Tribeca2021: Variety of Films Highlight the 20th Festival

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CHICAGO – The 2021 Tribeca Film Festival had its first weekend, as the hybrid mix of in-person and online events unfolded throughout New York City and the rest of the country. The festival takes place through June 20th. For information on joining in via passes or tickets, click TribecaFilm.com

The 2021 Tribeca Festival, presented by AT&T, brings artists 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. This year’s celebration of storytelling can be enjoyed virtually through the “Tribeca At Home” program. Many of the most anticipated features and short films will be made available only as part of our Tribeca Online Premieres lineup … a diverse range of dramas, comedies and documentaries.

Mark, Mary & Some Other People
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

FILMS OF TRIBECA FEST: Capsule Reviews

Click the title for film information and screening status …

Rating: 4.5/5.0

”Mark, Mary & Some Other People” – What was remarkable about director Hannah Mark’s zippy comedy is that it satirized “Gen Z” while at the same time creating a poignant story about young marriage in the post millennium. When the title characters decide to have an open marriage, all the good, bad and modern decisions about coupling emerge. Director Mark’s decision to keep the humor, emotion and subtlety about the situation was the strongest element of this exceptionally contemporary film, especially its risky and almost perfect conclusion.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

”The First Step” – I am wary about the political motives of black media pundit Van Jones, but this still was a interesting and in-depth documentary regarding his journey to prison reform legislation during the Trump administration. Rejected by both sides of the American ideology, Jones still soldiered on, and came up with some unique plans … including getting ideas by pairing the drug calamity of the Los Angeles homeless with the opioid crisis in West Virginia. After the exhaustion of the Trump years it was difficult to watch this attempt at bipartisanship, but there are certain issues that Americans can agree on, and work of Van Jones proves it. Directed by Brandon Kramer.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

”The Last Film Show” – What happens when destiny calls? For a nine-year-old Brahmin boy in India, it comes in the form of cinema. Director Pan Nalin’s love letter to the movies is told through this boy, as he navigates the steps of turning light into stories, and stories into movies. With a disapproving father, a loving mother and a lucky encounter with a projectionist, the boy begins to pursue his film dreams in a cannot-be-denied charm and intuition. As film lovers born in the USA, for example, it’s easy to take for granted the access we have to the art. Pan Nalin reminds us that all passions can be pursued and achieved, as long as our hearts are open and our minds are willing.

The trailer for “The Last Film Show” …

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com will be providing coverage of the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival throughout the duration of the festival.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor, Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com