This year’s Tribeca Film Festival is expected to be very different than previous events. Not only is it the 20th anniversary of the festival, but it’s also the first year the event will be held outdoors in multiple open-air venues, providing the chance for audiences to experience a film festival in person in the age of COVID. And as we approach the June start date, we now know which film will kick the event off, Jon M. Chu’s musical “In the Heights.”
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The Tribeca Film Festival announced today that “In the Heights” would be launching this year’s event and will simultaneously screen across all five boroughs in multiple open-air venues. Of course, if you’re familiar with “In the Heights,” you can see why this is the perfect way to screen the film. Chu’s musical, based on the Tony Award-winning stage musical from Lin Manuel Miranda, tells the story of bodega owner Usnavi, living in Washington Heights, that dreams (and sings) about a better life.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Tribeca for a city-wide takeover of ‘In the Heights,’” said Chu. “New York, and specifically Washington Heights, is the lead character in our film—its vibrancy and energy are unmatched. How incredible that after a year of isolation, New Yorkers from across all boroughs will have an opportunity to see it first, together, and join us in the celebration of life coming back.”
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Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises and the Tribeca Festival, added, “‘In the Heights’ is the quintessential New York story of hard work, resilience, and triumph. We are proud to feature this film as Opening Night where it can debut in its hometown in celebration of its New York roots and the Latinx community.”
“In the Heights” stars Anthony Ramos in the lead role alongside Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, and Jimmy Smits.
The 20th Tribeca Film Festival kicks off on June 9 and runs until June 20.