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Considering we are virtually participating in the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, we felt it was only right to highlight a few films worth putting on your watch list. So many invigorating films have been observed, absorbed, and discussed. Festivals always host a significant number of films, which is both overwhelming and exciting. Therefore, we like to compile a list of a few films that particularly stood out to us. Today’s selection includes a variety of national and international films as well as documentaries and narratives. The list is seemingly endless; however, what it does know is that these are truly remarkable films, in addition to a range of other genuinely outstanding films. We have chosen these as our favorites, but if you have attended Tribeca or are in attendance, feel free to suggest your favorites as well.
Tribeca Festival: Juneteenth Feature — BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY OF RICK JAMES (Sacha Jenkins)
*On June 20th, 2021, we wish you a happy Juneteenth! Presented as part of the Tribeca Juneteenth Programming for 2021.*
- DIRECTOR: Sacha Jenkins
- PRODUCER: Steve Rivo
- SCREENWRITER: Sacha Jenkins, Steve Rivo, Jason Pollard
- CINEMATOGRAPHER: Hans Charles, Bryan Donnell, Antonio Rossi
- COMPOSER: Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge
- EDITOR: Jason Pollard
- EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Peter Bittenbender, Sacha Jenkins, Vinnie Malhotra, Douglas Banker, Ty James
- US DISTRIBUTOR: SHOWTIME Networks Inc
It was the combination of sexuality, race, and the tumultuous stew of American culture which resulted in the transformation of the songwriter born James Ambrose Johnson into the larger-than-life performer known as Rick James. Having grown up listening to Rick James’ music, Bitchin‘ stands out as more than just a story about Rick James. Through his long career in music, James has established himself as one of the world’s most prominent funk and R&B artists. A complicated and rebellious individual, Rick James longed to bring his music to the world. A talented songwriter and musician, James has written hits such as “Mary Jane,” “Superfreak,” and “Fire and Desire” featuring Teena Marie.
In this portrait, Sacha Jenkins traces the mind behind the braids, charting his subsequent rise to fame and eventual decline. This soundtrack showcases not only Rick James’s revolutionary status but also his unique personality and style. With an array of rare archival performances, animation, interviews with family and collaborators, and voice-over recordings of James himself, this crowd-pleasing documentary illustrates James’ undeniable influence on American culture and music. Rick James’ authenticity is not only displayed but also lauded. James was one of the most talented musicians in the world, making hits with a variety of artists and even becoming a star in Dave Chappelle’s hit show The Chappelle Show. He was a creative genius, and his music will live forever in our hearts, minds, and souls. A mastermind of a musician, Rick James is a pioneer in his field.
Tribeca Festival: “2020 Official Selection: Features” — KUBRICK BY KUBRICK (Grégory Monro)
- DIRECTOR: Grégory Monro
- PRODUCER: Jérémy Zelnik, Martin Laurent
- SCREENWRITER: Grégory Monro
- CINEMATOGRAPHER: Radoslaw Ladczuk
- EDITOR: Philippe Baillon
- COMPOSER: Vincent Theard
- CO–PRODUCER: Maciej Kubicki, Anna Kepinska
- ART DIRECTOR: Maciej Kubicki, Anna Kepinska
- ARTISTIC ADVISOR: Michel Ciment
Among the most acclaimed filmmakers of our time, Stanley Kubrick has left a legacy of cinema that few have yet to touch. Though Kubrick has made revolutionary films, his filmography is relatively short compared to the careers of many other filmmakers. As a result, each Kubrick film took a great deal of time and effort to create, resulting in an emotionally draining experience. In order to provide context, 75 shots of one take were replicated over and over in order to achieve the best version of the scene, despite many asserting that the first ten shots were an accurate representation. During these moments, the audience no longer only sees Kubrick as a renowned filmmaker and auteur but also as a person.
The chance to hear Kubrick’s own words was a rarity until now, even though he is one of the most scrutinized filmmakers of all time. In presenting new recordings of exclusive interviews with the legendary director spanning 30 years that explore his philosophies, documentarian Gregory Monro weaves a tapestry from archival material with the rhythm and care of a consummate historian. No stranger to investigating legends of the screen, Monro’s exuberant and lyrical cinematic essay is vital. Kubrick by Kubrick takes viewers on an exploration beyond Jupiter as it celebrates the essence of what a film means to those who make it as well as those who watch it.
Tribeca Festival: “International Narrative Competition” — ROARING 20′s (Elisabeth Vogler)
- DIRECTOR: Elisabeth Vogler
- PRODUCER: Laurent Rochette
- SCREENWRITER: François Mark, Elisabeth Vogler, Noémie Schmidt, Joris Avodo
- CINEMATOGRAPHER: Elisabeth Vogler
- COMPOSER: Jean-Charles Bastion
- ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Maxime Montagne
- CO-PRODUCER: Olivier capelli
- CAST: Vladimir Seguin, Alice de Lencquesaing, Noémie Schmidt, Aurore Déon, Manuel Severi, Adil laboudi, Zoé Fauconnet, Léo Poulet, Fanny Santer, Lila Poulet-Berenfeld, Lilou Guillot, Elsa Guedj, Guillaume Pottier, Mehdi Djaadi, François Mark, Margaux Bonin, François De Brauer, François Rollin, Elie Salleron, Joris Avodo, Paul Scarfoglio, Léa Moret, Elise Tilloloy, Jean Thevenin
What a fantastic experience! A great deal can be said about Roaring 20’s, including its directing, themes, and overall concept of a long-take. Filmmakers should take note of Roaring 20’s; it was creatively and meticulously choreographed by Elisabeth Vogler with only 16 crew members and six takes and is a 24-actor tour de force. In an all-immersion experience, Roaring 20’s provides the audience with an opportunity to experience everyday people crossing paths throughout the day in the same way we cross paths with strangers we may never see again. In this contemporary presentation of French cinema, the experience is both interesting and pleasing.
There is no question that this indie gem is one of the highlights of Tribeca, but it is perhaps, more importantly, a highlight of the entire festival. There is much to be said regarding this film, but not enough contributing to its greatness. The experience gives you the impression that you are a bystander, a spectator, or a member of the community. Roaring 20’s is a form of escapism from the mundane reality of the pandemic of 2020. Masks are visible, but they are not eerie; rather, they are humble. The styling is reminiscent of Italian Neo-Realism, particularly the Bicycle Thieves and Umberto D‘s.
Tribeca Festival “US Narrative Competition” Feature — POSER (Ori Segev & Noah Dixon)
- DIRECTOR: Ori Segev, Noah Dixon
- PRODUCER: Drew Johnson, Juli Sasaki, Brett Reiter, Josh Nowak
- SCREENWRITER: Noah Dixon
- CINEMATOGRAPHER: Logan Floyd
- EDITOR: Ori Segev, Noah Dixon
- COMPOSER: Adam Robl, Shawn Sutta
- CAST: Sylvie Mix, Bobbi Kitten
Based on the premise, Poser was not our favorite film (I don’t find the indie scene to be my personal scene, but the premise was so fascinating), but it was incredibly fascinating to watch as a piece of cinema. We enjoyed the first half of the film; however, the film’s theme truly made it enjoyable — an intriguing and thrilling synopsis, especially when one considers the upcoming generation of zoomers. Generation Y is so determined to define itself that they become a version of who they aspire to become. This indie film is about a girl named Lennon on the fringes of Columbus, Ohio’s thriving music scene. She hopes to gain access to warehouse concerts, backstage access, house parties, and the cutting-edge art scene in pursuit of a personal connection.
Lennon pursues her desire to podcast live music and have conversations with musicians who inspire her, finding inspiration for her own musical endeavors as her misdirected identity grows. Then Bobbi Kitten, who is talented, mysterious, and popular in the indie music scene, enters. Lennon is taken under her wing, entangled in a dark obsession. In this first film by Dixon and Segev, an intimate look at what it means to be a music fan inside the real-life music scene combines creativity, outstanding filmmaking, and an intimate look at how many masks a person can accidentally put on while looking for someone to admire. Poser is an enigmatic, enticing film that never bores.