NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — When the first Tribeca Festival kicked off in 2001, its founders envisioned it as an event that would help revitalize lower Manhattan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
This year, as the festival marks its 20th anniversary, its organizers are focused on helping the five boroughs recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, festival co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro said in an interview with 1010 WINS’ Kyle McMorrow.
“It was important just to keep going, and just continue. Continue and keep the spirit going, the positive energy, everything,” De Niro said.
The festival, which runs from June 9 to June 20, will open with a screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s new film, “In the Heights.” And in addition to more than 60 official selections, the annual event will feature talks, immersive experiences, games and podcasts.
“If you’ve been doing something a long time, to try something new is always great,” Rosenthal said. “It’s always great to push the limit of your imagination, and how you can rebuild and renew something.”
“We’ve always pushed the limit of where stories are, and we’ve never been shy about looking at new ways to tell stories,” she added. “We’re always looking for new stories.”
Watch the full interview with De Niro and Rosenthal above.