of course, about her hermit housemate. With Grace Van Patten, Emily Mortimer, Timm Sharp, John Early, Gary Richardson and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

The Kill Team directed and written by Dan Krauss. (USA) Based on the 2013 Tribeca-winning documentary, The Kill Team dramatises the true story of Private Andrew Briggman, an infantryman in Afghanistan who is swept up in a conspiracy of violence against civilians perpetrated by his own platoon. With Nat Wolff, Alexander Skarsgård, Adam Long, Jonathan Whitesell, Brian “Sene” Marc and Rob Morrow.  

Lost Transmissions directed and written by Katharine O’Brien. (USA) After famed record producer Theo Ross goes off his schizophrenia meds, introverted songwriter Hannah dedicates herself to getting him the help he needs, perhaps at the cost of her own dreams. With Simon Pegg, Juno Temple, Alexandra Daddario, Tao Okamoto, Bria Vinaite and Robert Schwartzman.

Only directed and written by Takashi Doscher. (USA) After the onset of a mysterious plague that affects only females, Eva may be the only woman left on Earth. Longing for freedom after months of secret quarantine, she and her partner Will venture out into the unknown. With Freida Pinto, Leslie Odom Jr., Chandler Riggs, Jayson Warner Smith and Tia Hendricks.

Plus One directed and written by Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer. (USA) In order to survive a summer of wedding fever, longtime single friends Ben and Alice agree to be each other’s plus one at every goddamn wedding they’re invited to. With Maya Erskine, Jack Quaid, Ed Begley Jr., Rosalind Chao, Beck Bennett and Finn Wittrock.

Safe Spaces directed and written by Daniel Schechter. (USA) A young professor faces criticism over a classroom controversy while grappling with his beloved grandmother’s serious illness. This comedy explores how people face modern crises, both real and self-inflicted. With Justin Long, Kate Berlant, Lynn Cohen, Michael Godere, Richard Schiff, Becky Ann Baker and Fran Drescher.

Skin directed and written by Guy Nattiv. (USA) Following his Academy Award win earlier this year for a short film of the same name, Guy Nattiv traces the true story of Bryon Widner, a white supremacist who begins a path to redemption through a romance with a single mother intent on keeping her children out of the movement. With Jamie Bell, Danielle Macdonald, Daniel Henshall, Bill Camp, Mike Colter, Mary Stuart Masterson and Vera Farmiga.  

Standing Up, Falling Down directed by Matt Ratner, written by Peter Hoare. (USA) An unlikely, multigenerational friendship between a failed comedian and a charming, alcoholic dermatologist helps both confront long-simmering regrets in this warm-hearted buddy comedy. With Billy Crystal, Ben Schwartz, Eloise Mumford, Grace Gummer, Nate Corddry, Debra Monk and Kevin Dunn.

U.S. NARRATIVE COMPETITION

Tribeca’s U.S. Narrative Competition features ten world premieres in the running for the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Actor and Best Actress. 

Blow the Man Down directed and written by Danielle Krudy and Bridget Savage Cole.  While grieving for the loss of their mother, the Connolly Sisters suddenly find they have a crime to cover up, leading them deep into the underbelly of their salty Maine fishing village. Cast includes Morgan Saylor, Sophie Lowe, Margo Martindale, June Squibb, Annette O’Toole and Marceline Hugot.

Burning Cane directed and written by Phillip Youmans. Set among the cane fields of rural Louisiana, Burning Cane follows a deeply religious mother struggling to reconcile her convictions of faith with the love she has for her troubled son. Cast includes Wendell Pierce, Karen Kaia Livers, Dominique McClellan and Braelyn Kelly.

Clementine directed and written by Lara Jean Gallagher. Reeling from a one-sided breakup, heartbroken Karen breaks into her ex’s lakehouse. There, she strikes up a complicated relationship with a provocative younger woman, Lana in this psychological drama and sexual coming of age story. Cast includes Otmara Marrero, Sydney Sweeney, Will Brittain and Sonya Walger.

Gully directed by Nabil Elderkin. After surviving traumatic childhoods and socioeconomic hardships, three disillusioned teens reach their breaking points and go on a rampage through a dystopian modern day Los Angeles. Cast includes Terrence Howard, Amber Heard, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Charlie Plummer, Jacob Latimore, Jonathan Majors, John Corbett and Robin Givens.

Initials SG (Iniciales SG) directed and written by Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia. An aging Argentine Serge Gainsbourg wannabe struggles with a career he can’t seem to get on track, an affair he doesn’t want, and a crime he didn’t mean to commit. Cast includes Diego Peretti, Julianne Nicholson, Daniel Fanego, Malena Sanchez and Francisco Lumerman.

Low Tide directed and written by Kevin McMullin. Alan, Red, and Smitty spend high summer on the Jersey Shore roving the boardwalk and getting into trouble. But the discovery of good old fashioned treasure sets the friends on an escalating course of suspicion and violence. Cast includes Keean Johnson, Jaeden Lieberher, Alex Neustaedter, Daniel Zolghadri, Kristine Froseth and Shea Whigham.

The Place of No Words directed and written by Mark Webber. A three year old asks his father an unanswerable question: “Where do we go when we die?” Together, they embark on an epic journey of fantasy realms and mythical creatures in a quest for the answer. Cast includes Mark Webber, Teresa Palmer, Bodhi Palmer, Nicole Elizabeth Berger, Eric Olsen, Sarah Wright and Phoebe Tonkin.

The Short History of the Long Road directed and written by Ani Simon-Kennedy. For teenager Nola, home is the open road with her self-reliant father and their trusty van, two nomads against the world. When Nola’s rootless existence is turned upside-down, she realizes that life as an outsider might not be her only choice. Cast includes Sabrina Carpenter, Steven Ogg, Danny Trejo, Maggie Siff and Rusty Schwimmer.

Stray Dolls directed by Sonejuhi Sinha. Riz is a recent South Asian immigrant who takes a job at a seedy motel in a bid to start over in America. The motel’s other employees and guests pull her back into a life she preferred to leave behind. Cast includes Geetanjali Thapa, Olivia DeJonge, Robert Aramayo and Cynthia Nixon.

Swallow directed and written by Carlo Mirabella-Davis. Hunter, a newly pregnant housewife, finds herself increasingly compelled to consume dangerous objects. As her husband and his family tighten their control over her life, she must confront the dark secret behind her new obsession. Cast includes Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell, Elizabeth Marvel, David Rasche and Denis O’Hare. 

DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

As with last year’s festival, every title in Tribeca’s documentary competition will make their world premiere at the Festival. This year’s films will compete for Best Documentary Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing. 

17 Blocks directed by Davy Rothbart. Using two decades of intimate home video, 17 Blocks tells the story of the Sanford family, whose struggles with addiction and gun violence eventually lead to a journey of love, loss, and acceptance.

The Dog Doc directed by Cindy Meehl. Called a maverick, a miracle-worker, and a quack, Dr. Marty Goldstein is a pioneer of integrative veterinary medicine. By holistically treating animals after other vets have given up, Goldstein provides a last hope for pet owners with nothing left to lose.

For They Know Not What They Do directed by Daniel Karslake. When the Supreme Court legalised marriage equality, the backlash by the religious right was swift, severe, and successful. Karslake’s documentary looks at four faith-based families with LGBTQ children caught in the crosshairs of sexuality, identity, and scripture.

Leftover Women directed, written, and produced by Shosh Shlam and Hilla Medalia. In China, single women are under immense pressure to marry young or face the stigma that comes with being “leftover.” Through marriage markets, matchmakers, and government-sponsored dating festivals, Leftover Women follows three hopeful singles seeking to define love on their own terms.

Mystify: Michael Hutchence directed and written by Richard Lowenstein. Michael Hutchence was flying high as the lead singer of the legendary rock band INXS until his untimely death in 1997. Richard Lowenstein examines Hutchence’s deeply felt life through his many loves and demons. With Kylie Minogue and Helena Christensen.

Our Time Machine directed by Yang Sun and S. Leo Chiang. Conceptual artist and puppeteer Ma Liang begins work on an ambitious performance piece about time and memory. For collaboration, he turns to his father, a former director of the Shanghai Chinese Opera, who is beginning to lose his own memories. 

Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project directed by Matt Wolf. Beginning in the 1970s, Marion Stokes recorded an incredible 70,000 VHS tapes of unfiltered daily television. At the time, her compulsion raised eyebrows, but revisited through the lens of today’s media landscape, Stokes’ unusual life’s work becomes an extraordinary archive of television, and American, history.

Rewind directed by Sasha Joseph Neulinger. Rewind is an unflinching personal narrative that reconstructs the unthinkable story of director Sasha Joseph Neulinger’s boyhood and bravely exposes the dynamics of abuse passed through generations.

Scheme Birds directed and written by Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin. As her childhood turns into motherhood, teenage troublemaker Gemma comes of age in her fading Scottish steel town. But in a place where “you either get knocked up or locked up,” innocent games can easily turn into serious crime.

Seahorse directed and written by Jeanie Finlay. Jeanie Finlay charts a transgender man’s path to parenthood after he decides to carry his child himself. The pregnancy prompts an unexpected and profound reckoning with conventions of masculinity, self-definition and biology.

Watson directed by Lesley Chilcott. Co-founder of Greenpeace and founder of Sea Shepherd, Captain Paul Watson has spent 40 years fighting to end the destruction of the ocean’s wildlife and its habitat. Part pirate, part philosopher, Watson’s methods stop at nothing to protect what lies beneath.

A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem directed by Yu Gu. Football and feminism collide as former NFL cheerleaders battle the league to end wage theft and illegal employment practices that have persisted for 50 years.

INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE COMPETITION

Aamis directed and written by Bhaskar Hazarika. (India) Married Niri shares a forbidden passion with Sumon, who introduces her to a world of fresh, wild, meat-based delicacies. But as their unconsummated desire mounts, the two are pushed inexorably towards transgression and taboo.

Flawless (Haneshef) directed and written by Sharon Maymon and Tal Granit. (Israel, Germany) Three teenage girls in search of physical perfection are drawn down a dark path of black-market plastic surgery, an impulsive adventure that ultimately becomes a journey of self-discovery.

Flesh Out directed and written by Michela Occhipinti. (Italy) Following the announcement of her impending arranged marriage, young Mauritanian woman Verida faces the suffocating pressure of gavage—the traditional process of over-eating to attain a more desired figure for her husband.

The Gasoline Thieves (Huachicolero) directed by Edgar Nito. (Mexico, Spain, UK, USA) Propelled by a need for cash to impress a crush, 14-year-old Mexican farmhand Lalo finds himself dangerously in over his head after entering into the country’s underworld of illegal gasoline extraction.

House of Hummingbird (Beol-sae) directed and written by Bora Kim. (South Korea, USA) In 1994 Seoul, quiet eighth-grader Eunhee spends her time consumed by love and friendship, shoplifting, and karaoke. But it’s in her new teacher that Eunhee finds the unlikely connection that she has been desperately seeking in this touching coming-of-age drama.

Noah Land (Nuh Tepesi) directed and written by Cenk Erturk. Produced by Alp Erturk, Sevki Tuna Erturk, Cenk Erturk. (Germany, Turkey, USA) – World Premiere. A son strives to honor his terminally ill father’s last wish to be buried under a tree he planted as a child, but clashes with villagers who claim the tree is in fact a holy relic planted by Noah after the Great Flood.

A Regular Woman (Nur Eine Frau) directed by Sherry Hormann. (Germany) Based on real-life events, A Regular Woman gives a voice to Hatun “Aynur” Sürücü, a Turkish-Kurdish woman living in Berlin with her young son, who was the victim of an honor killing by her brother at the age of 23.

Roads directed by Sebastian Schipper. (Germany) An unlikely pair of teenage loners hit the road in an impromptu border-crossing adventure in this cross-cultural road movie from the breakout director of Victoria.

Run directed and written by Scott Graham. (UK) In the Northern Scottish town of Fraserburgh, young men dream of escapism through late-night drag races. Finnie used to be one such lad, but now he works at the fish factory and it’s his son’s turn to dream and race. Until one night when Finnie steals the boy’s car for one last joyride.

White As Snow (Blanche Comme Neige) directed by Anne Fontaine. (France) Prolific French filmmaker Anne Fontaine recasts the tale of Snow White as the story of a sheltered young woman’s sexual awakening in this racy feminist fable. With Isabelle Huppert.

SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY

After Parkland directed and written by Emily Taguchi and Jake Lefferman. (USA) In the immediate aftermath of the devastating 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, filmmakers embedded with students and parents whose lives were forever changed, from quiet hours of grief and reflection to those of political awakening. 

At the Heart of Gold directed and written by Erin Lee Carr. (USA) In 2016, USA Gymnastics was rocked by the revelation that national team doctor Larry Nassar had been abusing young athletes for decades. Tribeca alum Erin Lee Carr’s unflinching documentary unpacks the scandal, its coverup, and aftermath, while giving voice to the survivors.  

Devil’s Pie – D’Angelo directed and written by Carine Bijlsma. (Netherlands, UK, USA) Acclaimed R&B artist D’Angelo was on the precipice of super-stardom when he disappeared entirely from the public eye in 2000. Now preparing a comeback tour, Bijlsma’s film finds D’Angelo at a crossroads between a haunted past and uncertain future.

The Dominican Dream directed by Jonathan Hock. (USA) In the early 1990s, the future of basketball belonged to a young Dominican immigrant named Felipe Lopez. Featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated at the age of 17, Lopez’s story is the ultimate profile of the American dream. 

Framing John DeLorean directed by Don Argott & Sheena M. Joyce. (USA) The success of infamous auto executive/playboy John DeLorean made his name synonymous with his iconic design. But he and his company crashed in the ‘80s amid mismanagement, corruption, and a controversial coke bust. With Alec Baldwin, Josh Charles, Morena Baccarin, Dean Winters, Michael Rispoli and Jason Jones.  

Halston directed and written by Frédéric Tcheng.  (USA) From Jackie Kennedy to Studio 54, Halston’s minimalist designs put American fashion on the map in the 1970s. Tribeca alum Frédéric Tcheng examines the work and life of the enigmatic visionary who called himself Halston. With Tavi Gevinson, Cornelia Guest, Liza Minnelli, Marisa Berenson, Joel Schumacher and Pat Cleveland. 

A Kid From Coney Island directed and written by Chike Ozah  and Coodie Simmons. (USA, China) From the streets of Coney Island to the NBA, the story of basketball star Stephon Marbury reveals that often life is about the journey, not the destination—and the unexpected places your dreams may take you. 

Lil’ Buck: Real Swan directed and written by Louis Wallecan. (France, USA) Dancer Lil’ Buck grew up jookin and bucking on the streets of Memphis. After a breathtaking video of him dancing to Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Swan” accompanied by cellist Yo-Yo Ma went viral, everything changed.

Maiden directed and written by Alex Holmes. (UK) Every three years, The Whitbread Round the World Race tested the mettle of the most seasoned seamen in a grueling global sailing showdown, but even the most accomplished yachtsmen in the world weren’t prepared for 24-year-old Tracy Edwards and her all-female crew. 

Nomad: In The Footsteps Of Bruce Chatwin directed and written by Werner Herzog. (UK) When legendary writer Bruce Chatwin was dying of AIDS, his friend Werner Herzog made a final visit. As a parting gift, Chatwin gave Herzog his rucksack. Thirty years later, Herzog sets out on his own journey, inspired by Chatwin’s passion for the nomadic life.

Picture Character directed by Martha Shane and Ian Cheney. (USA, Germany, Japan, Argentina, Austria, UK, Scotland) Emojis are a worldwide phenomenon, with some arguing that these smiling poops and heart-eyed faces are on the verge of actually becoming their own language. But where do they come from? Who, if anyone, is in charge of this new global digital language?

The Quiet One directed by Oliver Murray. (UK) As an original member of The Rolling Stones, bassist Bill Wyman has lived an extraordinary life. In this equally extraordinary film, he pulls back the curtain on the hours of unseen footage, personal photographs, and vast archive of memorabilia he has amassed. 

Sublime directed by Bill Guttentag. (USA) Iconic California band Sublime fused reggae, punk, ska, dub, and hip-hip into a genre-defying new sound that electrified audiences and airways in the mid-1990s. This definitive documentary charts their meteoric rise, tragic end, and lasting legacy.

A Taste of Sky directed by Michael Yuchen Lei. (USA, Bolivia, Denmark) A Taste of Sky delicately details the journey of two students from Gustu, the groundbreaking cooking school and fine-dining restaurant founded by Noma’s Claus Meyer in La Paz, Bolivia. With Kenzo Hirose, Claus Meyer and Maria Claudia Chura.

What’s My Name | Muhammad Ali directed by Antoine Fuqua. (USA) One of the most iconic figures in athletic history, Muhammad Ali’s incredible story from world champion boxer to inspiring social activist is explored through his own voice and never-before-seen archival material by acclaimed filmmaker Antoine Fuqua, with executive producers LeBron James and Maverick Carter. 

Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation directed by Barak Goodman. (USA) 50 years after the legendary fest, this electric retelling of Woodstock, from the point of view of those who were on the ground, evokes the freedom, passion, community, and joy the three-day music festival created.

VIEWPOINTS

Featuring narratives and documentaries, Tribeca’s Viewpoints section “recognises distinct voices in independent filmmaking by creating a home for bold directorial visions and embracing distinct characters or points of view.” 

37 Seconds directed and written by HIKARI. Produced by Shin Yamaguchi, HIKARI. (Japan, Thailand) – North American Premiere, Feature Narrative. A breakout performance from Mei Kayama anchors Hikari’s reflective debut feature, in which a 23-year-old manga artist with cerebral palsy seeks physical, creative, and romantic autonomy. 

All I Can Say directed by Danny Clinch, Taryn Gould, Colleen Hennessy, Shannon Hoon. Produced by Lindha Narvaez, Sam Gursky, Taryn Gould. (USA) – World Premiere, Feature Documentary. All I Can Sayis both an archive of 90’s culture and a philosophical study of fame via the intimate video-diary of Shannon Hoon, the late lead singer of alt-rock band Blind Melon. 

Changing the Game directed by Michael Barnett. (USA) Transgender high school athletes from across the country compete at the top of their fields, while also challenging the boundaries and perceptions of fairness and discrimination. 

Circus of Books directed and written by Rachel Mason. (USA) How do you explain to your friends that your mom and pop run a gay pornography shop? That is just one question asked in this playful documentary about the titular LA store and its unlikely proprietors. 

CRSHD directed and written by Emily Cohn. Produced by Emily Cohn, Jennifer George, Abby Pucker, Barrett Rouen. (USA) – World Premiere, Feature Narrative. Best friends Izzy, Anuka, and Fiona have a pact to lose their virginity before the summer break. They pin their hopes on getting into their college’s super exclusive “crush party.” 

A Day in the Life of America directed by Jared Leto. (USA) Feature Documentary. Filmed in all 50 states over the course of a single Fourth of July, this collaborative documentary project explores our collective national beliefs, culminating in a vivid, contradictory, kaleidoscopic portrait of who we are as a nation.

Goldie directed and written by Sam De Jong. (USA) Goldie takes care of her sisters while their mom is in prison, but her true dream is stardom. With child protective services looming and a real music video shoot on the horizon, Goldie’s last option is to make her dreams come true or lose it all in Sam de Jong’s stylish and gritty New York City fable. 

Lost Bayou directed by Brian C. Miller Richard. (USA) In this hauntingly evocative southern gothic, a struggling addict returns home to the Louisiana bayou to reconnect with her father, only to discover he’s hiding a troubling secret aboard his houseboat. 

Lucky Grandma (幸運的奶奶) directed by Sasie Sealy. (USA) Set in New York City’s Chinatown, the film follows an ornery, chain-smoking Chinese grandma who goes all in at the casino, landing herself on the wrong side of luck… and in the middle of a gang war. 

One Child Nation directed by Nanfu Wang. (China, USA) A new mother returning to China reflects on the history of the country’s One Child Policy—a national family planning program established to prevent overpopulation, and tracks down both those who helped enforce and were affected by it, eliciting shocking testimonies. 

Pearl directed by Elsa Amiel. (France, Switzerland) Léa Pearl is set to compete in the final of the international female bodybuilding championship, Miss Heaven. Her plans are upended when her ex-lover shows up with the six-year-old son she left behind. 

Plucked directed by Joel Van Haren. (USA) The classical music world is rocked when violinist Frank Almond is robbed of a Stradivarius violin worth over $6 million. As authorities try to beat the clock before the instrument disappears forever, their chase leads them to an unexpected suspect.

Red, White & Wasted directed by Andrei Bowden-Schwartz & Sam B. Jones. (USA) Red, White & Wasted is an unapologetic immersion into Florida’s redneck mudding culture. Video Pat is a mudding enthusiast who must question his passion, and perhaps his entire way of life, when the last mudhole in Orlando is shut down.

See You Yesterday directed by Stefon Bristol. (USA) – World Premiere, Feature Narrative. Two Brooklyn teenage prodigies, C.J. Walker and Sebastian Thomas, build make-shift time machines to save C.J.’s brother, Calvin, from being wrongfully killed by a police officer.

Two/One directed and written by Juan Cabral. (UK, China, Canada) Kaden is a world-class ski jumper in Canada, pining for a lost love. Khai is a corporate executive in Shanghai, drawn to a new coworker with a secret. The two men go about their lives, without knowing that they are connected. 

What Will Become of Us directed by Steven Cantor. (USA) Sir Frank Lowy, the billionaire co-founder of Westfield Corporation, faces a dilemma: whether or not to sell his multinational company, his life’s work and legacy. Standing at a crossroads, Frank must look to his past to shape his perspective on this monumental decision.

Wild Rose directed by Tom Harper. (UK) Fresh out of jail, housekeeper-by-day, country-singer-by-night Rose-Lynn wears cowboy boots over her ankle monitor, letting loose at Glasgow’s own Grand Ole Opry, while dreaming of leaving it all behind for the big time in Nashville. Cast includes Jessie Buckley, Sophie Okonedo and Julie Walters.

TRIBECA CRITICS’ WEEK

The inaugural Tribeca Critics’ Week was selected by New York-based film critics including Eric Kohn (IndieWire Chief Critic and Executive Editor), K. Austin Collins (Vanity Fair Film Critic), Bilge Ebiri (Film writer and critic, New York Magazine/Vulture), and Alison Willmore (BuzzFeed News Critic and Culture Writer). 

American Factory directed by Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert. (USA) The documentary is called American Factory, but that’s “American” with a wink: Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert’s stunning film explores the complex merging of cultures that arises when Chinese billionaire opens a factory in Dayton, Ohio. 

Driveways directed by Andrew Ahn. (USA) In this beautifully understated drama, a lonesome boy accompanies his mother on a trip to clean out his late aunt’s house, and ends up forming an unexpected friendship with the retiree who lives next door. 

In Fabric directed and written by Peter Strickland. (UK) British auteur Peter Strickland follows The Duke of Burgundy with a dazzling sensory overload of genre film pastiche in a fresh package: the dreamlike saga of a cursed scarlet dress that passes through the lives of several characters. Once again, Strickland unites disorienting cinematic trickery with deadpan comedy to astonishing results. Cast includes Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Squires, Leo Bill, Julian Barratt, Steve Oram and Gwendoline Christie.  

This Is Not Berlin (Esto no es Berlín) directed by Hari Sama. (Mexico) As World Cup fever hits Mexico in 1986, two middle class teens discover an underground culture of experimentation with sex, drugs, and art. This Is Not Berlin is a film that crosses narrative and formal boundaries with the same thrilling abandon that its characters do emotional and experiential ones.

The Weekend directed and written by Stella Meghie. (USA) A stand-up comic who’s been struggling to get over her ex finds herself instead awkwardly third-wheeling her way through a weekend getaway alongside him and his new girlfriend in this warm, wry comedy. 

THIS USED TO BE NEW YORK 

‘The City That Never Sleeps’, ‘The Big Apple’, ‘The Capital of the World’, many were drawn to this incredible city in search of community and throughout its history, the New York City has embraced them all. Creative communities have emerged, flourished and sometimes faded away. The arthouse cinemas of the 1970s, the graffiti movement of the 1980s, the indie music explosion of the 1990s: these three documentaries each harken back to a quintessential New York cultural moment and community that burned bright in NYC history and what that legacy means for us, and our city, today.

Martha: A Picture Story directed and written by Selina Miles. (Australia, USA, Germany, Brazil) In 1970s New York, photographer Martha Cooper captured some of the first images of graffiti at a time when the city had declared war on this new artform. Decades later, Cooper has become an influential godmother to a global movement of street artists.

Other Music directed and produced by Puloma Basu and Rob Hatch-Miller. (USA) For 20 years, indie record store Other Music was a beloved and influential hub of independent music culture. Featuring Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, and Interpol, the film reminds us that the community and spirit of the much-loved destination will live on. With Ezra Koenig, Tunde Adebimpe, Matt Berninger, Jason Schwartzman, Regina Spektor, JD Samson.

The Projectionist directed by Abel Ferrara. (Greece, USA) In his first New York City-set documentary in nearly a decade, filmmaker and provocateur Abel Ferrara uses the experience of one longtime cinema owner to chart the vast changes to the city’s theatrical landscape. 

MIDNIGHT

Bliss directed and written by Joe Begos. (USA) In need of creative inspiration, a professionally stagnant and hard-partying Los Angeles artist recklessly indulges in a series of drug binges. As the narcotics fly out of control, so does her newfound and inexplicable, yet unquenchable, craving for blood. 

Come To Daddy directed by Ant Timpson. (USA, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland) After receiving a cryptic letter from his estranged father, Norval travels to his dad’s oceanfront home for what he hopes will be a positive experience. If only he’d known the dark truth about his old man beforehand. Feat Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Martin Donovan, Michael Smiley, Madeleine Sami, Simon Chin.

Knives and Skin directed and written by Jennifer Reeder. Produced by Brian Hieggelke, Jan Hieggelke. (USA) In the rural midwestern town of Big River, the sudden disappearance of a teen girl drives the town’s small population into a surreal nightmare of fear, suspicion, and guilt. 

Something Else directed by Jeremy Gardner and Christian Stella. (USA) – World Premiere, Feature Narrative. Dealing with a girlfriend suddenly leaving is tough enough. But for Hank, heartbreak couldn’t have come at a worse time. There’s also a monster trying to break through his front door every night. 

You Don’t Nomi directed and written by Jeffrey McHale. (USA) Released in 1995, Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls was met by critics and audiences with near universal derision. You Don’t Nomi traces the film’s redemptive journey from notorious flop to cult classic, and maybe even masterpiece. 

MOVIES PLUS

Tribeca’s Movies Plus section feature conversations or performances after each special screening.

Ask Dr. Ruth directed by Ryan White. (USA) – New York Premiere, Feature Documentary. Plain-spoken and thickly accented, Dr. Ruth Westheimer became a household name in the 1980s by transforming the way Americans talk and think about sexuality. At 90, Dr. Ruth reflects on her life from Holocaust survivor to celebrity sex therapist. After the Premiere Screening: a conversation with director Ryan White and subject Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Moderated by Columbia University Film Professor Annette Insdorf.

Earth Break: A Few Suggestions for Survival, with Additional Hints and Tips About How to Make Yourself More Comfortable During the Alien Apocalypse directed by Aaron Katz. (USA) What’s a girl to do when life as she knows it is upturned by a devastating alien invasion? Maybe record an audio diary of her daily survival strategy in this post-apocalyptic podcast from filmmaker Aaron Katz with Jenny Slate. After the Premiere: a conversation with director Aaron Katz, writerMorgan Ormondand comedian, actor and author Jenny Slate. 

Gay Chorus Deep South directed by David Charles Rodrigues. (USA) To confront a resurgence of anti-LGBTQ laws, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on an unprecedented bus tour through the Deep South, celebrating music, challenging intolerance, and confronting their own dark coming out stories. With The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Dr. Tim Seelig, Ashlé, Jimmy White. After the Premiere Screening: a special performance by The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

I AM HUMAN directed, written, and produced by Taryn Southern and Elena Gaby. (USA) Advancements in neurotechnology are revolutionizing what it means to be human. Following three subjects who undergo brain interface treatment, I AM HUMAN examines the ethical quandaries in brain exploration and the future of cognitive evolution. After the Premiere Screening: a conversation with co-directors and producers Taryn Southern and Elena Gaby, neurotech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, Toronto Western Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Andres Lozano, Duke University Professor of Law and Philosophy Nita Farahany, and Case Western Reserve University biomedical engineering professor A. Bolu Ajiboye. Moderated by the CEO of Futurism Alex Klokus.

Inna De Yard: The Soul of Jamaica directed and written by Peter Webber. (France, Belgium) A joyous portrait of a group of pioneering reggae musicians, Inna De Yard: The Soul of Jamaica captures the ongoing relevance of reggae and its social values, and the music’s passion to revitalize an older generation while passing it on to younger listeners. After the Premiere Screening: A special performance by reggae legend Ken Boothe.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice directed by Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman. Produced by James Keach, Michele Farinola, Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman. (USA) – World Premiere, Feature Documentary. With one of the most memorably stunning voices that has ever hit the airwaves, Linda Ronstadt burst onto the 1960s folk rock music scene in her early twenties. A poignant bio-doc of a truly one-of-a-kind artist. With Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Don Henley, Aaron Neville, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt.  After the Premiere Screening: A special performance from 9 time Grammy award winner, rock legend Sheryl Crow in celebration of Linda Ronstadt.

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound directed by Midge Costin. (USA) From Apocalypse Now’s helicopters to Star Wars’ lightsabers, sound design is one of cinema’s most essential creative elements, yet also one of its most overlooked.Making Waves explores the impact of movie sound through insight from cinema’s biggest directors and their go-to sonic collaborators. With Walter Murch, Ben Burtt, Gary Rydstrom, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Ryan Coogler.After the Premiere Screening: After the Premiere Screening: A master class conversation with sound designers and editors from the film including Oscar-winners Walter Murch, Ben Burtt and Gary Rydstrom. 

The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion directed by Lisa Cortés, Farah X. (USA) The story of how hip hop changed fashion, leading to the stratospheric and global rise of street wear. It is a journey of African American creativity and the limitless possibilities of a cultural movement on a global scale. After the Premiere Screening: A special musical performance inspired by the film. 

Slay the Dragon directed and produced by Barak Goodman and Chris Durrance. (USA) It influences elections and sways outcomes, gerrymandering has become a hot-button political topic and symbol for everything broken about the American electoral process. But there are those on the front lines fighting to change the system.After the Premiere Screening: a conversation with directors Barak Goodman and Chris Durance, subject Katie Fahey, Senior Reporter at Mother Jones and author ofGive Us the Ballot Ari Berman.

Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts directed and written by Nick Zeig-Owens. (USA) With razor-sharp wit and authentic country music chops, Trixie Mattel charmed audiences and judges as winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. But the grind of performing and the pressure of the title proves that heavy is the head that wears the tiara. After the Premiere Screening: a special performance by Drag Race All-Star Trixie Mattel.

XY Chelsea directed by Tim Travers Hawkins. (UK) Following the shock commutation of her sentence, whistleblower and trans woman Chelsea Manning prepares to leave an all-male military prison in Kansas and transition to living life for the first time as a free woman. After the Premiere Screening: a conversation with film subject Chelsea Manning, producer Isabel Davis and director Tim Hawkins. 

The 2019 Tribeca Film Festival takes place in New York City 24th April – 5th May. For the full lineup and to purchase tickets head to the official festival website.