TFI-Supported ‘Naz & Maalik’ At SXSW
What you need to know: Jay Dockendorf’s film, Naz & Maalik, is part of this year’s South by Southwest lineup.  The film tells the story of two closeted Muslim’ teenagers, whose secrecy about their sexuality is mistaken as violent radicalism. 
Tribeca says: Dockendorf made this film after winning TFI’s IWC Filmmaker Award in 2014. 

The Unknown Notebooks of Basquiat 
What you need to know: The late Jean-Michel Basquait’s previously unseen notebooks are going on display at the Brooklyn Museum next month.  A graffitist, poet, painter, and actor, Basquait came to prominence in the 1980s, making his mark (literally and figuratively) around New York and the world. 
Tribeca says:  These notebooks offer a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who was far ahead of his time.
Photo: Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1987, in his New York studio Credit Tseng Kwong Chi © Muna Tseng Dance Projects, Inc., New York

First and Final Frames by Jacob T. Swinney
What you need to know: Filmmaker Jacob T. Swinney has taken the first and last shots of  55 films and plays them side-by-side.  In some films, the first and final shots are very similar (Gone Girl), and other show a stark contrast (Black Swan).
Tribeca says: All of these are great, but some of our favorites in the film include Birdman, Children of Men, 12 Years a Slave, The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, Cape Fear, and Whiplash.

The Remarkable Rise of Empire, in 7 Charts
What you need to know: Fox’s Empire has been a ratings and cultural juggernaut in its first season, which wrapped up last night.  These charts show just how much of a phenomenon the show has been.
Tribeca says: Empire is the fastest growing freshman series on network television since Dancing with the Stars in 2004, and the highest rated new series since Lost’s debut 11 years ago.
Photo: Maya Robinson and Photos by Chuck Hodes/FOX