Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18TH TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL®, PRESENTED BY AT&T, GOES BEHIND THE MUSIC & BACK TO REALITY: 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THIS IS SPINAL TAP;
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF REALITY BITES
NEW YORK, NY– November 19, 2018 – The band’s getting back together again at the 18th Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T. This Is Spinal Tap will return to the big screen for the iconic mockumentary’s 35th anniversary at the 2019 Festival. Generation X will also have a comeback for the 25th anniversary of Reality Bites. The storytellers behind the cult classics will be on hand for cast and creator reunions. The 2019 Tribeca Film Festival runs April 24 - May 5.
This Is Spinal Tap stars and creators Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner, who also directed, will turn it up to eleven again with a one-night-only anniversary celebration 35 years in the making. Released in 1984, the mockumentary follows the fictional heavy metal rock band Spinal Tap on tour. After the screening, the four will pay tribute to the band with a special musical performance and a conversation to follow.
Tribeca will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Reality Bites, a film that captured the zeitgeist of the 90s. Starring Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, Steve Zahn, and Ben Stiller, who also directed, the film was released in 1994. A conversation will follow the screening to take a look back at the making of the film and the characters who have come to embody the spirit of Generation X.
Rob Reiner and Ben Stiller brought these two cult classics to life both in front of the camera and from behind - This Is Spinal Tap and Reality Bites were their directorial debuts.
“Spinal Tap proves there is definitely a fine line between stupid and clever,” said director, co-writer, and star Rob Reiner.
“Reality Bites was a formative experience in my life. To have a 25 year anniversary screening is very exciting. Looking forward to seeing the whole cast, and possibly changing the ending so Michael gets Lelaina,” said director and star Ben Stiller.
“From the heavy metal bands of the ‘80s to Generation X in the early ‘90s, This Is Spinal Tap and Reality Bites didn’t just capture the spirit of their respective times - they helped define them,” said Paula Weinstein, EVP of Tribeca Enterprises. “We're excited to bring these two films back to the big screen for existing fans and also to introduce them to new audiences.”
Tribeca has hosted reunions and anniversary events for some of the most iconic films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, Goodfellas, Scarface, Schindler’s List, Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy, and more.
On sale now is The Hudson Pass, an all-access pass to screenings and Tribeca Talks, VR and Immersive projects, and all events at the Festival Hub at Spring Studios including access to Festival lounges:www.tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets
Some of Tribeca’s favorite quotes from the films:
This Is Spinal Tap
- These go to 11. – Nigel Tufnel
- There's something about this that's so black, it's like, how much more black could this be? – Nigel Tufnel
- It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever. – David St. Hubbins
- Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. – David St. Hubbins
- Authorities said … best leave it … unsolved really. – Nigel Tufnel
- Oh, we've got a bigger dressing room than the puppets. That's refreshing. – David St. Hubbins
- Have ... a good time ... all the time. – Viv Savage
- This pretentious ponderous collection of religious rock psalms is enough to prompt the question, 'What day did the Lord create Spinal Tap, and couldn't he have rested on that day too?’
- What would you do if you couldn't play music anymore? – Marty DiBergi
Well, as long as there's, y'know, sex and drugs, I could do without the rock & roll. – Mick Shrimpton
Reality Bites
- He's so cheesy, I can't watch him without crackers. – Lelaina Pierce
- Hey! I'm a non-practicing virgin. – Lelaina Pierce
- You look like a doily. – Troy Dyer
- Honey, the only thing you have to be at age 23 is yourself. – Troy Dyer
- You see, Lainie, this is all we need. . .couple of smokes, a cup of coffee. . .and a little bit of conversation. You and me and five bucks. – Troy Dyer
- Évian is "naïve" spelled backward. – Vickie Miner
- and ….gas station dancing to My Sharona: https://gph.is/19DBR9j
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EDITOR NOTE: Film art and images for the 2019 Festival: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gwv8tzr8n291bcl/AABlGwX7yhwg3Hsj5yWsLU5oa?dl=0
About This Is Spinal Tap:
Spinal Tap is the loudest band in England and they’re making a comeback with a North American tour promoting their new album “Smell the Glove.” Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) sets out to make a documentary of the legendary rock band’s exploits on the road, featuring front men Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), bearing witness to the highs and lows of what makes a musician into a rock star. [Released March 2, 1984]
About Reality Bites:
Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, and Ben Stiller (directing his first feature film) star in this wildly funny and romantic comedy that looks at life, love, and the pursuit of gainful employment through the eyes of a generation sandwiched somewhere between The Brady Bunch and Melrose Place.
As college valedictorian, Lelaina Pierce (Ryder) should be destined for greatness. In reality, she’s a lowly production assistant for an obnoxious TV morning show host (John Mahoney). In her free time, Lelaina’s making a biting, often outrageous video documentary about her peers: promiscuous, ‘70s-crazed roommate Vickie (Janeane Garofalo), sexually repressed pal Sammy (Steve Zahn), and best friend Troy (Hawke), a brilliant but unmotivated rebel.
Meanwhile, Lelaina meets Michael (Stiller), an ambitious video executive who wants to showcase her documentary on In Your Face TV. Suddenly, she finds herself at the center of a very odd love triangle with dependable, fast-track Michael on the one side and a sexy, brooding Troy on the other.
Whether cruising to “Tempted” by Squeeze or rocking to the The Knack’s “My Sharona,” Ryder and friends shine in this irreverent comedy. [Released February 18, 1994]
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Submissions for the 2019 Festival close on November 28 for feature and short films, Tribeca TV, Tribeca N.O.W., and Tribeca Immersive. Submissions are open for the Tribeca X Award for branded entertainment with an early deadline of November 28 and a late deadline of January 30, 2019.
Connect with Tribeca:
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Hashtag: #Tribeca2019
About the Tribeca Film Festival:
The Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T, brings visionaries and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. The Festival champions emerging and established voices; discovers award-winning filmmakers and creators; curates innovative experiences; and introduces new technology and ideas through premieres, exhibitions, talks, and live performances.
The Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. Now in its 18th year, the Festival has evolved into a destination for creativity that reimagines the cinematic experience and explores how art can unite communities. The 18th annual edition will take place April 24 - May 5, 2019. www.tribecafilm.com/festival
About Presenting Sponsor, AT&T:
As Presenting Sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival, AT&T is committed to supporting the Festival and the art of filmmaking through access and innovation, while expanding opportunities to diverse creators around the globe. AT&T helps millions connect to their passions – no matter where they are. This year, AT&T and Tribeca will once again collaborate to give the world access to stories from underrepresented filmmakers that deserve to be seen. “AT&T Presents Untold Stories” is an inclusive film program in collaboration with Tribeca - a multi-year, multi-tier alliance between AT&T and Tribeca along with the year-round nonprofit Tribeca Film Institute.
Press Contacts:
Tammie Rosen / 212.941.2003 / trosen@tribecaenterprises.com
Alyssa Grinder / 212.941.2015 / agrinder@tribecaenterprises.com
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