The features lineup for Tribeca Festival 2024 has been unveiled and there is a hearty helping of LGTBQ titles and queer-friendly titles. The fest is set for June 5-16 in New York City.
“In a year of record high submissions, despite industry-wide challenges, and global tumult, our incredible filmmaking community delivered again with some of the most surprising, inspiring, hilarious, galvanizing, boundary-breaking, and downright entertaining work we’ve had the privilege to feature at the festival,” said Tribeca Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano in a statement. “Whether grappling with everything from the crisis of global democracy to the most intimate of human dramas, it was heartening to be reminded of the undeniable power of a great film to illuminate our world.”
The 23rd edition of the fest includes documentaries that spotlight queer icons including the world premiere of I’m Your Venus, which follows the unsolved murder of trailblazing Paris is Burning star Venus Xtravaganza. Linda Perry: Let It Die Here comes from award-winning filmmaker Don Hardy and explores Perry’s pioneering career with appearances from Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, and Christina Aguilera. Speaking of trailblazers and pioneers, 1-800-ON-HER-OWN spotlights singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco. In addition, Tribeca will open with the world premiere of Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge and LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, which follows the titular legends.
The documentary Sabbath Queen is a 20-year journey in the life of Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, a 39th-generation Orthodox rabbi who is also a drag queen. For some queer laughs, Netflix’s Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution will deliver as it examines queer stand-up comedy and its influence on social change in America. The docu features Lily Tomlin, Wanda Sykes, Rosie O’Donnell, Hannah Gadsby, and Joel Kim Booster.
On the narrative side, Tribeca will premiere the coming-of-age feature Griffin in Summer from Nicholas Colia and the queer comedy Rent Free. Other LGBTQ titles to look out for include Crossing which follows Lia, a retired teacher, who is looking for her long-lost niece, Tekla. Her search takes her to Istanbul where she meets Evrim, a lawyer fighting for trans rights, and becomes embraced in the local trans community. In Bikechess, we are introduced to a Kazakh journalist who is jaded with government reporting as she balances supporting her activist lesbian sister while navigating a relationship with her married cameraman. In addition, Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio‘s Sundance winner In The Summers continues its successful festival run.
Other selections include Jazzy with Lily Gladstone; Sacramento, directed by Michael Angarano, starring Kristen Stewart, Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart, and Maya Erskine; the comedy Group Therapy featuring Tig Nataro, Neil Patrick Harris, and Mike Birbiglia; and All That We Love stars Margaret Cho and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Read more about the LGTBQ titles below.
OPENING NIGHT GALA
Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, (United States) – World Premiere. Child of a Holocaust survivor, Princess by marriage, and founder of a fashion empire, the many faces of fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg are revealed in this captivating and glamorous documentary portrait, featuring interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Marc Jacobs, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and more. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton. Produced by Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, Tracy Aftergood, Sean Stuart, Obaid-Chinoy, and Dalton. A Hulu release.
U.S. NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Griffin in Summer, (United States) – World Premiere. In this coming-of-age comedy, a fourteen-year-old wannabe playwright becomes enamored with a local handyman over the course of summer vacation. Directed and written by Nicholas Colia. Produced by Juliet Berman, Camila Mendes, Rachel Matthews. With Everett Blunck, Melanie Lynskey, Owen Teague, Kathryn Newton.
Jazzy, (United States) – World Premiere. In the follow up to her award-winning film The Unknown Country, filmmaker Morrisa Maltz captures the joys and heartbreaks of childhood friendship as young Jazzy navigates the challenges of growing up on the Oglala Lakota reservation in South Dakota. Directed by Morrisa Maltz. Written by Morrisa Maltz, Vanara Taing, Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux, Andrew Hajek. Produced by Miranda Bailey, John Way, Natalie Whalen. With Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, Syriah Fool Head Means, Raymond Lee, Lily Gladstone.
Rent Free, (United States) – World Premiere. This freewheeling comedy follows down-on-their-luck Gen Z best friends Ben and Jordan as they mooch off of their friends’ and acquaintances’ hospitality, all while grappling with love, heartbreak, and awkward flings. The film’s effortless humor brings forth a fresh exploration of queer male friendship. Directed by Fernando Andrés. Written by Fernando Andrés, Tyler Rugh. Produced by Fernando Andrés, Jacob Roberts, Temple Baker. With Jacob Roberts, David Treviño, Molly Edelman, Neal Mulani.
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Hacking Hate, (Sweden, Denmark, Norway) – World Premiere. Simon Klose’s kinetic and socially-pressing documentary follows award-winning Swedish journalist My Vingren as she goes undercover online as a white supremacist in order to expose a network of neo-Nazis and far-right organizations that are viciously fostering hate speech and extremism on a global scale. Directed by Simon Klose. Produced by Elin Kamlert.
Sabbath Queen, (United States) – World Premiere. Sabbath Queen is a remarkable 20 year journey in the life of Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, a 39th generation Orthodox rabbi — and drag queen. Directed and produced by Sandi DuBowski.
INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Bikechess, (Kazakhstan) – World Premiere. As Dina, a Kazakh journalist, finds herself disenchanted with reporting inane government initiatives, she balances supporting her activist lesbian sister while navigating a relationship with her married cameraman. Directed and written by Assel Aushakimova. Produced by Antoine Simkine, Almagul Tleukhanova, Christian Fredrik Martin. With Saltanat Nauruz, Assel Abdimavlenova, Shyngys Beibituly, Duisenbek Sydykbekov.
SPOTLIGHT+
Group Therapy, (United States) – World Premiere. Neil Berkeley’s latest is a thoughtful and humorous navigation of personal conversations on mental health. Produced by Kevin Hart, this unique documentary takes the form of a group therapy session led by some of today’s funniest comedians and comic performers. Directed by Neil Berkeley. Produced by Kevin Healey, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Bryan Smiley.
After the Movie: A conversation with film subjects Tig Notaro, Neil Patrick Harris, Mike Birbiglia, London Hughes, Gary Gulman, and Atsuko Okatsuka.
Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, (United States) – World Premiere. Award-winning filmmaker Don Hardy explores the life of pioneering songwriter and producer Linda Perry in this intimate and revealing journey. It’s a story of the strength and resilience of a gifted artist, daughter, and mother who is finally able to embark on a search to find her own voice. Directed by Don Hardy. Produced by Don Hardy, Shawn Dailey.
After the Movie: Special performance by Linda Perry.
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, (United States) – World Premiere. This rapturous documentary steps into the dynamic world of queer stand-up and examines the powerful cultural influence it has had on social change in America. The film combines rare archival materials, stand up performances, and interviews with a show-stopping lineup including Lily Tomlin, Fortune Feimster, Eddie Izzard, and Rosie O’Donnell, to present a definitive history of queer comedy. Directed by Page Hurwitz. Produced by Katherine LeBlond, Page Hurwitz, Wanda Sykes. A Netflix release.
Before the Movie: A standup performance featuring stars of the film.
SPOTLIGHT NARRATIVE
All That We Love, (United States) – World Premiere. After losing her beloved dog, Emma Gwon embarks on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and reconnection with loved ones in Yen Tan’s touching dramedy that celebrates second chances and the power of family bonds. Directed by Yen Tan. Written by Yen Tan, Clay Liford. Produced by Kelly Williams, Rebecca Green, Theresa Steele Page. With Margaret Cho, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kenneth Choi, Alice Lee.
Crossing, (Sweden, Denmark, Georgia, Turkey, France) – North American Premiere. Lia, a retired teacher, has promised to find her long-lost niece, Tekla. Her search takes her to Istanbul where she meets Evrim, a lawyer fighting for trans rights, and becomes embraced in the local trans community. Directed and written by Levan Akin. Produced by Mathilde Dedye. With Mzia Arabuli, Lucas Kankava, Deniz Dumanli. A MUBI release.
In the Summers, (United States) – New York Premiere. In this poignant debut film, embark on a journey with two sisters as they grapple with their relationship with their well-meaning but troubled father during their childhood summers. Directed and written by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio. Produced by Alexander Dinelaris, Rob Quadrino, Nando Vila. With Rene Perez Joglar, Sasha Calle, Lio Mehiel, Leslie Grace.
SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY
1-800-ON-HER-OWN, (United States) – World Premiere. Ani DiFranco was an unmistakable talent that shook the ‘90s alternative music scene. In this vulnerable look at her life today, she struggles to balance artistry with the demands of family. Directed by Dana Flor. Produced by Amy Hobby.
I’m Your Venus, (United States) – World Premiere. A moving and timely documentary following the unsolved murder of Venus Xtravaganza, star of the legendary Paris Is Burning as Venus’ two families — biological and ballroom — come together to seek answers and celebrate her legacy. Directed by Kimberly Reed. Produced by Jamie Schutz, Steven Cantor, Mike Stafford.
LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story (United States) – World Premiere. Rich with archival gems and Liza Minnelli’s own point of view, Bruce David Klein’s luminous documentary celebrates a young entertainer full of boundless raw talent and the deep, creative relationships with her mentors and influences. Directed by Bruce David Klein. Produced by Bruce David Klein, Alexander J. Goldstein, Robert Rich.
Luther: Never Too Much, (United States) – New York Premiere. Dawn Porter offers an in-depth look into the life and career of Luther Vandross as he overcomes personal and professional challenges to become one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Directed by Dawn Porter.
S/He Is Still Her/e – The Official Genesis P-Orridge Doc, (United States) – World Premiere. An introduction, conversation and perhaps goodbye to Genesis P-Orridge, who left an astounding and provocative legacy on the worlds of music, art, performance, religion and the occult. A larger-than-life personality that must be experienced to be grasped, Genesis opens up portals to a way of living that transforms and transcends. Directed by David Charles Rodrigues. Produced by David Charles Rodrigues, Bud Johnston.