By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
TRIBECA — Since the Tribeca Film Festival launched a decade ago with the goal of revitalizing downtown in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the event has screened thousands of films from around the world, promoting cinematic diversity and cross-cultural dialogue.
This year marks the festival's 10th anniversary, and the screenings start Wednesday night.
From April 20 through May 1, dozens of films from first-time filmmakers and veterans alike will premiere downtown, in the East Village and Chelsea.
Here are a few of DNAinfo's top festival picks:
Best Freebie — TFF describes its Wednesday night launch as a thank-you letter to New York, in the form of a free world premiere of the Cameron Crowe documentary "The Union." The filmmaker behind "Almost Famous" tracks pop icon Elton John through the making of his 2010 album (also called "The Union"), a collaboration with one of John's own idols, famed keyboardist Leon Russell.
While the rain-or-shine outdoor screening doesn't begin until 8:15 p.m. at the World Financial Plaza, you'll want to reserve your space early. Distribution of TFF wristbands — required for admittance — begins at 4 p.m. at the West Side Highway entrance to the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center.
If you can't skip out on work Wednesday afternoon but still want to catch the Elton John doc, tickets are on sale for screenings on Thurs., April 21 at 2:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., and Sat., April 23, at 8:30 p.m. (all at AMC Loews Village).
The Sure Thing — Heartbreaking documentary "Love Hate Love," from executive producer Sean Penn, offers a fitting tribute to lives lost on September 11, 2001, in the lead-up to the tragedy's 10th anniversary. Directors Dana Nachman and Don Hardy follow families impacted by terrorism in New York, London and Bali, as they channel their sadness into charity.
If you can handle a whole lot of tears, purchase a ticket to the screening on Tues., April 26, at 5:30 p.m. at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center.
The Wild Card — The last time Irish troubadour Glen Hansard and Czech songstress Marketa Irglova collaborated on screen, it turned into romance Oscar gold (best original song for "Falling Slowly," from 2007's "Once"). Black and white film "The Swell Season," follows their follow-up tour and slow road to break-up.
Showing Fri., April 22, at 10 p.m. at AMC Loews Village, Mon., April 25, at 9:30 p.m. at the School of Visual Arts Theater, and Fri., April 29, at 3 p.m. at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea.
Also look out for: "Rabies," which holds the curious distinction of being Israel's first horror film. Thurs., April 21, at 10 p.m. at Clearview Cineams Chelsea, Wed., April 27, at 9 p.m. at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea, Thurs., April 28, at 11:59 p.m. at AMC Loews Village, and Fri., April 29, at 12:45 p.m. at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea. "Rabies" is also available online through Tribeca's streaming room.
Best World Cinema — Iceland's particular brand of humor is showcased in "Gnarr," the story of a comedian's journey from joke candidacy to mayor of Reykjavik. Campaign promises from "Best Party" leader Jon Gnarr included bringing Disneyland to Iceland (with free admission), and refusing to work with government peers who haven't watched all five seasons of HBO's "The Wire."
Yes, this man was actually elected to office in 2010. To find out how, check out screenings on Fri., April 22 (8:30 p.m. at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea), Sun., April 24 (9:30 p.m. at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea) or Mon., April 25 (4 p.m. at AMC Loews Village).
Also look out for "Koran By Heart," which follows the well-trodden model of "Spellbound" and "Mad Hot Ballroom" — but this documentary features an international children's Koran recitation competition in Cairo. Sun., April 24, at 3 p.m., Tues., April 26 at 6:30 p.m., Wed., April 27 at 4 p.m. and Sat., April 30 at 12:15 p.m. (all showings at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea).
Best Family Fare — A pair of kid-friendly flicks are screening — free of charge — during the Family Festival Street Fair on Saturday, April 30. Film lovers young and old can watch a child's Sept. 11 retrospective in "The Second Day" (the directorial debut of 14-year-old filmmaker Brook Peters) at 2:30 p.m. at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center.
Or, for less heady fare, watch "NIKO," an animation journey to the Philippines, at 4 p.m. at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Lines for both films form 30 minutes prior to the screenings.
Tickets to all films can be purchased online, by telephone at 866 941-FEST, or in person at the following ticket offices: Tribeca Cinemas at 54 Varick Street, Chelsea Clearview Cinemas at 260 West 23rd Street, and AMC Village VII at 66 3rd Avenue.
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