FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2015 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL® ANNOUNCES LINEUP OF TRIBECA TALKS® SERIES FEATURING CONVERSATIONS WITH TOP FILMMAKERS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS

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ACCLAIMED TRIBECA TALKS: DIRECTORS SERIES PANELS INCLUDE ONE-0N-ONE CONVERSATIONS WITH CHRISTOPHER NOLAN & BENNETT MILLER, GEORGE LUCAS & STEPHEN COLBERT, CARY FUKUNAGA & JAMES SCHAMUS, AND BRAD BIRD & JANEANE GAROFALO; ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS INCLUDE HARVEY WEINSTEIN, GUS VAN SANT, AMY SCHUMER, COURTNEY LOVE, CATHERINE MARTIN, CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, AND MORE

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New Films Announced to the Program with Accompanying Conversations

NEW YORK, NY (March 16, 2015) —The 2015 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, today announced its lineup for the 2015 Tribeca Talks® series. TFF will feature conversations with some of the industry’s most critically and commercially successful filmmakers, artists, and executives including Christopher Nolan with Bennett Miller, George Lucas with Stephen Colbert, Cary Fukunaga with James Schamus, Brad Bird with Janeane Garofalo, Harvey Weinstein, Gus Van Sant, Courtney Love, Catherine Martin, Christiane Amanpour, and more. The Tribeca Talks panels and events will run during the 14th edition of TFF, taking place April 15–26.

TFF also announced four additional feature documentary films that will screen during the Festival as part of the Tribeca Talks: After the Movie series: the world premieres of CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap and The Diplomat, and the New York premieres of Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck and Misery Loves Comedy. Two advance premieres of new episodes from the anticipated Comedy Central series “Inside Amy Schumer” and Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” one short film, Les Bosquets, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s retrospective screening of Good Will Hunting round out the Tribeca Talks: After the Movie series. Tribeca Talks: After the Movie events give audiences the opportunity to watch a film and then listen to a related conversation with filmmakers and industry experts.

This year’s Tribeca Talks series offers unique opportunities to hear from some of the top storytellers in the world about filmmaking, film distribution, and media consumption. Programs include the “Tribeca Talks: Directors Series, sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures” where an acclaimed director participates in an intimate one-on-one conversation; “Tribeca Talks: Master Class” conversations focusing on a specific sector of the filmmaking process; “Tribeca Talks: Script & Screen, hosted by Barnes & Noble” which explores topics related to screenwriting, as well as the previously announced special “Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival Conversations” which presents conversations relating to sports and competition in film, and previously announced “Tribeca Talks Imagination powered by the Hatchery” events featuring discussions with tech thought leaders.

“Each year, the conversations we offer are among the Tribeca’s most anticipated and sought-after events and we’re proud of the participants we’re going to hear from this year,” said Executive Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises Paula Weinstein. “These panels offer unique insights into the filmmaking process and give audiences an opportunity to learn from industry leaders across a wide range of subjects and contribute to the conversation.”

Listed by category, the 2015 Tribeca Talks events are:

“Tribeca Talks: Directors Series, sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures” will include intimate conversations with:

“Tribeca Talks: After the Movie” will include:

“Tribeca Talks: Master Class” are free events and will feature:

“Tribeca Talks: Script and Screen, hosted by Barnes & Noble” are free events and will include:

Tribeca Talks Conversations

Previously announced Special Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival Conversations

The full schedule for the 2015 Tribeca Talks series follows:

“Tribeca Talks: Directors Series, sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures”

George Lucas with Stephen Colbert
George Lucas discusses his career as a trailblazing innovator, as a screenwriter, director, and producer of films including the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.
DATE: Friday, April 17
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: BMCC

 

Christopher Nolan with Bennett Miller
As one of the most critically and commercially successful filmmakers of our time, Christopher Nolan will discuss his ability to push boundaries and create entire worlds and realities from his imagination.
DATE: Monday, April 20
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: BMCC

Cary Fukunaga with James Schamus
Cary Fukunaga, the acclaimed director of Indie darling films such as Sin Nombre and Jane Eyre as well as recent TV hit “True Detective,” will discuss the success of his award-winning works for both the big screen and television.
DATE: Thursday, April 23
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Brad Bird with Janeane Garofalo
Brad Bird has carved out a unique career in both animation and live action filmmaking. He will speak with Janeane Garofalo about what it’s like to transition between these two forms of storytelling, with hits like Ratatouille, Iron Giant, Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, and the upcoming Tomorrowland.
DATE: Friday, April 24
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

“Tribeca Talks: After the Movie”

Very Semi-Serious
Directed by Leah Wolchok. (USA) – World Premiere. The New Yorker is the benchmark for the single-panel cartoon. This light-hearted and sometimes poignant look at the art and humor of the iconic drawings shows why they have inspired and even baffled us for decades. Very Semi-Serious is a window into the minds of cartooning legends and hopefuls, including editor Bob Mankoff, shedding light onto their how their humor evolves.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with director Leah Wolchok and cartoon editor of the New Yorker Bob Mankoff.
DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: BMCC

Inside Amy Schumer
The Emmy nominated sketch series “Inside Amy Schumer” returns for the third season Tuesday, April 21, 2015. Featuring scripted vignettes, stand-up comedy, and man-on-the-street interviews, Schumer explores topics revolving around rex, relationships, and the general clusterf*ck that is life. A Comedy Central Show.
After the Screening: Stay for a conversation with executive producer, writer, and series star Amy Schumer, executive producer and writer Dan Powell, executive producer and head writer Jessi Klein, producer Kevin Kane, associate producer and writer Kim Caramele, , director Ryan McFaul, and director of photography Jonathan Furmanski.
DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Spring Studios

CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap
Directed by Robin Hauser Reynolds. (USA) – World Premiere. CODE documentary exposes the dearth of American female and minority software engineers and explores the reasons for this gender gap. CODE raises the question: what would society gain from having more women and minorities code?
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with director Robin Hauser Reynolds, Qualcomm chief learning officer Tamar Elkeles, GoDaddy chief people officer Auguste Goldman, and Etsy engineering director for infrastructure Jason Wong.
DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Spring Studios

Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck
Directed by Brett Morgen. (USA) – New York Premiere. Kurt Cobain, legendary lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter of Nirvana, remains an icon 20 years after his death. This first-ever fully authorized documentary feature, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck is a raw and visceral journey through Cobain’s personal archive of art, music (both his most famous and some that’s never been heard), written word, and never-before-seen home movies with animation and revelatory interviews from his family and closest confidantes. An HBO Documentary Film in association with Universal Pictures presentation.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with director Brett Morgen and film subject Courtney Love. Moderated by Rolling Stone contributing editor Neil Strauss.
DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Spring Studios

Misery Loves Comedy
Directed by Kevin Pollak. (USA) – New York Premiere. Kevin Pollak directs this insightful documentary that examines the quasi-obsessive need for a comic to connect with an audience. Conducting interviews with some of the biggest names in comedy including Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan, Judd Apatow, Larry David, and more, Pollak delves into the psyche to find out what led them to life in stand-up, and ruminates on whether you must be miserable to be a comedian. A Tribeca Film release.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with director Kevin Pollak and cast members.
DATE: Wednesday, April 22
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Good Will Hunting
Acclaimed director Gus Van Sant brings Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Academy Award® winning screenplay to life with the story of Will Hunting. Hunting is a 20-year-old math genius working as a janitor at MIT who is struggling with his past. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will’s last chance is a psychology professor (Robin Willians, who won an Academy Award® for the role) who seems to be the only person who can reach him. Finally forced to deal with his past, Will discovers that the only one holding him back is himself.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with director Gus Van Sant and guests who will explore the making of the film, memories of the late Robin Williams, and science and the modern importance of its themes. Sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
DATE: Wednesday, April 22
TIME: 3:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1

The Diplomat
Directed by David Holbrooke. (USA) – World Premiere. With the insightful The Diplomat, David Holbrooke attempts the seemingly insurmountable: capturing the legacy of his larger-than-life father, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, revealing an inside view of US foreign policy from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Interviewing an impressive array of world leaders, David grapples with Holbrooke’s public versus private personas, creating a sensitive portrait of fatherhood, ambition, and the force required to affect change throughout the world. An HBO Documentary Film.
After the movie: Stay for a conversation with director David Holbrooke, producer Stacey Reiss, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, and New York Times columnist Roger Cohen.
DATE: Thursday, April 23
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1

Chef’s Table
Creator by David Gelb. (USA) – World Premiere. TFF alumnus and director of the foodie doc Jiro Dreams of Sushi, David Gelb returns with his new documentary series “Chef’s Table,” which profiles chefs from around the world and offers a glimpse into their process. Join us for the series’ episode on Dan Barber, chef and co-owner of New York’s Blue Hill restaurant. A Netflix release.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with creator David Gelb, director Clay Jeter and Blue Hill chef Dan Barber.
DATE: Saturday, April 25
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Les Bosquets
Based on the performance of the ballet Les Bosquets of NYCB inspired by the riots in France in 2005, Les Bosquets reveals JR’s experience in the ghetto of Montfermeil where he created Portrait of a Generation. He uses various means of expressions and narration, including video archives, choreography, and testimony.
After the Movie: Stay for a conversation with artist JR, dancer Lil Buck, and guests.
DATE: Sunday, April 26
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1

Additional Tribeca Talks include:

Harvey Weinstein in Conversation
Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has created and shaped some of the most successful careers in Hollywood. From Tarantino to Sorvino, he is the man behind some of the greatest directors and faces on screen. Hear him discuss how he has crafted film and remained at the top of his game.
DATE: Saturday, April 18
TIME: 12:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

David Rockwell: How Does a Space Tell a Story?
Every nuance in a space tells a story and nobody knows this more than acclaimed architect & designer David Rockwell, whose career has seen him responsible for renowned spaces such as Nobu, NeueHouse and Edition Hotels in addition to his success as a Tony-Award nominated set designer. Rockwell will discuss how the design of a space can affect our experiences, mood and even the work we produce.
DATE: Monday, April 20
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Spring Studios

Immerse Yourself
From binge watching to Virtual Reality, today’s entertainment has become immersive physically as well as psychologically.  As the way we experience stories is evolving to where we no longer separate ourselves from the action and constantly seek out added content for what we are consuming, how does this affect the way storytellers are producing their work for us?
Panelists include The Art of Immersion author Frank Rose, The Storytelling Animal author Jonathan Gottschall, and futurist and Shots of Awe creator Jason Silva. Moderated by journalist Jon Erlichman.
DATE: Monday, April 20
TIME: 4:00PM
LOCATION: Spring Studios

Secrecy & Power
If knowledge is power, then secrets are weapons. Secrets have always fueled great stories, but what happens when our secrets are breached in real life? From love affairs to national security, the information we hide defines our lives, but how can we keep them locked up in the age of the internet, clouds, and hackers?
Panelists include former spy Valerie Plame, Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Bart Gellman, and We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks director Alex Gibney. Moderated by NBC News’ Cynthia McFadden.
DATE: Tuesday, April 21
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1

Long Story Short
Short form content creators are taking us out of the cinema and to computers and tablets as they utilize digital platforms to engage with their audiences beyond their story and release work on their own terms. But how do you know what the right route for a short film or web series is and how do you seek out an audience in the online vortex of possibilities?
Panelists include Eternal Princess DirectorKatie Holmes, ESPN Films Director of Development Dan Silver, and High Maintenance creators Ben Sinclair & Katja Blichfeld, and “Billy on the Street” creator and star Billy Eichner. Moderated by ‘Screenwriting in 6 Seconds or Less’ Brian Koppelman.
DATE: Wednesday, April 22
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Snap It, Vine It, Tube It
Storytelling on social media platforms has transformed what we consider to be content. Through Youtube, Snapchat and Vine content creators are breaking the mold of traditional storytelling and invigorating audiences as they turn themselves into a personal business.
Panelists include Snapchat stars Jerome Jarre and Chris Carm, Youtube sensation Alphacat and The Gregory Brothers. Moderated by Maker Studios founder Lisa Donovan.
DATE: Thursday, April 23
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

“Tribeca Talks: Master Class” (Free event)

Adorama Rental Co. (ARC): The Producers
Independent producers are responsible for some of the greatest breakout hits in cinema history, have fought passionately for their art, and faced every logistical and financial challenge along the way. Cinematic mavericks divulge tales from the trenches and lessons they have learned along the way.
Panelists include Foxcatcher producer Anthony Bregman, Beasts of the Southern Wild producer Matthew Parker and Blue Valentine producer Alex Orlovsky. Moderated by The Hollywood Reporter’s Tatiana Seigel.
DATE: Thursday, April 16
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Get the Look
The look of a film can propel the story and understanding of a film in both subtle and bold ways. Academy Award-winning production & costume designer of films such as The Great Gatsby, Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge, Catherine Martin discusses her methods for creating some of the most instantly recognizable visuals on screen as well as how she has propelled this into businesses beyond the screen.  With Vogue’s International Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles.
DATE: Friday, April 17
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

CNN Films: Capture Reality
Nonfiction filmmaking has truly revolutionized itself in recent years through its visual language as it brings audiences stories which often seem too bizarre to be true. Leading documentary filmmakers expose how they choose their subjects and capture real life in new and innovative ways to shape the final story.
Panelists include Bobby Fischer Against the World director Liz Garbus, Big Men Director Rachel Boynton, and God Loves Uganda director Roger Ross Williams. Moderated by film critic Eric Hynes.
DATE: Monday, April 20
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Dolby Institute: The Sound of the Coens
From Fargo to The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men, the sounds of Coen brother films are exhilarating, incorporating an array of music composition and inflections of sound to add to the all-encompassing world of their movies.
Panelists include Composer Carter Burwell and Academy-Award Winning Sound Mixer Skip Lievsay, who will discuss the creative process behind their films as well as the collaborative relationship with Ethan & Joel which has endured and prospered across so many films. Moderated by Director of The Dolby Institute Glenn Kiser.
DATE: Tuesday, April 21
TIME: 2:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

“Tribeca Talks: Script & Screen” (Free)
Hosted by Barnes & Noble

Act Your Age
From the malleable period in life called youth to grappling with growing older, age is never-ending subject matter to explore within the plot of a film and one that we have been drawn to exploring and viewing for as long as cinema has been in our lives.  But what is it about these transformative years that is so transfixing?
Panelists include King Jack director Felix Thompson and Gored director Ido Mizrahy. Moderated by Variety’s Gordon Cox.
DATE: Friday, April 17
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, Union Square (33 East 17th Street)

The Beauty of Angst
Filmmakers have long delighted in exploring human angst on screen, and as an audience, we relish and revel in these stories.  But what is the fine line of darkness that you can push boundaries towards before audiences turn away, and why are we so drawn to the anguish of others as an escape from reality?
Panelists include Meadowland director Reed Morano, Thank You for Playing co-directors David Osit and Malika Zouhali-Worrall, and Necktie Youth director Sibs Shongwe-La Mer. Moderated by Indiewire’s Eric Kohn.
DATE: Saturday, April 18
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, Union Square (33 East 17th Street)

This is the Real Life
Real life offers enough drama for the big screen, and writers and directors forever have been drawn to it.  Through documentary and narrative form there are constant choices to be made in deciding which version of events to explore, and how to recreate moments from the immediate or far past for a present audience.
Panelists include The Adderall Diaries director Pamela Romanowsky, As I Am: The Life and Times of DJ AM director Kevin Kerslake, Men Go to Battle director Zachary Treitz  and The Wannabe director Nick Sandow.  Moderated by The Verge’s Ross Miller.
DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, Union Square (33 East 17th Street)

Special “Tribeca Talks” Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival Conversations

The Greatest Catch Ever
During Super Bowl XLII , the Giants met with the New England Patriots who were undefeated going into the NFL finale. With two minutes left in the game, just when it looked like Giants Quarterback Eli Manning would go down, he spotted David Tyree, a veteran special teams player, down the field and went deep, setting up one of the most renowned plays in football history.
After the screening Spike Lee and David Tyree will discuss the play in question and sports fandom.
DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 4:00PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1

Shock the World
Pro-wrestler turned politician Jesse Ventura garnered a crowd in the ring, and took this to the streets when he ran for Minnesota Governor in an unprecedented race with unpredictable results that even the polls couldn’t have predicted. 
After the screening ESPN’s FiveThirtyEight editor in chief and statistician Nate Silver will discuss what can be learned from the numbers of political history with regard to the 2016 election.
DATE: Monday, April 20
TIME: 7:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Versus: Go, Sebastien, Go!
Eva Longoria has teamed up with ESPN on a series of short films which explore moments in sports history which shine a light on personal perseverance, true grit and aspiration, as well as achievement outside of any sports arena.
After the Movie:  Versus series executive producer Eva Longoria and Versus director Retta (“Parks and Recreation”) will discuss sports and activism.
DATE: Saturday, April 25
TIME: 6:30PM
LOCATION: SVA Theater 1

Panelists and moderators are subject to change.
For the most updated schedule, visit www.tribecafilm.com

Connect with Tribeca: To keep up with Tribeca, visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival. Like the Tribeca Film Festival Facebook page at facebook.com/TribecaFilm. Follow us on Twitter @TribecaFilmFest and on Instagram @tribeca and join the conversation by using the hashtag #TribecaTogether or #TFF2015.

About the Tribeca Film Festival
The Tribeca Film Festival helps filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enabling the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center. It is well known for being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors.

Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001, following the attacks on the World Trade Center, to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of the lower Manhattan district through an annual celebration of film, music, and culture, the Festival brings the industry and community together around storytelling.

The Tribeca Film Festival has screened more than 1,600 films from more than 80 countries since its first edition in 2002. Since inception, it has attracted an international audience of more than 4.9 million attendees, and has generated an estimated $900 million in economic activity for New York City.

About the 2015 Festival Sponsors
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, aiming to make this the most interactive film festival in the country, where visitors experience the Festival in ways they never imagined.

The Tribeca Film Festival is pleased to announce its Signature Sponsors: Accenture, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, American Express, Bloomberg, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), Brookfield Place, ESPN, IWC Schaffhausen, The Lincoln Motor Company, NBC 4 New York, NCM Media Networks, The New York Times, Santander, United Airlines, and VDKA® 6100. The Festival welcomes new Signature Sponsor Spring Studios.

Passes and tickets for the 2015 Festival
The new Spring Pass is on sale now at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets. This pass will provide access to Spring Studios, throughout the Festival, including innovation talks, exhibitions, as well as a resource center, and creative workspace, with food, and drinks. It also includes access to select special events at Spring Studios. The Pass will give discounts to all general screenings and panels during the Festival. The Spring Pass costs $400, discounted to $300 if purchased before April 15.  Pass holders can invite one guest to accompany them to Spring Studios each day of the Festival. An Individual Day Pass for Spring Studios costs $50, discounted to $40 if purchased before April 15.

Advance selection ticket packages are on sale now. All advance selection packages and passes can be purchased online at tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets, or by telephone at (646) 502-5296 or toll free at (866) 941-FEST (3378).

Single tickets cost $18.00 for evening, and weekend screenings, and $10.00 for weekday matinee screenings.

Single ticket sales begin Tuesday, March 31 for American Express Card Members, Sunday, April 5 for downtown residents, and Monday, April 6 for the general public. Single tickets can be purchased online, by telephone, or at one of the Ticket Outlets, with locations at Regal Cinemas Battery Park (102 North End Avenue), Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea (260 W. 23rd Street), and the Tribeca Film Festival creative hub at Spring Studios (50 Varick Street). The 2015 Festival will offer ticket discounts on general screenings and Tribeca Talks: After the Movie and Directors Series panels for students, seniors and select downtown Manhattan residents. Discounted tickets are available at Ticket Outlet locations only.

PRESS CONTACTS
Rubenstein Communications:
Brady Littlefield
(212) 843-9220, blittlefield@rubenstein.com

TFF/Tribeca Enterprises:
Tammie Rosen, SVP of Communications
(212) 941-2003, trosen@tribecaenterprises.com

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