March 09, 2009 12:30PM EDT

2009 Fest is Announced!

The 8th Annual Tribeca Film Festival, presented by American Express, the founding sponsor of the Festival, is just around the corner! The 2009 Festival will include 85 feature-length and 46 short films. 38 specific titles were announced Monday: a dozen in the World Narrative Competition, another dozen in the World Documentary Competition, and 14 in the Discovery section, showcasing new and emerging voices in film. Wednesday, selections were also announced in the Discovery, Encounters, Spotlight, Showcase, Midnight, and Restored/Rediscovered sections, filling in the rest of the slate.

“Each year we look forward to bringing our films to the most engaged movie-going audience and providing filmmakers a global stage,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival. “Film festivals play a critical role in the life of a film. Tribeca is here to support these films and filmmakers along their journey. We are very proud of the slate this year and hope everyone will come and enjoy the Festival.”

TFF 2009 will kick off April 22 with Woody Allen's Whatever Works, and will offer New Yorkers and visitors from around the world twelve days of movies, finishing up on May 3. This year's exciting slate of films—chosen from a total of 2,254 feature submissions—encompasses feature films from 32 countries, many of which are premieres: 46 World Premieres, five International Premieres, 13 North American Premieres, three U.S. Premieres and eleven New York City Premieres. Eight of the titles will be shown as part of the third annual Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival. 88 directors—24 of whom are women—will present feature works at the Festival, with 37 of these filmmakers making their feature directorial debuts.

“I’m really excited about the fantastic mix of talent we have this year. There are many impressive debut directors and astounding performances by up-and-coming actors whom I believe have strong futures ahead of them,” said David Kwok, Director of Programming. “When considering these films alongside the remarkable new work being presented by established talent, I think viewers will be pleased by what they find in our competition and discovery sections."

Advance ticket packages also go on sale today to American Express Cardmembers. The general public will be able to purchase tickets starting next Monday, March 16.

 

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More Information

 

TFF '09: World Narrative Feature Films

 

TFF '09: World Documentary Feature Films

 

TFF '09: Discovery Section

 

TFF '09: Encounters

 

TFF '09: Spotlight

 

TFF '09: Showcase

 

TFF '09: Midnight

 

TFF '09: Restored/Rediscovered

 

TFF '09: Information on Ticket Packages and Buying Tickets

 

TFF '09: Woody Allen's Whatever Works to open the '09 Festival