Tribeca 2026 - Tales from the Road

 

AMC 19th Street

Tribeca is done. 

I'm not sure how many films we saw but it's a lot- my rough count is 142 different titles but I saw a couple of films multiple times.

We reviewed everything we saw with the exception of two films - THE WEDDING ENTERTAINER because the red carpet nonesense, and he other was KILLING CASTRO  which was so fake I walked out because I didn't want to end the festival seeing a film I was going to rip to shreads.

What follows are some thoughts I had during the festival in more or less chronological order.

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Going into the fest there was a lot of negativity. A number of people who write on film were wondering why I covered so much when the fest was hit or miss. A lot of my real world friends were wondering why I bother because I don't get paid to do this. It had me in a bad mood until I saw some friends and the first great film.

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I discovered this butter brioche muffin at a place near the AMC 19th street. I tend not to be a muffin person. I was intrigued. I went from this is okay to suddenly going this is wonderful in a couple of seconds

introducing playing potus from very far away

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Walking around the area before the first screening I was trying to orient myself.

Sadly there had been alot of change with a number of my favorite places to get food or just hang out and shop gone.

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I met Benedict Wong a couple of times. He was a juror. He was a gentleman and put wup with me being amazed.

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The worst part of Tribeca this year was Bill Lustig wasn't there or if he was I completely missed him. 

Every year, for the past 5 or 6, Bill and I would talk about what was playing, what was good, bad and indifferent. We'd talk about the spectrum of films and gave each other recommendations. 

I deeply missed talking movies with my Tribeca traveling companion.

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I finally had someone come up to me because they recognized the bag.

Heading out to lunch on one of the first days Justine Brown passed me and stopped and and said "Hey I know that bag!"

Justine is a former EW writer and current college professor who has sent me some films for review. We had talked on line but had never met in person.

She rocks.

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I ran into Monocurry and his family for the first time and ages.  We met up when we ended up at the premiere screening of BOB AND DAVE CLIMB MACHU PICHU.

Now the trick is going to meet up when we both can sit down and talk and not try to dance around Tribeca events.

Addendum- we are trying to work out Japan Cuts

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There was a cranky writer who wandered the theaters in the early days trying to sort out where they wanted to sit in each theater. Once they sorted it out, they always took that seat in every other screening and got pissy when the seat was occupied if they arrived late.

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I had breakfast with Liz Whittmore, and the world was okay for a morning

Bob Odenkirk and Amy Sedaris

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This was the first festival where I was getting hate emails and tweets in real time. People took offense to what I said about some films.

It is nice to know that people are reading my stuff even if they are throwing brick bats.

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There were a couple of films during the fest where there was some music with explicit lyric and some films that wanted to convince the world that all men were evil monsters made me think I was out of touch or too old to be doing this.... until I heard some good music that had explicit lyrics and saw some films that did more than just stand there and scream a position that I realized the problem was the films and not me.

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PR people made me crazy.

Numerous ones refused to send me a screener because they wanted the films seen big and loud until they realized I really couldn't see the films on the big screen and then pleaded with me to watch their film during my non-existent free time away from the festival.

I also was not particularly happy with a few PR people pushing for coverage from Tic Tok or social media influencers until they realized that they weren't going to get coverage and they sent emails asking for coverage of things they originally said no to.

No offense I and my fellow writers are known quantities - you know if we say yes, we will get you coverage- why annoy the people who will definitely get word out there.

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The festival felt less alive this year. Yes, the P&I screenings were better attended, I was never alone, However the excitement at the public screenings I attended wasn't really there this year.

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I saw a lot of films I realized were good but just not for me.

Save and Amy and Bob and some guy

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There was a weird rumor that flashed for one morning that said the festival was looking to do away with P&I screenings. It was talked about for one morning and then never mentioned again. I never ran down the source only that someone had said they were told they might go to all online coverage for press next year - which would limit coverage because many films were not on-line

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There was a side discussion about baseball stadiums and someone suggested that if you wanted your kid to love baseball keep them away from Yankee Stadium because its serious and staid and not fun for kids like Citi field. Citi Field was a fun a place for kids (Addendum: when the Mets aren't dying)

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I saw a lot of films that would have been better with something swapped out, cast or director or music

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Watching the films it seemed that a growing number of filmmakers don't fully grasp how to edit their stories for maximum effect. They understand the craft of filmmaking but not the storytelling side with poor choices in how things move or in their shot choices.

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I went into the Harry Potter Store on 22nd Street

I wish Rowling wasn't such a twit because I thought the store was a blast. It is a magical place.

Sadly I just won't do anything to knowingly put cash in her pockets.

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I heard the Madonna screening at the fest was a nightmare with a mediocre film, a rambling speech and the refusal to allow anyone to take pictures. A couple of people sent to cover it said they couldn't because they made it impossible to do so.

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I saw Disclosure Day and was mixed. My saying that on social media resulted in attacks that said I didn't understand Spielberg. I liked the engagement but think they should have waited to see the film before saying I got it wrong because several people crucifying me didn't like the film when they saw it.

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No one seemed to be on the red carpet for the AI feature

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I loved walking to the city when the Knicks game was on and hearing pockets of cheering as they scored.

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I don't mind people talking before a film but I didn't need the kid explaining to the audience of TOY STORY 5 the other four films in detail including the deeper meaning (his own) of every scene.

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I did  like the two critics dismantling DISCLOSURE DAY as if it were a doctoral thesis.

I don't think they were right top to bottom but it was facinating.

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I disliked that the feeling that the festival was one long day. 

It was my fault since I was only home to sleep for a few hours, but it messed with my mind and I am still recovering.

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I hope they get the AMC 19th street under better control next year. In one of the theaters, you could hear construction literally on the other side of the wall. In others the AC was so loud it drown the sound of the films.

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I walked out of MUMFORD AND SONS HOUSE BAND, the next to last in person film I saw, and felt - that's it I can end here and be content.

At the same time I was seized by the feeling that either I or the festival may not be there next year.

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Walking out of AMC 19th street that last time I knew it was time to go. I wanted to get pictures of my friends who are volunteers but it didn't happen. They were busy. 

The last film there was about choosing to do what you love over what you choose to make money. I just suddenly thought maybe my road to happy is somewhere else.

Leaving I knew it was time to go... and not just Tribeca but also possibly Unseen Films

There was something final about the feeling. I had this sense that I might be wrapping up Unseen.`I say that because as I walked out of the fest I knew I had nothing really slotted past my coverage of the fest. I simply didn't make plans past the end. The was nothing but old film reviews into February and I was completely okay with that.

Things did drop in- you all read the coverage of the last week-and there is coverage for the next week- but I still don't have much beyond that. Right now, I am only doing a couple of films at NYAFF and I have plans to do something with Fantasia but there is nothing cinema related tied to the site beyond that. (well I do have a package for NYFF)

I'm not sure where I stand - and that's okay- I suggest keep reading and see what happens. As I write this a week before it posts I have no clue.

Why am I telling you this?

Because this is a piece on the thoughts I had while at Tribeca and this being the end was one of those thoughts.

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RANDOM QUOTES:

When you go into the bath you mind must be fresh, clear like lettuce - ZEJTUNE

If you ask for a $100,000 for a car a ban will say yes. If you ask for $100,000 for a tractor they will say no -HARVEST

I some how managed to escape (and most of these were just okay- they need a new programmer for this section)

Sandy Fannies (2026) Tribeca 2026

A young woman goes to the sea side with her mom, hoping to be able to talk about some important subjects.

This is a sweet little film that unfortunately got lost in my Tribeca shuffle. A gentle gem of a film, SANDY FANNIES is exactly the sort of small film that needs the exposure of a festival screening but which should not be seen in a festival enviotment since it gets swallowed up by all the bigger and louder films around it.  I say that because Isaw this film on an afternoon when I was watching a lot of shorts for Tribeca and when I sat down to write the films up I kind of bumped over this title- which sucks because this film actually hung with me where the other louder films faded.

This is film you need to track down. Its  lovely film about trying to connect with the ones we love.

This is as good a film as I saw at Tribeca.

Random thought-Tribeca and the AI problem

The only camera people covering the allAI feature at Tribeca

Tribeca has an AI (artificial intelligence) problem.

The last few years they had films pondering the place of AI in the world.  There was always one token doc. The first ones pondered what it was, the next few pondered if it was good and the latest bunch have largely been films that leaned into AI being okay. The only doc that they have run that was totally useless was the one last year which was one of the fathers of AI in which he said it was perfectly fine and anyone who didn't buy in was deluded because nothing bad will happen. It was such a pro AI film that it essentially said there was no down side and that it was better than puppies, Santa and peace on earth. 

This year the festival, in addition to playing a film whose title suggested that AI was probably okay, made a huge deal about showing the first epic feature film made entirely with AI.

The film writers lost their minds. Almost everyone stated they would not have anything to do with the film. A lfew of them said they would not cover the festival as a result.

I'm not a fan of AI. I hate that it learns on other people's work and then spits out a variation of what it learned. There is no creativity because to use it you have to give it parameters of what you want and it spits back something similar to what has gone before because it had to look at data and scrape it and copy it. 

What the festival doesn't realize is that Tribeca's embrace of AI fell flat because for a fest that pushes creativity and original storytelling in its programming as a big deal, an all AI film (based on what the technology can do right now) runs counter to its alleged principles. They want Tribeca to push creativity but AI just copies. You can't champion the new if you're using something that is just recreating the old.

The move to love AI despite the laundry list of issues was something that dominated a large number of my discussions with writers who wanted to express their feelings about what a bone head move it was (while trying to find out  how the film was - because they were certain I would see it and cover it).

I don't know how the film was but I went by the red carpet by accident and there were only two photographers from outlets that covered everything regardless.

I also should say that AI maybe more wide spread than we think. I quietly asked about some details about a couple of films and I was shut down and said that I shouldn't write about that or that if I was going to credit anything I should credit a certain person.  The original question was not  an AI question, however the answer made me think that the films had used AI since the people they wanted credited seemingly had no background in that area (say music). I think perhaps people are using it but will never admit to it.

I have no idea what Tribeca is going to do next year but they probably should get a position and stick to it.

ADDENDUM- With the release of YOUNG WASHINGTON a Tribeca film ended up in trouble with writers and creatives when it was announced that AI was apparently used a great greal in the making of the film. I note this because during the Tribeca screening I was at the director said almost everything was done in camera and the only computer assist was during the ice flow sequence because it couldn't be shot in camera without there being danger to cast and crew.  More recent conversations had him saying there was more and that AI was heavily used which cause some people to walk away from a film they liked- in part because of the AI and in part because of the dishonesty.

From the Tribeca Library: CROCODILE, VANISHING TRACKS, MARCH FORTH, ONE WOMAN ONE BRA, GROUNDED, DEEPFAKE, APART, BECAUSE TODAY IS SATURDAY, DEAR UPSTAIRS NEIGHBORS, LEG DAY

I made a mad dash through some Tribeca features and shorts via the P&I library. Because I had limited time to watch and consider the films (by the time I finished the im personscreenings I only had the last day of the festival plus the bleed over for the late posted films) I'm not going to do big reviews 

CROCODILE
This is a film that follows a collective in Nigeria that makes a film via cellphones. Its a delightful film about the love of film and creation.

VANISHING TRACKS
A family of migrant herders have to track down some missing animals. The film is a beautiful to look at but played out a bit too arty for me. (Though I want to see this away fromthe festival crush)

MARCH FORTH
I need to see this portrait author of Reginald Dwayne Betts again. A mix of straight documentary and look at a stage play about his life this film kicked me in the ass. Its a film that was infinitely more that I expected, it may be one of the best films at Tribeca, but I need to see it again. Its a thoughtful and wise film which needs to be seen and considered/

ONE WOMAN ONE BRA
A woman sees a picture of herself as child and it sets her looking for her past. This is a good, if very mannered tale. I liked it, and I may have liked it more if I didn't see it when I was dashing from film to film.

GROUNDED
this is a sweet little film about a spider helping a ladybug to fly. Short (3 minutes) and sweet

DEEPFAKE
A young woman hires influencers to help remake her life. This film delighted me. I hated the above picture so much that I avoided the film because it made me feel the wrong way of the film. The truth is this is delight.

APART
Spike Lee produced apartheid tale about a friendship across racial lines. This was a good film, but it came with a lot of baggage for me. The PR people pushed this film hard. There was an implications that it was going to be one of the best films of the fest. I thought it was good, but not that good. (Though I will revisit down the road)

BECAUSE TODAY IS SATURDAY
Animated film about a woman trying to reconcile her need time to herself and the reality of her family life.  This is good but over long.

DEAR UPSTAIRS NEIGHBORS
Trying to deduce what is making so much noise in the middle of the night, a woman writes a letter to the people above her. Amusing. 

LEG DAY
A penguin strengthens their legs. Short and sweet.

Ariela Rubin on The A-Word: The Future of Aging(2026) Tribeca 2026

This documentary follows George, an 87 year old recent widower, and his dog, Monica, who has become his best friend. Monica gives his life routine and meaning while also giving him daily exercise. However, Monica is an elderly dog battling kidney disease—so if you avoid movies where the dog dies, consider this your warning. It had me sobbing in my seat. 

George lives in a unique neighborhood where a community of elderly people all seem to live independently, yet right on the same street. I loved the parts of the documentary focusing on these neighbors (as a side note, I found it remarkable that none of them used canes or walkers!)

The film also has a lot of focus on several scientists working in longevity research. One researcher in particular is developing the first longevity drugs specifically for dogs. She notes the medication would only extend a dog's life by about a year, but given how relatively short a dog's lifespan is, I am sure many dog owners would be happy for even one extra year. The documentary spends a lot of time focusing on her efforts to get FDA approval for the drug, with the ultimate hope that this drug can someday be applied to humans.

While the scientific side took up the majority of the film and was interesting, I definitely preferred hearing the individual perspectives of the elderly people featured. Would they even want a medication like this? Surprisingly, that question was never asked. When you really think about it, aging is inevitable. Is it truly worth taking a drug just to prolong life by a year or two?

This documentary definitely makes you think, and I am curious to see what continues of this research. 

Brief thoughts on How To Feed a Dictator (2026) Tribeca 2026

This was (rightly) one of the most talked about film at the Tribeca Festival by the writers I encountered. This was the one film everyone insisted I needed to  see. They were right.  

The film is a look at the lives and the menus of the chefs of various dictators. 

One of the most compelling films I saw at the festival, I knew early on that this was going to be a film I watched over and over again. Part of the reason is that it is a great film and part of it is that there is so much here That I know I missed a great deal.

Destined to be on many people's end of year lists and possibly in the running for numerous award HOW TO FEED A DICTATOR is a must see.

32B (2026) Tribeca 2026

A father tries to buy his daughter a new bra.

This film is an award winning film at Tribeca and unlike some of the other awards, I completely understand why - this is a sweet little film  Its a film that just worms its way into your heart and makes you feel warm. Its a film that makes you feel as though it is playing out something in your life even if you've never done qanything similar.

This film is pure joy

I Spy With My Little Eye (2026) Tribeca 2026

After their friend passes away, two women are tasked with cleaning her apartment and trying to sort out what to do with her daughter.

This is one a a handful of Tribeca films that I need to revisit. The weight of seeing over 125 films for the festival meant that small and special films get over shadowed. Films get lost. However after over 16 years I know this happens and I can makes notes and no to regroup.

I need to regroup and revisit I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE.

This lovely little film is full of real life and emotion. Watching the interaction of the ladies on screen you get a sense that they are friends. You can feel their shared life and gushes off the screen like an ocean wave. Its magic.

And as much as I was laid low in the best sort of way by this film, I know I need to see it again. I need to see it as a stand alone and not the fourth film in rapid succession. I need to watch it  and then be able to sit with it and not move on to the next film.

I loved this film and I know when I see it again I will love it more.

Recommended

I think About Killing You (2026) Tribeca 2026

An abusive rowing coach pushes the team to the limit and beyond.

This film questions how we should react to the people who abuse us and whether homicide is justified. Its an important question, particularly with someone who potentially controls are destiny.

This is a film that will push your buttons, as it should.

Recommended.

A placeholder for Mon Taxi (2026) Tribeca 2026

 

A woman living in New York calls her father whenever she is traveling from place to place. Then he died. She called him anyway.

This is a truly lovely little film. I delayed writing it up because I was overwhelmed by the crush of other festival films. Watching the film I was both moved by the film and aware that I need to revisit it to truly give it its due.

This is a special film and needs to be seen on its own terms for maximum effect, as such I will revisit the film down the road. Until then buy a ticket and take a ride.

Whipple's World (2026) Tribeca 2026

This is a look at George Whipple who became famous a reporter on NY1 cable channel and then moved on to E! and other entertainment news stations and sites.

I never knew much about Whipple because I never really encountered him. Known for the big eyebrows he was never someone I paid attention to. He just was sort of there.

Now that I've seen the movie, I know a bit more about him, but I'm not moved to be a fan. He's just this guy, you know.

The film is amusing but like the man himself, something of an enjoyable footnote.

Young Washington (2026) Tribeca 2026

The final in person film I saw at Tribeca was Angel Studio's YOUNG WASHINGTON. The film is a look at the career of Geroge Washington at the start of the French and Indian War. 

This is a super film. The film is an old school epic film of the sort they don't make any more. Once everything is set in motion, about 15 minutes in, the film has grabbed you and just goes. The film is the arc of a young man who strove to get ahead, screwed up royally and then turned it around and became a hero. 

Shot pretty much entirely on location and in camera this film doesn't look like a modern film. There is no almost CGI (ADDENDUM: Despite what the director said it at Tribeca he has since come out and said that there was extensive use of AI) , just people and places. The result is we fall into the film and believe it even when big names like Andy Serkis, Ben Kingsley and Kelsey Grammar hold court in their brief scenes.

By the time the film hit the final battle I was cursing because there was no popcorn at the SVA theater premiere. This is a popcorn sort of film.

Its also a film you'll want to see repeatedly because it is just so damn good.

Is the film the gospel truth? No. At the post film Q&A the filmmakers said that they had to make changes to the story. In order to let everyone know what what changed they produced a four part series that not only explains the changes but looks deeper into the history.

I love this film.

Opening July 3 for America's Birthday, this is a film you need to see in a theater and on a big screen. Sure the film will work at home, but the truth is the film is the sort of big screen film you go to a theater to see. I will insist that you keep the film on your must see list because I fear this film is going to crash and burn since it's coming out around some of 2026's biggest films.

See this. (Unless you don't like AI then stay away)

Fumbling to try and explain why I love Mumford and Sons: House Band (2026) Tribeca 2026

This film is pure cinematic joy.

The film is a record of the brief train tour that Mumford and Sons took across America with their friends. Supplementing the band are people Nathaniel Raitliff, Chris Thiele, Ketch Secor, Noah Kahan, Darius Rucker, and Maggie Rogers. Its a film that charts their rehearsals and performances and the pure joy you get from playing with friends.

I freaking love this film. I love it so much that I saw the film multiple times. I needed to hear the songs and feel the magic that bleeds off the screen and swirls in the audience.

I loved this film that I reached out to the PR people and asked them if they are going to release the audio from the shows, and perhaps more video. They said they would find out. This is important to me because I need to listen to the music away from the film - I need to feel the joy.

I can't recommend this film enough. 

One of the best of Tribeca and 2026

HARVEST (2026) Tribeca 2026

This is a portrait of a family farm that is being run by the four Nelson brothers who are working together because they are family.

This is a nice portrait of a family farm over the course of year. Its a look at what it takes to run a farm and how being a family helps to keep everyone focused.

I liked this film a great deal. Is it the greatest farming doc I've seen? No, but it is nice to see a film about American Farmers that isn't all gloom and doom.

Worth a look.

Jail TIme Records (2026) Tribeca 2026

Portrait of the recording studio in New Bell Prison in Cameroon, the first prison recording studion in Africa. The film looks at it through the lives of several prisoners.

This is one of the big award winners at Tribeca and I can understand why. This film is a blast of sound and image and sense of place  that is unlike any other film you'll see all year. Its a film that will make you wide eyed and wonder about not only the studio and the men who record their but life in the prison itself. I want a doc on how this film was made. When the film works it will blow you mind....

... and when it stumbles you'll wonder what it is getting at. I say that because there are a couiple of moments where you'll wonder why we are seeing some of it. Its nothing bad, and in a lesser documentary you probably wouldn't notice, but this film has moments that soar high that anything less is a disappointment.

This is a stunning achievement.

See this film- and stay through the credits

The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony (2026) Tribeca 2026

This is one of the hidden gems of Tribeca.

This is a small film about young women in Pakistan who decided to buck tradition and do gymnastics. It a look at sport, the women and the society they live in. It's a film that isn't what you think it is. Its a film that is juggling a good number of balls in such a perfect way that you will not be aware of wehat the film is doing until you get to the end. It a magic trick that is going to make you want to see the film a second time so you can see how things play out. And if you do see it a second time you are going to be richly rewarded.

The need to see the film a second time is something I know first hand. I had watched a chunk of the film at the Tribeca P&I screening before ducking out because there was something about the audio and my lack of sleep for the days before that was lulling me to sleep. The rhythms of the score was something similar to something I use to fall asleep to. Running into someone connected to the film outside the screening I asked for screener that I could watch at a later time. They obliged me and in my not so free time, I watched the film again. The film grew in my heart.

This is a special film. What I liked about the film the second time was that know where it's going and the arc of the young ladies involved you realize what a journey, they are making. There is a great deal more weight to the tale then you realize the first time through. You realize the odds that they are fighting. They aren't just young girls but things to be married off to young men. That they are allowed to compete is kind of a miracle. I was moved.

Finding films like this is why I wade heavily into Tribeca. It's a film that doesn't, on the face of it scream excitement, but ends up being way more moving and exciting then the big and loud films.

Highly recommended. See this film when you can.

The Symphony of Dance (2026) Tribeca 2026

This is a portrait of Dancing with the Stars’ Derek and Hayley Hough as they battle back to perform their SYMPHONY OF DANCE show after Hayley collapses and is rushed to the hospital.

This is a wonderful portrait of the Houghs. Its the great story of a couple very much in love struggling to remain together.  I say this as a guy who went into the film purely to kill some time. I was just filling a small gap of time between my main choices and instead I ended up staying to the end and reconfiguring my schedule.

This film is a delight and I can't wait to see it again.

Brief thoughts on Alicia Keys: Girl From Hell's Kitchen (2026) Tribeca 2026

Alicia Keyes reflects back on her life as she puts the Broadway show together.

The closing night film of the Tribeca film festival is a portrait of a music superstar as told by the star and her closest friends and family. Its a film that is a celebration of the artist and her music.

Yea, the music is great, and yes there are some great stories but the presentation is rather run of the mill.  There is nothing special in telling.

I liked it, but I wanted to love it.

Worth a look for fans.

Brief thoughts Hadestown The Musical (2026) Tribeca 2026

Filmed version of the award winning musical HADESTOWN. 

The film is the story of Orpheus, Eurydice, Persephone and Hades moved up to a  semi modern time in some alternate place. 

As this posts I've seen the Broadway production twice and I'm working on seeing it a third time. I adore this show. With that in mind I went into the film version hoping that it was going to do the show justice.

It does. It gave me goose bumps.

This is wonderful.  It maybe the best version of a stage play that I've seen.

This is coming to theaters in July. See it. 

They Fight (2026) Tribeca 2026

This is a portrait  of boxing trainer Walt Mangian. Recently released from prison Manigan wants to put his life back together. His idea is to get back with his wife. get a job and stay out of trouble. As he is trying to find a job, he rescues a young man getting his ass kicked. That leads him back into the boxing ring.

Based on a 2018 documentary THEY FIGHT is one of the best films at Tribeca. An absolute gem full of real emotion. I was moved to tears several times. 

Watching the film I was shocked at how the film didn't do what I expected. It felt like life... because it was, which was something I didn't know. I just went into the film because it was about boxing. I had no idea that this was based on a documentary.

I loved this film. It made me feel good. 

It kills me that the film didn't get more attention at Tribeca because it is going to have a hard time finding an audience because not enough people are talking about it.

You need to see this film. Trust me, you will love this.

(It hits Hulu July 17)