If you were eagerly awaiting an opportunity to be in the same room as some of your favorite directors, the day has come. The 2016 Tribeca Film Festival has curated an eclectic lineup of Q&As with some of the biggest directors in Hollywood, as well as their more independent-minded auteur contemporaries. Panelists include J.J. Abrams, Andrea Arnold, Joss Whedon, Jodie Foster, Baz Luhrmann, Alfonso Cuarón, Tina Fey, Jodie Foster, Francis Ford Coppola, and more.
The best part? Some of the discussions are free. See below for the full lineup, courtesy of the Tribeca Film Festival. And buy tickets to individual events here.
Tribeca Talks
J.J. Abrams with Chris Rock
Multi-faceted filmmaker J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, “Felicity”, “Lost”) will discuss the turns and triumphs of his career with comic actor and fellow filmmaker Chris Rock.
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Andrea Arnold
One of the freshest voices in cinema today, British filmmaker Andrea Arnold sits down for a conversation about her work from her debut feature Red Road to the highly acclaimed Fish Tank.
DATE: Monday, April 18
TIME: 2:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Joss Whedon with Mark Ruffalo
Joss Whedon, director of The Avenger films and creator of cult classics “Angel” and “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” will talk to esteemed actor and collaborator Mark Ruffalo about his distinguished career.
DATE: Monday, April 18
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 1
Jodie Foster with Julie Taymor
Jodie Foster has culminated her experience as an actress into directing and will explore how she has forged a position as an esteemed filmmaker in both film and television through a conversation with filmmaker Julie Taymor
DATE: Wednesday, April 20
TIME: 5:30PM
LOCATION: Festival Hub
Baz Luhrmann with Nelson George
Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann has one of the most distinctly recognizable visual styles in cinema today and discusses creating work which merges both classic and modern worlds through films from The Great Gatsby to Moulin Rouge.
DATE: Saturday, April 23
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 1
Alfonso Cuarón with TBD
From the indie hit Y Tu Mamá También to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Gravity Alfonso Cuaron and will discuss his ability to create truly unique cinematic worlds.
DATE: Wednesday, April 20th
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 1
"Y Tu Mama Tambien," dir. Alfonso Cuaron
Tribeca Talks: Storytellers
Celebrating passionate creators with a desire to tell stories in a multitude of ways - these pioneers never stay in just one lane. From Patti Smith turning songwriting into novel writing; to Tom Hanks acting, producing and directing; Tina Fey, writing, acting, producing and creating shows, Idina Menzel performing in TV, film and originating roles in theaters as well as songwriting; and Francis Ford Coppola discussing his passion for food and wine in addition to filmmaking.
Patti Smith
From cultural music icon to novelist Patti Smith has always been ahead of the curve and never afraid to pull punches, she will converse on her career and force field of creativity.
DATE: Thursday, April 14
TIME: 3:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel has trail blazed a career in film, television and theater not only being there for the inception of stage shows and the roles she has made iconic, but also performed in a variety of mediums and showcased her abilities as a songwriter.
DATE: Monday, April 18
TIME: 4:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 1
Tina Fey with Damian Holbrook
Known for developing smart comedy through her writing and performances in film and television, the former head writer of SNL has also created fan and critic favorite TV shows “30 Rock” and “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”
DATE: Tuesday, April 19
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Francis Ford Coppola with Jay McInerney
Francis Ford Coppola has given us some of the most memorable films on the big screen but is also a food and wine aficionado with a lifestyle brand. Francis Ford Coppola Presents encompasses a series of cafes as well as his winery in Sonoma County, CA.
DATE: Wednesday, April 20
TIME: 4:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 1
Tom Hanks with John Oliver
In addition to being one of the most beloved actors, Tom Hanks has also produced and directed an astounding number of films and will discuss his passion for great stories. Political commentator and television host John Oliver leads a conversation with Hanks discussing his prolific career
DATE: Friday, April 22
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Contemporary Color
In the summer of 2015, legendary musician David Byrne staged an unprecedented event at Brooklyn's Barclays Center to celebrate the art of color guard—synchronized dance involving flags, rifles, and sabers—by pairing regional color guard teams with performers, including St Vincent, Nelly Furtado, and Ad-Rock. More than a concert film, Contemporary Color is a cinematic interpretation of this one of a kind live event, courtesy of visionary filmmakers Bill and Turner Ross.
After the movie: A conversation led by David Byrne with Bill and Turner Ross, with special appearances by color guarders.
DATE: Thursday, April 14
TIME: 9:00PM
LOCATION: John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent (sponsored by CNN Films)
The Last Magnificent explores the exceptional, adventurous life of Jeremiah Tower, one of the most controversial, outrageous, and influential figures in the history of American gastronomy. Yet his name has largely been obliterated from history. Featuring interviews by Mario Batali, Anthony Bourdain, Martha Stewart, and Ruth Reichl, this delicious documentary for the culinary set tells the story of the rise and fall of America’s first celebrity chef.
After the movie: Subject and Chef Jeremiah Tower and Executive Producers Anthony Bourdain and Lydia Tenaglia
DATE: Saturday, April 16
TIME: 3:00PM
LOCATION: John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
"The Great Gatsby," Baz Luhrmann
I Voted?
How do you know that your vote is recorded as intended in an election? After South Carolina candidate Alvin Greene overwhelmingly won the Senate Primary despite having not campaigned, a pandora's box of questions opened regarding the voting process - particularly in a digital age where we rely on computer systems to act with integrity despite the use outdated and unregulated technology.
After the movie: Writer Director Jason Grant Smith, Executive Producer Katie Couric and more.
DATE: Thursday, April 21st
TIME: 5:30PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Equity
High-powered Wall Street banker Naomi Bishop (Anna Gunn) has been passed over for a promotion again. If she can successfully launch her next high profile IPO, she’ll be back on top. To get the job done, she must bypass her ambitious assistant (Sarah Megan Thomas) and an aggressive US prosecutor (Alysia Reiner) watching her every move, in TFF Nora Ephron Prize winner and alumnus Meera Menon’s financial thriller. A Sony Pictures Classic release.
After the movie: Director Meera Menon, and other female directors discuss their experience in the industry.
DATE: Tuesday, April 19
TIME: 6:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Starring Austin Pendleton
Austin Pendleton is that quintessential character actor you might recognize. We follow Austin as he reflects on his life and craft, while his A-list peers discuss his vast influence, dogged determination, and what it means to be an original in today's celebrity-obsessed world.
After the movie: Star and subject Austin Pendleton discusses his career with fellow actors, including Olympia Dukakis, Peter Saarsgaard, George Morfogen, and Denis O’Hare.
DATE: Thursday, April 21
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Special Correspondents
American politics and media are aptly satirized in this feature by firebrand comedian Ricky Gervais. A pretentious radio journalist and his ineffectual technician botch an assignment in South America, and decide to fabricate an on-the-scene report while hiding out in a New York City apartment. This scheme spirals out of their control when their escalating story becomes a national headline. A Netflix Original Film.
After the movie: A conversation with writer/director Ricky Gervais, actor Eric Bana, and additional cast
DATE: Friday, April 22
TIME: 8:00PM
LOCATION: John Zuccotti Theater @ BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe
The most vitriolic debate in medical history takes a dramatic turn when senior scientist turned whistleblower, Dr. William Thompson of the Centers for Disease Control, turns over secret documents, data, and internal emails confirming what millions of devastated parents and “discredited” doctors have long-suspected – vaccines do cause autism.
After the movie: a conversation with creators and subjects of the film.
DATE: Sunday, April 24
TIME: 2:00PM
LOCATION: SVA2
Tribeca Talks: Daring Women
DATE: Wednesday, April 20
TIME: 10:30AM - 5PM
LOCATION: Festival Hub
This day of first-hand storytelling celebrates today’s most influential women in arts and technology who have risen to the top of their respective fields by eschewing traditional career trajectories in creating their own paths. Not only have these women broken ceilings to succeed for themselves, but most importantly they have created opportunities for other women along the way through direct support and mentorship, forging job opportunities for others and creating content where women can see themselves and the possibilities of what they themselves could become.
These creative minds refused to take no for an answer, taking on outsized risks, despite the conventional wisdom. These women in tech and entertainment are bold, they are driven by innovation, and they have reservoirs of expertise and life lessons to share. Speakers include Producer and Actress Olivia Wilde, Fashion Designer Donna Karan, Full Frontal’s Samantha Bee, actress & activist Rosie Perez, The Li.st founder Rachel Sklar, HelloGiggles co-founder Sophia Rossi, Google Entertainment Industry Educator in Chief Julie Ann Crommett, ‘Fresh off the Boat’ Showrunner Nahnatchka Khan, actress Mya Taylor, PYPO Creator Stephanie Laing, Chief Content Officer for Refinery 29 Amy Emmerich, New York Public radio’s President & CEO Laura Walker, WNYC’s Death, Sex & Money Anna Sale, actress LaLa Anthony and many more.
"Thirteen," dir. Catherine Hardwicke
Tribeca Talks: Master Class (Free!)
Dolby Master Class
Leading sound and music pioneers discuss the complexities of creating sound and music for film. Check website for panelists.
DATE: Friday, April 15
TIME: 3:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Prepping to Shoot with Catherine Hardwicke
Twilight, Lords of Dogtown and Thirteen Director Catherine Hardwicke takes you inside preproduction - from creating a workable shot list to constructing lookbooks, shaping locations and building relationships with cast and crew alike - she offers tips and tricks as well as showcasing her personal work materials.
DATE: Sunday, April 17
TIME: 3:00PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Inside Casting
Esteemed Casting Director Ellen Lewis and Ellen Chenoweth have worked with some of the greatest directors including Martin Scorsese, Mike Nichols, Jim Jarmusch, the Coen Brothers, George Clooney and Stephen Spielberg. They will divulge the process of casting and discovering some of today’s most recognizable faces. Moderated by Bernard Telsey.
DATE: Saturday, April 23
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Elections and Scandal
Debuting their latest Elections short documentary A More Perfect Union, Nate Silver (FiveThirtyEight editor-in-chief), Micah Cohen (FiveThirtyEight politics editor) and guests discuss how the Rev. Wright revelations affected the 2008 Democratic primary between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, how the media handled the story, and what lessons the episode holds for the 2016 election.
DATE: Wednesday, April 20
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA2
O.J.: Made in America with Ezra Edelman and TheUndefeated.com
O.J. Simpson remains one of the most resonant figures in American history. Undefeated.com editor in chief Kevin Merida moderates a discussion with the film’s director Ezra Edelman, managing editor Raina Kelley and senior culture writer Kelley Carter about ESPN Films’ O.J.: Made in America and its attempt to make sense of both the racial context surrounding the trial 20 years ago, and a life and career still being debated today.
DATE: Sunday, April 24
TIME: 5:30PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
Free Like the Birds
Sophie Cruz, a six year old girl fights to keep her family together as the threat of deporting her parents looms over her. Determined to keep her family together she travels to Washington DC, breaks through police barricades, and talks to the Pope. A girl on a mission.
After the short film: An in depth conversation with prominent activists about immigration
DATE: Thursday, April 21
TIME: 8:30PM
LOCATION: SVA 2
From Film to Game
In the entertainment industry's constantly changing landscape, the lines between mediums are starting to blur. We are witnessing the intersection of gaming and filmmaking to create a new form of storytelling that revitalizes traditional narratives. Join BioShock’s Ken Levine, Her Story creator Sam Barlow, and filmmaker Will Gluck in a discussion about how content creators are bridging the gap between video games and TV to generate compelling experiences that put the viewer in the driver's seat.
DATE: Monday, April 18
TIME: 8:00PM
LOCATION: Festival Hub
