The 2014 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), announced its lineup for the 2014 Tribeca Talks® and Tribeca Innovation Week’s Future of Film series. The Festival will feature conversations with some of the most prolific and creative directors, producers, writers, actors and industry professionals in film including Academy Award® winners Kevin Spacey, Ron Howard, Michael Douglas, Aaron Sorkin, Thelma Schoonmaker, and Skip Lievsay; Academy Award®-nominated director Lee Daniels and writer Terence Winter; Emmy®-Award-winners Bryan Cranston, Alec Baldwin, and David Simon; as well as Congressman Barney Frank, and legendary boxers Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. The Tribeca Talks panels and events will run during the 13th edition of TFF, taking place April 16 – April 27 at locations around New York City.
TFF also unveiled four new documentaries world premiering at the Festival —NOW – In the Wings on a World Stage, The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin, Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank, and Champs, as well as Food Chains, Supermensch, and the tenth anniversary screening of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. They will each screen as part of the Tribeca Talks: After the Movie series giving audiences the opportunity to watch a film followed by a related conversation.
This year’s series also consists of the “Tribeca Talks: Directors Series,” where an acclaimed director participates in an intimate one-on-one conversation; “Tribeca Talks: Industry” conversations focusing on the technical production of film; and “Tribeca Talks: Pen to Paper, hosted by Barnes & Noble” which explores topics related to screenwriting.
Taking place during Tribeca Innovation Week is a four-day Future of Film series programmed around the theme The Story’s Edge. Future of Film discussions offer engaging, cross-disciplinary conversations about the collision of storytelling with dominant and emerging trends in our culture, with figures from the arenas of art, politics, science and technology, and filmmaking.
“With these talks we want to expand the conversation about filmmaking and storytelling. Whether it’s a deeper look at the artistic process or timely social issues, hearing from the leading voices in film, media and beyond, can facilitate new perceptions and further our understanding of the current state of making and enjoying entertainment,” said Genna Terranova, Director of Programming.
“Tribeca Talks: Directors Series,” will include intimate conversations with:
Academy Award®-winning director Ron Howard discusses his career as a filmmaker, writer and producer, which already spans over fifty years.
Academy Award®-nominated director Lee Daniels divulges on his seminal career which includes such critical hits as Precious and Lee Daniels’ The Butler.
“Tribeca Talks: After the Movie” will include:
The world premiere of NOW – In the Wings on a World Stage, follows the versatile and acclaimed Bridge Project Theatre, the first trans-atlantic company of actors and artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre, Kevin Spacey as he reunites with American Beauty director Sam Mendes for a behind the scenes look at the creation of their breathtaking production of Shakespeare’s Richard III; followed by a conversation with Kevin Spacey, director Jeremy Whelehan and members of the Richard III company about the vocation of acting, the future of theater and this spectacular theatrical journey.
The world premiere of The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin, an examination of the creation of Bitcoin and its impact on the future of international currency; followed by a conversation with director Nicholas Mross, film subject Dan Mross, and Charles Shrem who will give their perspective on the most up to the minute details about the mysterious and ever-changing world of Bitcoin.
The world premiere of Champs, an exploration of how some of the most legendary fighters used boxing as a way to pull themselves out of poverty; followed by a conservation with boxing greats Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, boxing promoter and Lou DiBella about life, rivalry and conflict both inside and out of the ring.
The world premiere of Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank, a candid examination of openly gay Congressman Barney Frank’s 40 years in elected office and how his own homosexuality impacted his campaigns for social justice; followed by a conversation with subject Barney Frank and actor Alec Baldwin about the politics of Washington, Barney’s life and career and what he plans to do in his retirement.
The world premiere of Silenced, the stories of two whistleblowers and their supporters who survived the government’s efforts suppress their claims; followed by a conversation with director James Spione and film subjects Jesselyn Radack and Thomas Drake and Pulitzer Prize-winner Barton Gellman who will discuss the role, importance and ethics of whistleblowing in America.
The North American premiere of Food Chains, a hard hitting look at the state of labor within the agriculture sector in the US and the immoral practices that affect the lives of countless thousands of farm workers; followed by a discussion with executive producer Eva Longoria, the film’s director, Sanjay Rawal, Eric Schlosser and Kerry Kennedy on what you can do to be a part of the food justice revolution.
The U.S. premiere of Supermensch, Mike Myers directorial debut that explores the dynamic and astounding career of consummate Hollywood insider Shep Gordon; followed by a conversation with film subject Shep Gordon,Michael Douglas for some inside Hollywood baseball stories.
For the annual Sloan retrospective salute, a tenth anniversary screening of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman; followed by a discussion on the making-of and contemporary relevance of the film including advances in our ability to manipulate the pathways of memory since the film debuted.
Shooting and scoring, a conversation about the particular art in creating authentic sports stories with Friday Night Lights director Peter Berg.
In celebration of the upcoming World Cup, 30 for 30: Soccer Stories will screen two films, The Opposition and Maradona ’86; followed by a conversation with filmmakers Ezra Edelman, Daniel Battsek and ESPN about the films and the upcoming competition.
“Future of Film: The Story’s Edge” taking place as part of Tribeca Innovation Week will feature:
A conversation with writer and producer Aaron Sorkin and former Chief Presidential Speech Writer Jon Favreau about what it means to be moral in 2014 and what is valued as heroic in on screen, in fiction and in life.
Your Brain on Story features futurist Jason Silva on why and how people are hardwired for stories and cinema, followed by “Psychos We Love,” an exploration into what it is that audiences love about on screen psychos, and how they compare to real life psychopaths with actor Bryan Cranston, show runner/writer Terence Winter and neuroscientist James Fallon; moderated by Nightline co-anchor Cynthia McFadden.
All The News That’s Fit to Shoot, Print…or Tweet, explores the crossover between documentary filmmaking, news media and social action with Upworthy Co-Founder Eli Pariser, CEO and Co-Founder of Vice Shane Smith, and Executive Director of Witness Yvette Alberdingk Thijm; moderated by filmmaker and journalist Perri Peltz.
Stories by Numbers, a discussion about the ways that big data mining can influence future innovation in film, art and journalism with screenwriter and show runner Beau Willimon, writer David Simon, and a special guest from ESPN/FiveThirtyEight.com; moderated by the host of NPR’s The Takeaway John Hockenberry.
“Tribeca Talks: Industry” are free events and will feature:
Dolby Institute: The Art of Sound Design & Music, a conversation with film industry professionals about the evolution of sound in film and how sound can be used to enhance storytelling. Panelists include Academy Award®-winning sound mixer Skip Lievsay (Gravity) and Susan Jacobs (Silver Linings Playbook).
The Cutting Room: An Insight to the Edit Suite, a discussion about new editing techniques and firsthand accounts about what it really takes to make the final cut. Academy Award®-winning editor and longtime Martin Scorsese collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker will discuss her incredible career.
Shooting the Film: An Exploration of Cinematography, a conversation about the art of cinematography including how to capture beautiful and iconic imagery on screen.
Panelists include cinematographers Nick Bentgen (Ballet 422,) Frank G. DeMarco (All is Lost,) and Ellen Kuras (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.)
“Tribeca Talks: Pen to Paper hosted by Barnes & Noble” are free events and will include:
The Repercussions of Truth, a discussion exploring the degrees of truth-telling and authenticity in storytelling and editing. Panelists include directors John Dower, Tyler Meason, Justin Weinstein, Sam Cullman and Jennifer Grausman. Moderated by Variety’s Gordon Cox.
Adaptation & Creation a conversation with filmmakers who reflect on how to stay true to an original or adapted text. Panelists include director/writer Stephen Belber, director/writer Amy Berg, director Megan Griffiths (Lucky Them), director/writer Aaron Katez (Land Ho!), and director Adam Rapp (Loitering with Intent). Moderated by Screen International’s Mark Adams.
Calling the Shots, a personal examination of how film scripts can enhance, thwart or reflect social cultural change. Panelists include director/writer Ira Sachs, director Orlando von Einseidel and director Marshall Curry.
Special Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival Conversations
The full schedule for the 2014 Tribeca Talks series follows:
“Tribeca Talks: Directors Series”
Lee Daniels
Acclaimed filmmaker Lee Daniels divulges on his seminal career which includes such critical hits as Precious and Lee Daniels’ The Butler.
DATE: Friday, April 18
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1
Ron Howard with Brian Williams
Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Ron Howard discusses his career as a filmmaker, writer and producer, which already spans over fifty years.
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: BMCC
“Tribeca Talks: After the Movie”
Champs
Directed and written by Bert Marcus. (USA) – World Premiere. From inner-city housing projects to the biggest stages in boxing, this insightful and provocative documentary charts the lives of some of America’s heaviest hitters, including Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Bernard Hopkins, as they seek to break out of poverty via one of the few outlets available. Director Bert Marcus skillfully weaves their personal histories and gripping footage from their biggest bouts to explore the meaning of the American dream in a society increasingly fragmented between rich and poor.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with former boxers Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, boxing promoter Lou DiBella about life, rivalry and conflict both inside and out of the ring.
DATE: Saturday, April 19
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1
Silenced
Silenced, directed by James Spione. (USA) – World Premiere. Only 11 Americans have ever been charged under the Espionage Act of 1917; eight of them since President Obama took office. Oscar-nominated documentarian James Spione returns to TFF with the incredible personal journeys of two members of that octet, Thomas Drake and John Kiriakou, along with accountability advocate, Jesselyn Radack, who helped bring their cases to light. With resonance in the post-Snowden era, Silenced catalogs the lengths to which the government has gone to keep its most damning secrets, in an impassioned and thought-provoking defense of whistleblowers everywhere.
After the movie: Stay for a conversation with director James Spione, Jesselyn Radack, Thomas Drake and Barton Gellman about the role, importance and ethics of whistleblowing in America in 2014.
DATE: Saturday, April 19
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
NOW – In the Wings on a World Stage
Directed by Jeremy Whelehan. (USA) – World Premiere. In 2012, the talented actors that make up one of the oldest companies in the world, the Old Vic Theater company, and the group’s multi-talented artistic director, Kevin Spacey stage Shakespeare’s epic tragedy Richard III on a whirlwind tour across the world. Whelehan goes behind the scenes with the inspiring Tony Award® winning cast, Spacey, and the play’s director Sam Mendes, to celebrate the craft of theater, the actors who bring it to brilliant life, and to deepen our understanding of theater through this ambitious international staging.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with Kevin Spacey, director Jeremy Whelehan and members of the Richard III company about the vocation of acting and the future of theater and this spectacular theatrical journey.
DATE: Monday, April 21
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: BMCC
The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin
Directed by Nicholas Mross. (USA) – World Premiere. What is Bitcoin? The digital currency, created by anonymous developer Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, is heralded by some as the future of the global economy, even as it is increasingly stigmatized by volatility and implicated in online drug trafficking and money laundering. Nicholas Mross’ illuminating documentary digs deep into the origins and meteoric rise of Bitcoin through the stories of those intrepid innovators at the forefront of this developing technology.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with director Nicholas Mross, the film’s protagonist Dan Mross, and Charles Shrem for the most up to the minute details about the mysterious and rapidly changing world of Bitcoin.
DATE: Wednesday, April 23
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. (USA) – An all-star ensemble cast shines in this comical and poignant look at breakups, breakdowns and breakthroughs and the role of memory in human relationships. Joel (Jim Carrey) is stunned to discover that his girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet), has had their tumultuous relationship erased from her mind. Out of desperation, he contacts the inventor of the process, Dr. Howard Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson), to get the same treatment. But as his memories of Clementine begin to fade, Joel suddenly realizes how much he still loves her. Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo and Elijah Wood co-star in the Academy Award winner for best original screenplay.Sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation on the making-of and contemporary relevance of the film, including advances in our ability to manipulate the pathways of memory since the film debuted with producer Anthony Bregman,Daniella Schiller, Professor of Psychiatry & Neuroscience/Mount Sinai, and others, moderated by Science Friday® host Ira Flatlow.
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
Food Chains
Directed by Sanjay Rawal. (USA) – North American Premiere. Executive produced by Eva Longoria, this hard hitting documentary gives pause for thought with every plate of food we eat by exposing the rampant abuse and injustice embedded in America’s agriculture and food production industries. The film sheds light on the wage theft, physical abuse and outright slavery that constitutes everyday life for thousands of America’s (mostly Latino) farm workers, and gives voice to those fighting to change these practices and bring justice to the table.
After the Movie: Join Executive Producer Eva Longoria, director, Sanjay Rawal, Kerry Kennedy, Eric Schlosser and a representative from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to learn more about behind the scenes in America’s food chain and what you can do to be part of the food justice revolution.
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1
Supermensch
Directed by Mike Myers. (USA) – U.S. Premiere. In his directorial debut, Mike Myers brings a comic touch to documenting the astounding career of consummate Hollywood insider Shep Gordon. Making playful use of archival footage, new interviews, and his own close relationship with the legendary talent manager, Myers reveals a man who has embraced his dualities: a hard-driving dealmaker who wants everyone to be happy and a rock ‘n’ roll hedonist who yearns for a family. Against a backdrop of debauchery, he’s a man on a spiritual quest. These contradictions make him a fascinating documentary subject.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with Shep Gordon, Michael Douglas for some inside baseball Hollywood stories.
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1
Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank
Directed by Michael Chandler and Sheila Canavan. (USA) – World Premiere.
Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank is a rare and intimate peek into the life of Barney Frank, the quick-witted, cantankerous, and first openly gay Congressman in the United States. On the verge of his retirement, Frank reflects on his 40 years in office and the role his own homosexuality played in his campaigns for social justice. A flawless example of when the personal meets the political, with incredible “bare all” access, this documentary reveals Frank as one of the most sharp-tongued, entertaining, and lionhearted politicians of our time.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with Barney Frank and Alec Baldwin about the politics of Washington, Barney’s life and career and what he plans to do in his retirement.
DATE: Sunday, April 27
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1
Future of Film: The Story’s Edge – part of Tribeca Innovation Week
A Conversation with Aaron Sorkin
Writer and producer Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, Newsroom, The Social Network) in conversation with former Chief Presidential Speech Writer Jon Favreau about what it means to be moral in 2014, what we value as heroic in life and in fiction, and how film and television have documented our transition from an analogue to a digital world.
DATE: Monday, April 21
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1
Your Brain on Story
Part one: “Jason Silva: Technologies of Immersion”
Your Brain on Story features futurist Jason Silva on why and how people are hardwired for stories and cinema.
Part two: “Psychos We Love,”
A candid conversation about the ‘habits’ of successful psychopaths. Sounds crazy? Not really. Turns out, it’s not only screen psychos that we love. Many of the people we admire, and even elect as our leaders, share traits with psychopathic killers. Find out more as actor Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) and Terence Winter (“The Sopranos,” “Boardwalk Empire”) discuss the connection between horror and humor and what makes a great screen villain with a neuroscientist,James Fallon, who not only studies the brains of serial killers, but has one himself. Moderated by Cynthia McFadden (ABC News, Nightline Co Anchor)
DATE: Tuesday, April 22
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
All The News That’s Fit to Shoot, Print…or Tweet
Many say the birth of cable news, the 24-hour news cycle and then the internet have caused the demise of journalism. On the flip side, our thirst for news and information has only become more intense in recent years. Citizen journalists, bloggers, and hybrids of journalism with everything from films to video games and viral videos are stepping up to answer the call. So who now sets the bar for journalistic ethics and in who’s voices (or cute cat videos) should we place our trust? Join Upworthy Co-Founder Eli Pariser, CEO and Co-Founder of Vice Shane Smith, and Executive Director of Witness Yvette Alberdingk Thijm. Moderated by filmmaker and journalist Perri Peltz.
DATE: Wednesday, April 23
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
Stories by Numbers
Almost everything we do creates a digital trail containing information about who we are, where we go, how we spend our time and money, and what we watch. Media and entertainment entities are increasingly able to use this information to tell rich data-driven stories or to decide what content to acquire or produce. But does betting on the ‘wisdom of crowds’ bode well or ill for future innovation in film, art and journalism? True believers and tech skeptics square off. Join show runner/writer Beau Willimon (“House of Cards”), writer David Simon (“The Wire”), Thompson on Hollywood’s Anne Thompson, and a special guest from ESPN/FiveThirtyEight.com. Moderated by host of NPR’s The Takeaway John Hockenberry.
DATE: Thursday April 24th
TIME: 2.30pm
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
“Tribeca Talks: Industry” (Free event: Reserve tickets in advance at tribecafilm.com)
Dolby Institute: The Art of Sound Design & Music
Ever since the creation of the talkie, sound in film has been evolving. The Dolby Institute brings together top sound designers to discuss what it really takes to create the sound of a film, and the army it takes just to hear a pin drop. Panelists will explore scenes from their work and divulge the strategy behind using sound as a storytelling tool. Panelists include Academy Award® winning sound mixer Skip Lievsay (Gravity) and music supervisor Susan Jacobs (Silver Linings Playbook).
DATE: Friday, April 18
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
The Cutting Room: An Insight to the Edit Suite
It’s said that a movie is made three times: once through a script, once on set, and finally in the edit room. Join us to hear tales from the cutting room floor from longtime Martin Scorsese collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker as she discusses her incredible career.
DATE: Saturday, April 19
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
Shooting the Film: An Exploration of Cinematography
Cinematographers are responsible for some of the most breathtaking and memorable images on screen. Join us to hear cinematographers discuss their careers so far in the world of capturing images to tell a story, as well as describing how they shot some of their most famous scenes. Panelists All is Lost cinematographer Frank G. DeMarco Ballet 422 cinematographer Nick Bentgen and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind cinematographer Ellen Kuras.
DATE: Monday, April 21
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
The Growth of Short Content
Filmmakers with a thirst for storytelling are saturating our digital media landscape with short content, changing the way we seek and consume media. Hear some of the creators discuss the challenges faced in creating snappy, attention grabbing and informative content, and how to garner an audience outside of a theater. Panelists include director, producer Morgan Spurlock and ESPN’s Dan Silver.
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2
“Tribeca Talks: Pen to Paper” (Free)
Hosted by Barnes & Noble
The Repercussions of Truth
Storytelling involves the decision of how much truth to tell. The editing process incites the omission of information or facts. When focusing on true stories, filmmakers are still only able to tell us part of the story. How do they determine what their truth will be, and how much does the repercussion of truth factor into this decision?
Panelists include directors John Dower (Slaying the Badger), Tyler Measom (An Honest Liar), Justin Weinstein (An Honest Liar), directors Sam Cullman & Jennifer Grausman (Art and Craft). Moderated by Gordon Cox, Variety.
DATE: Friday, April 18
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble 33 E 17th Street at Union Square
Adaptation & Creation
From stage plays and books to original or adapted screenplays, filmmakers are constantly adapting and creating stories for the screen. Join us for an exploration into the experience of filming work created from different content, and how true you should stay to the original text when shooting an adaptation or script you didn’t write.
Panelists include director/writer Stephen Belber (Match), director/writer Amy Berg (West of Memphis), director/writer Megan Griffiths (Lucky Them), director/writer Aaron Katez (Land Ho!), and director Adam Rapp (Loitering with Intent). Moderated by Mark Adams, Screen International.
DATE: Saturday, April 19
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble 33 E 17th Street at Union Square
Calling the Shots
Both documentary and narrative films constantly explore moving for social change in a variety of ways, either directly or indirectly. Whether it’s about human rights, the environmental or personal change, these films are at the forefront of today’s cinema and have a new and unique opportunity to affect change in society.
Panelists include director/writer Ira Sachs (Love is Strange), director Orlando von Einseidel (Virunga) and director Marshall Curry (Point and Shoot).
DATE: Sunday, April 20
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble 33 E 17th Street at Union Square
Special “Tribeca Talks” Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival Conversations
Shooting and scoring
A conversation about the particular art in creating authentic sports stories – from non-fiction material to heart stopping hits that satisfy hardcore fans while also connecting with broader audiences. Featuring director, Peter Berg best known for his hit TV series and film, Friday Night Lights and for the recent sports doc series, State of Play which illuminates the intersection of sports and sports culture with wider society in 2014 America.
DATE: Friday, April 25
TIME: 8:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1
30 for 30: Soccer Stories
The Opposition
Directed by Ezra Edelman and Jeffrey Plunkett (USA/Chile) – World Premiere. In the wake of the 1973 military coup in Chile, American-backed dictator Augusto Pinochet transformed Santiago’s National Stadium into a concentration camp where political opponents were tortured and assassinated. Only months later, that same stadium was scheduled to host a decisive World Cup qualifier between Chile and the Soviet Union. Despite protests, FIFA’s own investigation, and the Soviets’ eventual boycott, the Chilean team still played the game as planned, qualifying for the 1974 World Cup on a goal scored against no one.
Maradona ’86
Directed by Sam Blair, Executive Produced by John Battsek (USA) – World Premiere. In the 1986 World Cup, Diego Armando Maradona redefined what is possible for one man to accomplish on the soccer field. Already a figure of notoriety, but with one failed World Cup behind him, Argentinian Maradona took possession of the international stage in Mexico, the spotlight rarely drifting from him as he wrote an indelible history with his feet and, of course, with a “hand from God.” Delivered with passion and intelligence, Maradona ‘86 is a fascinating, evocative, and operatic portrait, revealing Maradona’s inner complexity and contradictions while basking in the joy and passion of his performance on the pitch, as he wrote his name on soccer history forever.
After the Movie: filmmakers Ezra Edelman, Daniel Battsek and ESPN speak about the films and the upcoming World Cup
DATE: Sunday, April 20
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2