The 2023 Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, released yesterday on May 3 its lineup for Talks and Reunions, featuring conversations with iconic artists, critically acclaimed directors and multi-hyphenate entertainers.
The Storytellers Series includes Paul McCartney in conversation with Conan O’Brien for a podcast recording of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp in conversation with David Letterman; Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda in conversation with Academy Award-nominated actor Rosie Perez; Grammy-winner Chance the Rapper; Emmy, Tony, and Grammy-winner Billy Porter; and Academy Award-nominated actress and musician Hailee Steinfeld. Gov Ball x Tribeca also presents three-time Grammy-winning music producer Diplo.
Picture courtesy Tribeca
The Directors Series, presented by City National Bank, features Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning director David Fincher in conversation with Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderberg, as well as director Patty Jenkins in conversation with director and actress Katie Holmes.
“We are thrilled to unveil this year’s dynamic lineup of Tribeca Festival’s Talks, Reunions, and Master Classes from some of the most talented and celebrated voices in the entertainment industry,” Meredith Mohr, Tribeca’s Vice President of Artist Relations was quoted as saying in press publicity. “We hope the extraordinary stories and valuable insights of these distinguished cultural icons will inspire and empower the next generation of creators and artists.”
Tribeca Festival continues to honor Hollywood’s most celebrated films with this year’s Reunions. Kevin Sullivan and Angela Bassett reunite to celebrate the 25th anniversary of How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Plus, Mario Van Peebles, Michael Michele, and Fab 5 Freddy return for New Jack City. Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quiñones, Fab 5 Freddy, and Grand Wizzard Theodore reunite for a special 40th anniversary celebration of Wild Style.
The third annual Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award will be awarded to Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, and activist Jane Fonda. The award, an original drawing entitled Exodus #3 from artist Julie Mehretu, is being presented by Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys. Named for the famed actor, activist, and civil rights leader, who recently passed away at the age of 96, the award recognizes those who have used storytelling and the arts to enact change in their communities. Previous recipients are Stacey Abrams and Common. In addition to receiving the award, Fonda will discuss her legendary film career and life as an activist with Emmy-winning anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America” Robin Roberts.
“As an artist, Harry Belafonte captivated audiences with his talent, but it was his work as an activist and mentor that truly set him apart,” said Paula Weinstein, Tribeca’s Chief Content Officer. “Harry inspired countless artists to use their fame and talent in the name of justice. He led by example and was a fearless warrior for civil rights. Jane Fonda, this year’s recipient of the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award, shares Harry’s indefatigable commitment to activism. We are honored to have established this award in Harry’s name to honor his ongoing legacy.”
[WORD Archival Picture Below: New York – JUNE 30: Grand Marshal Harry Belafonte attends annual 43rd Pride Parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on June 30, 2013 in New York City. Picture courtesy Tribeca.]
Finally, this year’s Master Classes – a series of free events to engage and learn from film industry veterans on different aspects of the filmmaking process – includes a class on fact-checking with members of The New Yorker’s fact-checking department, a presentation on genre filmmaking with Mike Flanagan, and a class on the role of the talent representative.
The Tribeca Festival is curated by Festival Director and VP of Programming Cara Cusumano, Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer; VP of Programming Sharon Badal and VP of Shorts Programming Ben Thompson; Senior Programmers Liza Domnitz, Faridah Gbadamosi, and Jarod Neece; Programmers José F. Rodriguez, Casey Baron, Jason Gutierrez, and Jonathan Penner; VP of Games and Immersive Casey Baltes and Immersive Curator Ana Brzezińska; Curator of Audio Storytelling Davy Gardner; Music Programmer Vincent Cassous; EVP of Artist Relations Nancy Lefkowitz and VP of Artist Relations Meredith Mohr; and Chief Content Officer Paula Weinstein, along with a team of associate programmers.
For the latest updates on programming follow @Tribeca and #Tribeca2023 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and to purchase passes and tickets for the 2023 Tribeca Festival, go to tribecafilm.com/festival.
2023 Tribeca Festival Storytellers
Paul McCartney in Conversation with Conan O’Brien for a podcast recording of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Born in Liverpool in 1942, Paul McCartney was raised in the city and educated at the Liverpool Institute. Since writing his first song at 14, McCartney has dreamed and dared to be different. He will be joined in conversation by Conan O’Brien. The pair will discuss McCartney’s new book 1964: Eyes of the Storm, which is being published on June 13. The book showcases 275 of McCartney’s rediscovered photos from his archive from the end of 1963 and beginning of 1964 when Beatlemania erupted. The conversation will be recorded for a future episode of O’Brien’s podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.”
DATE: Thursday, June 15
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: BMCC
John Mellencamp in Conversation with David Letterman
Picture courtesy Tribeca
John Mellencamp is one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Founders Award, and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He will be joined in conversation by David Letterman who can currently be seen hosting My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, a four-time Emmy-nominated interview show streaming on Netflix.
DATE: Thursday, June 8
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: BMCC
Lin-Manuel Miranda in Conversation with Rosie Perez
Lin-Manuel Miranda ( picture above by Camila Falquez © Netflix Inc 2021_ Fall 2021) is a Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning songwriter, actor, director and producer. He is the creator and original star of Broadway’s Tony-winning HAMILTON and In the Heights. Miranda is the recipient of the 2015 MacArthur Foundation Award, the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors and the 2019 Portrait of a Nation Prize. He has received stars on both the Puerto Rico Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He will be joined in conversation by Academy Award-nominated actress Rosie Perez.
DATE: Tuesday, June 13
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: BMCC
Multi-Grammy award winner Chance the Rapper has built a multi-faceted career across music, film, television, and art. His new body of work, Star Line Gallery, has premiered at art institutions around the world including Art Basel and Los Angeles’ Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
DATE: Wednesday, June 14
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Gov Ball x Tribeca Presents: Diplo
Born in Mississippi and raised in Florida, Diplo’s 20-year career began with his now-legendary Philly club night Hollertronix. The three-time Grammy-winner is also a member of the iconic Major Lazer, one third of LSD (with Sia and Labrinth), and half of Silk City with Mark Ronson.
DATE: Saturday, June 10
TIME: 12 PM
LOCATION: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Billy Porter
Billy Porter is an Emmy, Tony and Grammy award-winning actor, singer, director, producer, composer, and playwright, best known for FX’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated drama “Pose” and Broadway’s Kinky Boots.
DATE: Thursday, June 15
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Hailee Steinfeld
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording musician, and producer, Hailee Steinfeld remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
DATE: Friday, June 16
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
2023 Tribeca Festival Directors Series
David Fincher in conversation with Steven Soderberg
David Fincher directs movies, television, commercials, and music videos. He will be joined in conversation by Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh.
DATE: Thursday, June 15
TIME: 8 PM
LOCATION: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
Patty Jenkins in conversation with Katie Holmes
Patty Jenkins is an award-winning director, writer and producer best known for directing the blockbuster Wonder Woman and her debut Oscar-winning feature Monster. She was the first woman to direct a film with a budget over 100 million, the first to direct a film budget over 200 million, and she currently holds the title as the director of the highest-grossing live-action film directed by a woman and the highest paid female director in history. She will be joined in conversation by director and actress Katie Holmes.
DATE: Thursday, June 8
TIME: 6 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theatre
2023 Tribeca Festival Reunions
Wild Style, (United States). Universally hailed as the classic hip hop movie, Wild Style tells the story of Zoro, played by the graffiti legend Lee Quiñones, in his subway art romance with the graffiti queen Sandra “Lady Pink” Fabara. Fab Five Freddy, who helped Charlie Ahearn create Wild Style from its inception, stars as the smooth impresario Phade. Following the outlaw artists through the train yards to the clubs, Wild Style climaxes at a massive outdoor jam, definitely the most famous hip hop party in history! Directed, written and produced by Charlie Ahearn. With Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, Fab 5 Freddy, Patti Astor, Andrew Witten, Busy Bee, Grand Wizzard Theodore.
After the Movie: A panel with Charlie Ahearn, Lee Quiñones, Fab 5 Freddy, and Grand Wizzard Theodore, moderated by Pitchfork staff writer Alphonse Pierre.
DATE: June 10
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theatre
How Stella Got Her Groove Back, (United States). Through good times and bad, Stella (Angela Bassett) and Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg) have always had each other. Now, Stella’s so busy building a life that she’s forgotten to really live. But Delilah is about to change all that. What starts as a quick trip to Jamaica, ends as an exhilarating voyage of self discovery as Stella learns to open her heart and find love – even if it’s with a man 20 years her junior. Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan. Written by Terry McMillan, Ron Bass. Produced by Deborah Schindler. With Angela Bassett, Taye Diggs, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina King. A 20th Century Fox release.
After the Movie: A panel with Kevin Sullivan and Angela Bassett, moderated by Torell Shavone Taylor.
DATE: Saturday, June 17
TIME: 4 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theatre
New Jack City, (United States). Wesley Snipes stars in this hard-edged film based on a frightening true world as Nino Brown, an American success story – with a twist. He’s young, handsome, smart, rich, successful, and prominent in his community. But Nino Brown is a big-time drug baron. Determined to end the remorseless evil of Nino’s drug empire, two street-smart policemen will stop at nothing to destroy his organization. Directed by Mario Van Peebles. Written by Thomas Lee Wright, Barry Michael Cooper. Produced by George Jackson, Doug McHenry. With Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Mario Van Peebles, Judd Nelson. A Warner Brothers release.
After the Movie: A panel with Mario Van Peebles, Michael Michele, and Fab 5 Freddy.
DATE: Saturday, June 17
TIME: 8 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theatre
The Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award
Picture courtesy Tribeca
Jane Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, activist, and fitness guru with a career spanning over 50 years. Her body of work includes over 45 films as well as advocacy on behalf of political causes such as women’s rights, Native Americans, and the environment. She is a seven-time Golden Globe winner and was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2021, Stanley Kubrick Excellence in Film Award as part of BAFTA’s Britannia Awards in 2019, AFI Life Achievement Award winner in 2014, and Honorary Palme d’Or honoree in 2007. Fonda also continues to lead the charge on Fire Drill Fridays in partnership with Greenpeace USA, and launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC last year. The award will be presented by Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys. Fonda will be joined in conversation by Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.
DATE: Saturday, June 10
TIME: 5 PM
LOCATION: The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios
2023 MASTER CLASSES
Master Class – Fact Checking with The New Yorker
In a moment when news can be called fake with impunity, the work of the fact checker in the media has never been more critical. This master class with members of The New Yorker’s renowned fact-checking department dives deep into the responsibility of a fact checker, how they approach their role in the reporting and editorial process, and the importance of always getting to the truth.
DATE: Monday, June 12
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theatre
Master Class – Genre Filmmaking with Mike Flanagan
With films and series like Gerald’s Game and The Haunting of Hill House to his credit, producer, writer, and director Mike Flanagan has taken relationship-driven terror to new heights of artistic and commercial success. In a conversation with author Justina Ireland, learn from Flanagan what scares and moves today’s audiences and why these ancient and primal stories are fresher and more relevant than ever.
DATE: Thursday, June 15
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theatre
Master Class: The Dream Team – Careers in Talent Representation
Discover the unique career paths to the value-added role of Talent Representative with our distinguished panel of agents, managers, attorneys, and publicists. This conversation is about getting in the room to have a seat at the table while building a community of savvy negotiators to help talent realize their dreams. Moderated by Diverse Representation Founder, Jaia Thomas.
DATE: June 16
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theatre
About Tribeca Festival
The Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, music, audio storytelling, games, and XR. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is synonymous with creative expression and entertainment. Tribeca champions emerging and established voices, discovers award-winning talent, curates innovative experiences, and introduces new ideas through exclusive premieres, exhibitions, conversations, and live performances.
The Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The annual Tribeca Festival will celebrate its 22nd year from June 7–18, 2023 in New York City.
In 2019, James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems bought a majority stake in Tribeca Enterprises, bringing together Rosenthal, De Niro, and Murdoch to grow the enterprise.
About 2023 Tribeca Festival Partners
The 2023 Tribeca Festival is presented by OKX and with the support of our partners: AT&T, Audible, Black Women on Boards, Canva, CHANEL, City National Bank, Diageo, Easterseals Disability Services, Expensify, Indeed, NBC4 and Telemundo 47, NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, National CineMedia, Novartis, ServiceNow, Spring Studios New York, The Wall Street Journal, Tubi, and Variety.
Gregg W. Morris can be reached at gregghc@comcast.net, profgregwmorris@gmail.com
