The Tribeca Festival continues to showcase bold storytelling and fresh cinematic voices from around the globe. This year’s lineup reflects the diversity and innovation that have become hallmarks of the festival. From intimate documentaries to genre-defying narratives and thought-provoking shorts, the following seven selections stand out not only for their artistic merit but also for the powerful conversations they spark. Here’s a closer look at some of the festival’s most compelling offerings.
Cuerpo Celeste | International Narrative – 9/10
There’s no surprise that Cuerpo Celeste earned the Special Jury Mention for International Narrative Feature. Directed by Nayra Ilic García (Chile, Italy), the film made its world premiere on Friday, June 6. The poignant coming-of-age drama delves into the life of 15-year-old Celeste (Helen Mrugalski). Set against the backdrop of Chile’s transition from dictatorship to democracy in 1990, the film explores the complexities of adolescence and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Helen Mrugalski shines as Celeste and reflects the universal experience of adolescence, dealing with both teen angst and unknown feelings. The film is moving and shows how life can change in an instant. Juggling both love and loss while navigating independence and youthful curiosity, Celeste is a character that we all know well. If not you personally, then someone you knew of who had to traverse a terrain that’s usually allotted for adults. With every conflict and bit of emotion, Mrugalski shines like a diamond in her performance.
Cuerpo Celeste is a beautiful film. Things don’t always go her way, and she explores some themes better than others. Hopefully, this is available to stream sooner rather than later because it needs to be seen. Nayra Ilic Garcí gave us a beaut of a film.
Take The Money And Run | Spotlight Documentary – 7/10
A genius thief or an arrogant artist? You’ll have to decide after watching one of the most interesting documentaries on artistry. The Kunsten Museum in Denmark got more than it bargained for when artist Jens Haaning borrowed $83,000 for a commissioned piece. The museum received an empty frame in return, with a bold title, “Take The Money And Run”. The brazen act ignited a firestorm of online think pieces, commentary, and copious discussions on what counts as “art”.
The crazy thing about this doc is that it’s the first one in a long time where the principal character of the doc, the focus person, is incredibly hard to embrace. He bears an odd combination of aloofness, arrogance, and stupidity. But there’s one thing I respect, and that’s his bold approach to the commission. When you take a moment to think about the entire process from thought to execution, it’s actually a delicious double entendre — he took the money and ran, and the image is what it would look like if you were to be left with nothing and disappear. In the end, it’s a bit too spacey, and watching him set himself up for failure by ignoring wise counsel got old quick (it happened repeatedly).
The Last Dive | Documentary Competition – 9.5/10
The spectacular documentary, The Last Dive, premiered at Tribeca Festival on Sunday, June 8. The film follows Terry Kennedy, a legendary diver and former associate of Hell’s Angels who often sailed into the Sea of Cortez.
While others would party, Terry spent his time diving and, over time, built a genuine relationship with the area’s manta rays. One in particular, “Willy Wow”, built an unbelievable bond with Terry, one that lasted over 19 years. Now, in the twilight of his life, Terry goes on one last dive to find his friend and wish him a final farewell.
Their bond was truly unique. It was so strong that he even stated that seeing Willy Wow again would be his dying wish. Terry, who was in the audience and stayed for a Q&A, is a character who is easy to embrace. During his escapades at sea, you felt it in your spirit to cheer and support the former biker and bad boy.
The Hicks Happy Hour | Shorts – 9/10
Kate McCarthy is the genius director behind The Hicks Happy Hour, the 17-minute long short that follows the Hicks family beyond their variety show.
The time is 1972, and the family is taping the final episode of the season. Jill is left to fill in all the gaps of their family on and off TV after her husband goes missing. Having to bounce back and forth between real mom and TV mom, Jill is forced to make an executive decision for the sake of saving her family. She tries her best to finish out the last episode as a last-ditch effort to get a second season going. But as the show goes on, Jill must confront the truth of her life, and decide – will she prioritize the family band, or the actual family?
Phoebe Kuhlman is excellent as Jill. She’s very believable and gives a thrilling performance as a woman focusing on her kids to keep her mind off her two-timing husband. She tries her best to finish out the last episode as a last-ditch effort to get a second season going.
The short felt extremely authentic, like I was watching legit reruns from a ’70s show. Keep your eye on McCarthy and Kuhlman
Surviving Ohio State | Spotlight Documentary – 10/10
The HBO Original documentary Surviving Ohio State premiered at Tribeca Festival on Monday, June 9, with its debut on HBO set for Tuesday, June 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. After its premiere, it will be available to stream on MAX.
This eye-opening and at times, painful to watch, documentary tells the story of the male victims of Dr. Richard Strauss, a sports medicine physician and serial sex abuser employed by The Ohio State University from 1978 to 1998. The film is told via archival footage, interviews, and first-person commentary.
I’m a survivor of sexual assault, but I’m a victim of OSU.”
Legendary coaches, current senators, and UFC royalty are all a part of this incredible story. The Ohio State wrestling team was led by coach Russ Hellickson, with a youthful, unknown Jim Jordan as his assistant. The case is still ongoing.
This bombshell documentary is powerful and shows to what lengths institutions will go to in pursuit of silence and secrecy. A symptom of the toxic culture was disbelief. The thought that young, muscle-bound men could be sexually assaulted was waved off. Couple that with none of the guys feeling comfortable coming forward, and the problem just continues. As it festered over time, Dr. Strauss was never removed and dared to threaten the school at a certain point. Gripping, powerful, and full of emotion, Surviving Ohio State is an absolute must when it debuts on HBO.
Call Her Alex | Tribeca TV – 7/10
Alex Cooper is by far the most influential female podcaster of this generation. Premiering at Tribeca Festival, part one of a two-part special, it follows Cooper as she prepares for her first tour. A once bullied child who was left self-conscious at school would thrive at home with a loving family that embraced her and supported her interests.
The “Call Her Daddy” podcast host is on the brink of missing out on her first show due to behind-the-scenes drama in prep. The “drama” wasn’t enough to push a logline pitching this as her overcoming a major issue. As a man who’s an actual fan and supporter of hers, I don’t have full faith in this two-part documentary. It doesn’t make her look like the badass she is; it actually does the opposite. It’s not a good look for her husband, Matt Kaplan, either.
On the contrary, she did make a headline-grabbing accusation that captured America’s attention just days ago. Cooper, who played Division I soccer at Boston University for three years, accused her coach, Nancy Feldman, of touching her inappropriately, being controlling, and commenting on her body and sex life.
The documentary is now available to stream on Hulu.