Featuring Global Stories from Harlem to Zimbabwe
Daniel Serafini-Sauli – TERROR KEEPS YOU SLENDER is a gripping Harlem-set noir with sharp wit and tension.
On the Harlem streets, a seasoned hustler takes life advice from one of her marks, a green street photographer. When it goes wrong, she returns for revenge.
What’s the phrase? No good deed goes unpunished?
The photographer tries to help a strange woman, who cons him at every turn. What is real about her story is still to be determined.
A nice slice of street life, with great cinematography.
World Premiere: June 6 | 5:00 PM | The Indeed Theater, Spring Studios
Ida Melum & Laura Jayne Tunbridge – OVARY-ACTING is a smart, absurdist stop-motion short about the complexities of modern motherhood.
While stuck at her sister’s baby shower, a thirty-something woman is forced to decide whether she wants to have kids or not after unexpectedly giving birth to her reproductive organs.
This is a hilarious short about motherhood and a 35-year-old’s decision to either have a child or freeze her eggs for the future—or nothing at all. The animation is brilliant; the “ovary” is a hoot.
World Premiere: June 7 | 5:30 PM | Shorts Theater, Spring Studios
This film is included in Shorts: Animated Shorts Curated By Whoopi G, alongside six other works. Click here for full program and details.
Matteo Burani & Arianna Gheller – PLAYING GOD is a haunting stop-motion meditation on creation and rejection.
A clay sculpture comes to life in the darkness of workshop, surrounded by strange creatures.
NY Premiere: June 6 | 9:00 PM | Shorts Theater, Spring Studios
This film is included in Shorts: Midnight Mash-up, alongside six other works. Click here for full program and details.
Jessica J. Rowlands – RISE is the first Zimbabwean film ever selected for Tribeca—an emotional true story of resilience and mentorship. A great cinematic triumph for Zimbabwe.
A charismatic young boy who lives on a rubbish dump in Zimbabwe convinces a reclusive boxing coach to teach him to fight in a world that has left him behind.
World Premiere: June 8 | Tribeca Festival
The shortis a deeply moving tale of resilience from debut director Jessica J. Rowlands. Shot entirely on location in Zimbabwe and based on the true story of coach Tobias Mupfuti, the film stars Tongayi Chirisa and introduces Sikhanyiso Ngwenya, whose performance has already won national acclaim. Produced by Joe Njagu, “Rise” is a milestone in African storytelling and a poignant exploration of mentorship, trauma and hope.
The young lad is persistent in finessing his boxing skills, and he comes to the right person for help. He had been bullied while in the rural streets and very committed to showing that he can be great, as well. The coach slowly acquiesces and takes the boy under his wings.
This film is included in Shorts: Hopes and Dreams, alongside five other works. Click here for full program and details.
Aaron Blaise – SNOW BEAR is a stunning hand-drawn animated short from the Oscar-nominated Disney legend (The Lion King, Brother Bear).
Set in a rapidly changing world, “Snow Bear” tells the story of a polar bear in an unforgiving environment on his quest to find a friend.
NY Premiere: June 7 | 12:00 PM | Shorts Theater, Spring Studios
This film is included in Shorts: Whoopi’s Wonderful World of Animation.
Check full Tribeca Film Festival films: https://tribecafilm.com/festival.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood-South Side of Chicago (lulu.com)