Written by Kianna Best on May 30, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Looking forward to the Tribeca Film Festival 2025

From intimate indie debuts to star-powered premieres, the 2025 Tribeca Festival (4–15 June) is a dynamic showcase of storytelling innovation. This year’s lineup spans film, music, immersive experiences, and more—highlighting bold voices and fresh narratives. With behind-the-scenes insights into standout productions and a look at Tribeca’s evolving industry impact, we explore why this NYC festival remains a global creative beacon.

Billy Joel: And So It Goes dir Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin

The Tribeca Festival returns to New York City from 4–15 June, 2025, reaffirming its role as a launchpad for boundary-pushing storytelling across film, music, immersive media, and beyond. Founded in 2002 to revitalise Lower Manhattan after 9/11, Tribeca has evolved into a global platform for creators and audiences seeking bold, diverse narratives. 

This year’s lineup is a vibrant mix of established talent and emerging voices. Opening the festival is Billy Joel: And So It Goes, an HBO documentary offering an intimate look at the iconic musician’s life and career. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the film features rare footage and personal interviews, setting a nostalgic tone for the festival's commencement.

Inquisitor dir. Angela Lynn Tucker

In the realm of music-driven cinema, Turnstile's Never Enough stands out—a 50-minute visual album directed by band members Brendan Yates and Pat McCrory. This film accompanies their upcoming LP and includes collaborations with artists like Hayley Williams and Devonté Hynes, blending concert footage with narrative elements.

Narrative features also shine, with Honeyjoon marking Lilian T. Mehrel’s directorial debut. This mother-daughter dramedy, set in the Azores, explores grief and reconnection with humor and heart. The project gained momentum after winning the $1 million AT&T Untold Stories grant at Tribeca 2024, highlighting the festival's commitment to nurturing new talent.

She Dances, directed by Rick Gomez, offers a heartfelt tale of a father-daughter bond rekindled during a dance competition. Featuring performances by Steve Zahn and Ethan Hawke, the film delves into themes of family and personal growth.

Something Beautiful dir. Jacob Bixenman, Brendan Walter, and Miley Cyrus

Eric Lin's Rosemead, starring Lucy Liu, presents a gripping drama about a mother's desperate measures to help her troubled teenage son. The film's inclusion in Tribeca's inaugural Storytelling Summit underscores its narrative strength and the festival's focus on compelling storytelling.

Adding a touch of surreal comedy, A Tree Fell in the Woods features Alexandra Daddario and Daveed Diggs in a story where two couples confront unexpected events during a retreat. Directed by Nora Kirkpatrick, the film promises a blend of humor and introspection.

Tribeca's commitment to fostering new voices is evident through initiatives like the Creators Market and the Works in Progress showcase. These platforms provide emerging storytellers with opportunities to pitch projects and receive industry feedback, emphasising diversity and innovation in storytelling.

She Dances dir. Rick Gomez

The festival's support extends beyond screenings, offering mentorship and development programs that help bring unique narratives to fruition. This nurturing environment has been instrumental in launching careers and bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront of the entertainment industry.

Tribeca's influence reaches beyond the screen, serving as a cultural hub that celebrates storytelling in all its forms. By integrating film, music, immersive experiences, and industry discussions, the festival creates a dynamic space for creators and audiences to engage with diverse narratives.

Images courtesy of Tribeca Film Festival