The Tribeca Festival, founded by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, is back with a twist. This year, the festival, which kicked off and will run through June 16, is showcasing short films generated by artificial intelligence for the first time. This move marks one of the entertainment industry’s earliest public endorsements of AI technology—a technology that has stirred concerns among actors and writers worried about job security. These concerns were a significant issue during last summer’s Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
“People are worried about jobs, and it’s a valid concern,” Rosenthal told The Post. “But AI can also create new opportunities. VFX editors, for example, will still have their roles; they’ll just have new tools to enhance their work.”
This development is part of the festival’s ongoing effort to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape. While traditional films and documentaries remain a core part of the event, the festival rebranded itself as the Tribeca Festival in 2022, dropping the word “film” to reflect its broader focus on diverse storytelling formats.
“We aim to bring together all types of artists and storytellers under one roof,” Rosenthal explained.
In recent years, the festival has also introduced awards for unconventional mediums such as video games, music videos, and audio storytelling.
“Artists are exploring various mediums—VR, art, gaming,” Rosenthal added. “It’s about understanding how artists perceive the world and the narratives they want to share.”
Despite their deep roots in traditional filmmaking, Rosenthal and De Niro continue to innovate. The duo, who began their collaboration with the 1992 film “Thunderheart,” have produced numerous notable projects over the decades, including “The Irishman,” “A Bronx Tale,” and “Meet the Fockers.”
This year’s festival will feature high-profile films such as “Daddio,” starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn; “Sacramento,” with Michael Cera and Kirsten Stewart; and “Winter Spring Summer or Fall,” featuring Jenna Ortega.
The documentary “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge” inaugurated the festival on its opening night.
Rosenthal recently spoke at an AI film festival hosted by Runway, a company specializing in AI-driven video editing and creation. She also announced a partnership between Tribeca and Runway to screen AI-generated short films.
“I enjoy experimenting with new tools that enhance storytelling,” Rosenthal remarked. “The industry is evolving, and so is our way of consuming content.”
In addition to embracing new technology, Tribeca is also celebrating its co-founder Robert De Niro’s 80th birthday with a special event called “De Niro Con” from June 14 to 16.
“What do you give Robert De Niro for his 80th birthday? We decided on De Niro Con,” Rosenthal said. The event, an addition to the festival’s usual lineup, will feature immersive exhibits, screenings, and conversations. Highlights include Quentin Tarantino discussing “Jackie Brown” with De Niro, David O. Russell and Ben Stiller on “Silver Linings Playbook,” and Martin Scorsese and Nas talking about “Mean Streets.”
There will also be a “De Niro Hero” sandwich competition in honor of the legendary actor.
New York City remains the festival’s star. Launched in 2002 to revitalize downtown neighborhoods post-9/11, Tribeca has become a staple of the city’s cultural scene. After going online in 2020 due to the pandemic, the festival returned in person in 2021, one of the first major events to do so.
“Hugh Grant once said, ‘A film festival is like a vitamin B12 shot for any city,’” Rosenthal shared with The Post, capturing the spirit of Tribeca’s enduring impact.
